Rhinos of Chitwan: Navigating the Fine Line Between Surprise and Regularity

In the heart of Nepal's Chitwan district, rhinos wandering the streets is a captivating yet regular phenomenon. Why do these majestic creatures venture beyond their natural habitat, defying expectations and imagination of locals and visitors alike? Delving into the complexities of their behavior reveals a complicated web of interconnected factors, each contributing to the puzzling nature of their movements. Their movements are at once unpredictable and routine, and blur the lines between nature and urban life.

At Chitwan, the rhinos grace the peaceful jungle and busy streets alike. Their enigmatic presence illustrates the fine margins of human development and wildlife conservation. As we unravel the mysteries, we can better understand these magnificent creatures and their behavior.

Rhinos are territorial and nocturnal by nature. From fierce battles over territory to intense competition for mates, they face a harsh struggle for survival in the wild. Young and ambitious rhinos tend to challenge others for their territory. Following this contest, the victorious rhino seizes the area and the privilege of mating with females residing in it. The defeated rhinos are ejected from the turf, landing them in the outskirts of human settlements in search of new land and companions. Even the rhinos privileged with their own turf tend to slyly enter the villages, in search of delicious grains and vegetables.

The struggles of female rhinos are equally poignant as their mates lose their territories. In such instances, the females must protect their vulnerable offspring from the aggression of the victorious male who seeks to eliminate the rival’s offspring. Frequent rhino visits have become a norm for the locals. But even they were awestruck when a female rhino entered the Baraghare town with its newborn calf on 4th January 2019.

As human settlements encroach deeper into the borders of forest, their habitation and natural pattern of movement are disturbed. They are forced to enter human territory for various reasons. Rhinos are generally a gentle species as opposed to popular misconception. Although equipped with a keen sense of smell, they have one of the worst eyesight in the animal kingdom as they have a hard time recognizing a human silhouette just 100 meters away. Because of this, they assume any creature to be a predator which comes close to them and charge towards it with their full might.

As intellectually superior beings, it is our duty to these amazing animals to understand and respect their nature. Through education, empathy, and coordinated conservation efforts, we have the opportunity to protect their habitats, reduce human-wildlife conflicts, and ensure a sustainable peaceful coexistence. With this in mind, Landmark Forest Park provides its guests with an alluring jungle safari experience, allowing them to see rhinos and other wildlife in their natural habitat. This interactive experience helps guests understand the delicate balance of nature and the need of conservation, encouraging them to assist in preserving these fascinating creatures for future generations. Discover the beauty of Chitwan with exclusive Offers and Packages at Landmark Forest Park.

Image Source: The Kathmandu Post