The population rose to 752 across four national parks in the southern plains, up from 645 in 2015, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said Saturday. Since 1994, the Himalayan nation has conducted a rhino census once every five years, as authorities stepped up their efforts to boost population numbers for the species listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation for Nature. ADVERTISEMENTGlobal conservation group the World Wildlife Fund — which provides financial and technical assistance for the census — called the population increase a “milestone” for Nepal. The rhino population has climbed in recent years amid the government’s anti-poaching and conservation initiatives. Some 26 rhinos died in Nepal last year, including four from poaching, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 11, 2021 10:07 UTC