Nepal lost its rare rhino

Dozens of rhinos a rare horn have disappeared from southwestern Nepal in recent years. Nature conservationists say a new survey conducted at Bardiya National Park concludes that there are only 26 rhinos left there. Four years ago the number was 83.

Rhino horn is considered a precious medicine (Photo: BBC)

Rhino is also gradually disappearing from Chitwan National Park, now 405 from 500 in 2000. One of the main reasons for this situation is poaching, because rhino horn is considered a precious medicine that works with a positive coating.

It is also assessed that some rhinos may have crossed the border into India, but a conservation official, Phanindra Kharel, dismissed this possibility.

Kantipur newspaper quoted him as saying rhino could not travel such a long way. Authorities say poachers have taken advantage of the insecurity situation because of the long-standing fighting between the government and Maoist rebels.