Poaching A Booming Business In Nepal

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KATHMANDU, Apr 14 (OneWorld) - "Despite the arrests of 100 poachers in Nepal in the past year, the menace remains rampant across the Himalayan kingdom, hindering efforts at wildlife conservation and threatening endangered species.

At least 28 rhinos died last year, 14 of whom were killed by poachers, who export the horns. In 2002, a whopping 37 rhinos were killed. The horned giants are the most sought after by poachers, followed by tigers, musk deer and leopards. At least five tigers were reportedly killed by poachers in the past two years.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) compiled the number of deaths. It determines whether a rhino has been poached or died of natural circumstances by checking if the carcasses have the horns intact. In an indication that poaching is increasing, in the last three months alone, seven rhinos were found dead and three did not have horns. Last month, an anti-poaching unit discovered two male tiger carcasses in a wildlife reserve.

Nepal's wildlife reserves, including the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) and Royal Bardia National Park are home to around 350 Royal Bengal tigers and over 600 rhinos."

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