CNP records 83 wildlife deaths in a year

Chitwan-  The Chitwan National Park (CNP) reported the deaths of 83 wild animals last fiscal year (2081-82 BS). It is said 45 among them died due to natural causes. According to the park’s information officer, Abinash Thapamagar, 28 rhinoceroses died in the given period with 18 facing natural deaths while three were killed in fighting, one in electric shock, two in floods and landslides, and three got stuck in the marshland. The cause behind the death of a rhino still remains unknown.

As the CNP data states, a leopard and five elephants died of natural causes while the reason behind the deaths of two elephants is unidentified. A tiger was killed in fighting whereas the cause of another tiger’s death is yet to be ascertained. Likewise, 12 spotted deer (chital) died of natural causes, while two were killed in road accidents. One got caught in a wire fence, and 16 died following dog bites. Additionally, three deer, one Ratuwa (barking deer), two gharial crocodiles, two nilgai (blue bulls), one python, one jackal, one bear, and two other animals also died in this period.

However, 135 animals, including four rhinoceroses, two tigers, seven spotted deer, three turtles, and 37 snakes, 61 pythons, 11 mugger crocodiles, two gharial crocodiles, two vultures, one iguana and three other animals were also rescued during this period.