The population of the species increased by 107 specimens compared to the last count carried out in 2015 in four protected areas, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported.

200 people and 40 elephants were mobilized for the census to collect data on the rhinoceros’ habitat, age and health status.

Haribhadra Acharya, a spokesman for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, told the newspaper that the rhinoceros census was a success, despite two incidents.

A wild elephant attacked the team in Chitwan National Park, injuring numerous counting personnel, while in Bardiya National Park a mahout (elephant rider) was mutilated by a tiger.

The increase in rhinos in Nepal’s protected parks is considered encouraging news, thanks to conservation efforts, strict wildlife protection regulations and habitat management.

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