Conservation Status of Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Nepal: A Review of Current Efforts and Challenges

The greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is one of the iconic natural heritage of Nepal’s rich biological diversity, backed by the commitment of the Government of Nepal to conserve this rare animal for now and future generations. It is not only important for conservationists due to its ecological value, but it also holds a universal appeal for ordinary people. Over the decades, the Government of Nepal, supported by national and international conservation partner organizations and the local communities, has significantly contributed to the conservation of this iconic species. Nepal’s rhino population has increased by 45% between the year 2005 and 2015. There are now 645 rhinos in Nepal, marking an increase of 111 rhinos from the 534 recorded in the last census in 2011. These numbers reflect the success of conservation efforts for this species and are a result of improved rhino protection measures, and management of habitat. Though the population of one-horned rhinos has increased significantly over past years in the country, the protection of the rare wildlife species has remained a challenging job. Habitat loss and fragmentation, increasing encroachment of forest areas, climate change, poaching, and increasing human-wildlife conflict are major challenges for protection of this rare species. This paper discusses the current status and distribution of greater one-horned rhinoceros, and potential challenges to conserve this flagship species in Nepal.