The number of animals has increased in Rambhauri-bhatha, a grassland inside Parsa National Park (PNP), after a nearby settlement was relocated nine years ago.

Chief Conservation Officer of the PNP Haribhadra Acharya said the number of animals have gone up after the settlers of Rambhauribhatha area were evacuated as a measure to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

The grassland covers around 25 bighas of land, which is equipped with three man-made ponds, streams and canals for animals.

“We have recorded a significant rise in the numbers of deer, wild boars and blue bulls ever since the human settlement at Rambhauribhatha was relocated,”said Acharya.

The park authority had shifted 91 families from Rambhauribhatha to Sonbarsaha area, where a settlement was built over seven bighas of land that was originally part of a national forest.

The PNP had also helped the families settle in a new location by building a health post, drinking water facility, roads and school.

Nine years down the line, Rambhauribhatha has transformed into a favourite place  for many animals inside the park.

The PNP officials expect to see an increase in the number of tigers and elephants, or at least improve their survival rate, thanks to the growth in the number of preys and grazing area. There are 19 tigers and 65 wild elephants, according to the latest data.