The Ditible
A 20-year-old female rhinoceros was tragically killed by electrocution in Chitwan National Park, authorities confirmed on July 23. The incident occurred near Bhagadi in Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
Park officials have arrested two individuals for questioning in connection with the crime. According to initial investigations, the suspects used an electrified wire intended for boar hunting, but the rhinoceros accidentally came into contact with it. Evidence found at the scene, including wires, nails, and blood, supports this theory.
The park’s conservation officer, Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, stated that a post-mortem examination of the rhinoceros is underway and further investigations are ongoing. The incident took place within the Kalabanjar Consumer Committee area of the park’s central zone.
The death marks the first rhino fatality of the current fiscal year. In the previous year, 21 rhinos perished within the park, with two confirmed poaching-related deaths.
Electrocution poses a significant threat to wildlife and is a punishable offense under Nepali law. Those convicted of killing or trafficking rare animals like rhinoceroses face imprisonment of five to 15 years and a fine of up to 10 Lakhs rupees.
Authorities are working diligently to determine if the suspects are part of a larger poaching network.
