Zero-poaching records in Chitwan National Park (CNP) have become a global phenomenon in the drive to provide wildlife security against poachers. Nepal has successfully maintained zero poaching of rhinos on five occasions since 2011, with this year also promising a clean record.
In this initiative, NTNC together with other conservation partners have been closely supporting national park authorities to keep up with its zero poaching reputation. These include helping in improving surveillance and intelligence networks, providing equipment and other logistics support to strengthen anti-poaching response capacities, implementing real-time Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) patrolling systems and technologies, along with motivating local communities with alternative livelihood options.
This month NTNC provided CNP patrolling teams with 50 bicycles to help widen patrolling coverage for implementing anti-poaching operations. The cycles were distributed in an event presided by His Excellency Richard Morris, British Ambassador to Nepal and Mr. Dominic Jeremy, Director General of ZSL. In addition to this, a rubber boat was also handed over to the park authorities to help assist with river patrolling and gharial crocodile monitoring exercises.
Logistic materials were also distributed in a programme organized by NTNC-BCP in collaboration with the Community Based Anti-Poaching Unit (CBAPU) of Banke where various conservation stakeholders, including the Chief Conservation Officer of Banke National Park and CBAPU members were brought together to exchange and learn about ongoing efforts of youth mobilization in conservation.
