Two more rhinos from Bardia National Park (BNP) were successfully collared with radio transmitters on Friday to help track them through the jungle and receive vital information about this endangered species, including the behaviour and habitats.  

In an attempt to move towards modern satellite-based technology to enhance the monitoring and science-based research in wildlife conservation sector, the government in support of various conservation partners has introduced the Global Positioning System (GPS) that provides real-time and regular information along with exact location 

of the animal at pre-set 

intervals. 

Last year, two rhinos from the BNP, along the famous Khata biological corridor connecting Nepal and Indian protected areas, were collared. 

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), National Trust for Nature Conservation, WWF Nepal and local communities have been involved in satellite tracking of an endangered wildlife including, rhinos and tigers in the BNP, along with Chitwan National Park and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project in the recent years.

“The Khata corridor joining Bardia with Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India is considered the best option to monitor the movement of the rhinos to and from the border areas, the preferable habitats, and most importantly, the information received via the collars assist in effective monitoring and scientific research in future,” said Ramesh Kumar Thapa, acting chief conservation officer at the BNP. 

The BNP and the surrounding community forests are home to 29 of the total 645 rhinos across the country. 

Nepal has already demonstrated success in the conservation of endangered wildlife species, mainly tigers and rhinos at the global level. 

In 2011, Namo Buddha, a male tiger that was moved from a rehabilitation facility inside the CNP to the BNP, became the first tiger to be fitted with GPS enabled satellite collar. However, in less than six months since its introduction inside the BNP, Namo Buddha was killed by poachers using poison-laced flesh.