Nepal’s Rhino Census Faces Uncertain Future

The rhino census in Nepal, conducted every five years, is currently at risk due to the suspension of funding by USAID. This financial setback has implications for wildlife conservation efforts in the country. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has relied on USAID to procure essential equipment for the census. With the suspension, the census scheduled for mid-April may not proceed as planned.

Background of the Rhino Census

The rhino census in Nepal is an important initiative aimed at monitoring the population of the endangered one-horned rhino. This census has been conducted in collaboration with various conservation organisations. The last census took place in 2021, revealing a population of 752 rhinos in the country.

Funding Challenges

USAID has been a key donor for the rhino census, providing financial resources and equipment. The suspension of the ‘Jal Jungle project’ has created a financial crunch for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. The department requires approximately NRs 15 million to complete the census, with NRs 5 million allocated for equipment.

Preparation and Timeline

Preparations for the census were set to begin from March 18 to April 7, with results expected by mid-April. The counting process is meticulous and requires at least ten days of preparation. The suspension of donor support has disrupted these final preparations.

Impact on Wildlife Management

Conducting the census is crucial for effective wildlife management. It helps in determining the exact number of rhinos in specific areas, allowing for better conservation strategies. The one-horned rhino is primarily found in Chitwan, Parsa, Bardiya, and Shukla Phanta national parks. Chitwan National Park has the highest population, with 694 rhinos recorded in 2021.

Future Considerations

If the rhino census is not conducted this year, it may complicate future wildlife monitoring efforts. The tiger census, scheduled for the following year, could also be affected. Effective conservation relies on accurate population data, making the rhino census a priority.

Historical Population Trends

The population of one-horned rhinos in Nepal has fluctuated over the decades. In 1950, the number was around 800, decreasing to just 100 by 1965. Since then, conservation efforts have helped increase the population, with growth noted in recent years.

Conservation Partnerships

The Department collaborates with organisations like the World Wildlife Fund Nepal and ZSL Nepal for the census. These partnerships are essential for resource sharing and expertise in wildlife conservation.

Conclusion

The future of the rhino census in Nepal hinges on securing funding and support. The successful completion of this census is vital for the ongoing conservation of the one-horned rhino population.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of international funding on wildlife conservation efforts in developing countries.
2. What are the challenges faced by conservation organisations in Nepal? Discuss with suitable examples.
3. Explain the significance of population censuses in wildlife management. How do they influence conservation policies?
4. Comment on the historical trends of one-horned rhino populations in Nepal and their implications for biodiversity conservation.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of international funding on wildlife conservation efforts in developing countries.

1. International funding provides essential resources for conservation projects, enabling the procurement of equipment and technology.
2. It facilitates collaboration between local and international organizations, enhancing expertise and knowledge sharing.
3. Dependence on foreign aid can create vulnerabilities, as seen with the suspension of USAID funding affecting Nepal’s rhino census.
4. Funding can drive policy changes and raise awareness about conservation issues on a global scale.
5. Successful conservation initiatives often rely on sustained financial support for long-term effectiveness and adaptability.

2. What are the challenges faced by conservation organisations in Nepal? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Financial constraints limit the ability to conduct essential projects like wildlife censuses, as brought into light by the USAID suspension.
2. Political instability can disrupt conservation efforts and hinder long-term planning and implementation.
3. Human-wildlife conflict poses threat, impacting both wildlife and local communities’ livelihoods.
4. Limited infrastructure and resources in remote areas complicate monitoring and protection efforts.
5. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders can lead to coordination challenges and conflicting priorities.

3. Explain the significance of population censuses in wildlife management. How do they influence conservation policies?

1. Population censuses provide critical data on species abundance and distribution, informing conservation strategies.
2. They help identify trends over time, allowing for adaptive management based on population health and threats.
3. Census data supports funding requests and policy advocacy by demonstrating the conservation status of species.
4. Accurate population estimates facilitate habitat management and resource allocation for effective conservation efforts.
5. They also enhance public awareness and support for conservation initiatives through transparent reporting of results.

4. Comment on the historical trends of one-horned rhino populations in Nepal and their implications for biodiversity conservation.

1. The one-horned rhino population has fluctuated , with a decline from 800 in 1950 to just 100 in 1965 due to poaching and habitat loss.
2. Conservation efforts since the 1970s have led to a gradual recovery, with the population reaching 752 by 2021.
3. These trends highlight the effectiveness of targeted conservation strategies and the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate threats.
4. The recovery of rhinos indicates positive outcomes for broader ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation.
5. Continued monitoring and adaptive management are essential to sustain these gains and address emerging challenges.