The Curse of Success - the undermining of rhino conservation in Nepal

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Volume 9, No. 3, 2002 of Habitat Himalaya has a write-up

entitled " The Curse of Success " by Tika Ram Adhikari. The author

who has been involved in anti-poaching since 1991, examines the

classic success of Nepal's rhino conservation for two reasons:

the rapid recovery of rhino population in the Chitwan Valley,

which in contrast, has set-off frenzied poaching that may knock

off its growth rate. Rhinos have dramatically turned around

from the brink of extinction because of the establishment of the

Royal Chitwan national Park. For example, rhinos have increased

from 147 animals in 1972 to 544 in 2000. Although a network

of anti-poaching units came into effect, poaching took the turn

for the worst in 1998 and peaked all time high in 2002.

 

Often, poaching events are conveniently sequenced to Nepal's

major political upheaval. Others grossly relate to scarce

funding or facilities. In reality, it is a structural mal-

function. Rhino poachers have become much more organized and

anti-poaching units have been weakened as informants were

completely removed since 2001 and media have over-exposed

anti-poaching activities. Now, poachers have moved into

villages to carryout their operations inside the Park. As

access to rhinos is easy because of the national highway

runs around the Park and all rhino habitats lie adjacent to

settlements, early detection of movements of poachers is the

key. In addition, the Maoists uprising has affected the army

to vacate 24 guard posts and only 10 guard posts are being

maintained. All these suggest restructuring, emphasizing

knowledge over capital. In the long run, arresting or sup-

pressing poaching, is foremost but it is not the end. Therefore,

a road map for the conservation of the rhino, based on

contemporary knowledge, is much needed.

 

Details of this publication is available by downloading free

electronic copy through www.resourceshimalaya.org. Also, you

may prefer to write to:

 

Resources Himalaya

GPO Box 2448

Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: +977 1 537502; Fax: +977 1551930

Email:<habitat

Web: http://www.resourceshimalaya.org