Khan, M., 1989. Asian Rhinos: an action plan for their conservation. Gland, IUCN, pp. i-iv, 1-23
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| Location: |
Asia - South Asia - Nepal |
| Subject: |
Distribution - Records |
| Species: |
Indian Rhino |
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AsRSG Action Plan, recommendations for Nepal. Nepal: Specific Recommendations
1. Concentrate efforts on areas in which reasonably viable wild populations (>100 rhinos) in the wild can be established. In Nepal, these areas are Chitawan and Bardia. A real benefit from intensive monitoring is that it reduces the amount of search time required to locate quickly rhinos of the appropriate age and sex. The continuation of the ongoing ecological studies in Chitawan also augments efforts to monitor rhino numbers.
In association with the continuing reintroduction of the species to the Royal Bardia Reserve, a reserve employee should be assigned full-time to carry out an annual census of the reserve's rhinos. In addition, serious thought should be given to supporting a Nepali graduate student to monitor and study relocated animals. Radio-collaring all animals involved in the third phase of the reintroduction would ease the task of monitoring the status of the founder population.
In and around both Chitawan and Bardia, anti-poaching measures must be maintained, and training of staff in wildlife and protected area management should be continued. Public awareness programmes need to be developed around both these areas, together with the investigation of methods that allow local human populations to derive economic benefits from the existence of the rhinos.
2. Calculate the resources currently available and those additionally required to provide adequate protection for these populations.
Current resources appear to be sufficient to ensure the conservation of the rhinos at Chitawan. However, a recent report on the management of Bardia and its new rhino population has been submitted to the government of Nepal. Many of the recommendations in this report are worth pursuing, all aimed at improving its conservation status. The construction of an electric fence along the southern periphery of the Bardia Reserve is of particular importance.
3. Biochemical and genetic studies.
There is still some question about possible genetic differences between the Kaziranga and Chitawan populations. Moreover, both current populations were once reduced considerably and both are probably descended from less than 60 animals.
A genetic analysis of rhinos in Chitawan has already begun with the collection of 15 blood and tissue samples from free-ranging animals. It is strongly recommended that North American and European zoos cooperate in this endeavor. Nearly all the animals in captivity result from Kaziranga stock, so the estimating of genetic relatedness can be done without having to sample the wild Kaziranga population.
4. Continue efforts to establish new wild populations through translocations.
Reintroductions should be limited to sanctuaries capable of supporting rhino populations in excess of 100 animals. A minimum of 30-40 rhinos should be used to form the foundation of new populations, and follow-up surveillance should be initiated to measure the success of such reintroductions.
Nepal has attracted world-wide attention with its bold and highly successful reintroduction effort in Bardia. However, the most reliable data from the genetic management of endangered species suggests that this effort is only about one third complete. To maintain 90% of the genetic variability of the Bardia population for the next 200 years requires a founder group of at least 30 and preferably 40 animals. Because of the small number of founders reintroduced, the Bardia population faces a high probability of rapid extinction due to demographic or random events. At present, if no more rhinos are added to Bardia, the best available evidence indicates that the population might not last longer than 75 years before the deleterious effects of inbreeding start to threaten its continued existence. A greater invest- ment now will return real conservation dividends if the founder group is substantially increased. This is especially true if only a percentage of the rhinos relocated to Bardia actually breed and produce offspring.
An important caveat in the relocation effort is that animals should be shifted only to those reserves which can ultimately support more than 100 individuals. In this light, the potential of Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve as a future rhino sanctuary must be considered.
5. Investigate alternatives to theproposed highway through the Bardia Reserve.
The effects of the East-West highway on the integrity of the Bardia Reserve deserves more study and attention. It is essential that this new development does not cause environmental degradation in the reserve.
6. Encourage wildlife officials and the government in Nepal to participate more fully in the activities of the IUCN/SSC Asian Rhino Specialist Group.
In this regard, the proposal from the 1986 Jakarta ARSG meeting that a future meeting be held in Nepal should be implemented.
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Asian Rhinos: an action plan for their conservation
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