New Rhino from Nepal Spotted in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Boosting Tourism Hopes

Valmikinagar: A new rhinoceros from Nepal’s Chitwan National Park has made its way into the Bhedihari forest of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), joining an already resident male rhino. Forest officials are now monitoring this new arrival closely, deploying a dedicated team to track its movements.

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve already hosts a male rhino, named R-5, who has been roaming the area for the past two and a half years. With the presence of two rhinos now, the reserve is expecting a boost in tourist visits, especially with about 98,000 visitors recorded last season. Eight forest workers are currently assigned to track R-5, and the forest department is considering increasing staff to manage the new rhino as well.

Dr. Nesha Mani K, Forest Conservator, confirmed that the new rhino’s activities are being tracked, as it was found near the borders of VTR, Nepal, and Uttar Pradesh. Forest teams are vigilant in monitoring the animal’s behavior, ensuring its safety within the reserve’s ecosystem. Previously, rhinos migrating from Nepal were returned, but new conservation policies now require the hosting reserve to ensure their care.

R-5, a two-and-a-half-year-old male rhino, has become a key attraction at VTR. Forest workers continuously track his movements, while veterinarians tend to his health. Maintaining the rhino costs the department approximately one lakh rupees per month, with the animal mostly living near water sources and feeding on soft grass. The forest department is optimistic that if a female rhino arrives, it could lead to an increase in the rhino population in the reserve.

Despite this positive development, the reserve has witnessed rhino fatalities in the past. These include deaths due to accidents involving trains, poaching, and poisoning. The forest department remains committed to the conservation and protection of rhinos in the region.