 Reference Base  On the status of the Great Indian rhinoceros (R unicornis... |
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Stracey, P.D., 1957. On the status of the Great Indian rhinoceros (R unicornis) in Nepal. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 54 (3): 763-766, map 1
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| Location: |
Asia - South Asia - Nepal |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Poaching |
| Species: |
Indian Rhino |
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In spite of this comparatively large protection force, poaching is said to be rampant and every year 20 to 30 rhino carcasses are found with their horns missing. (While I was in Nepal a skirmish had taken place between a gang of poachers who had been isolated on a hill and surrounded, but not before 4 rhinos had been killed, one with 12 bullets, though no horns could be removed.) There appears to be a regular trade in rhino horns and the hill-men who are supposed to be the poachers in question come down regularly to slaughter the precious animal under the very noses of the protection staff. The market for rhino horns is China and it is stated that some V.I.Ps. from that country purchased a large quantity of horns at a very high price on their recent visit to Nepal. The fact that permission was sought to export 109 rhino skins from Nepal, as reported by the Secretary-General of the Indian Board for Wild Life recently, is an indication of the rate of destruction.
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