# The One-Horned Rhino in Nepal: A Conservation Success _Published 3 June 2026_ With its armour-like skin and single horn, the **greater one-horned rhinoceros** is one of the stars of Nepal's lowland parks, and one of its greatest conservation successes. **Quick answer:** Nepal's 2021 count found **752** greater one-horned rhinos, up from 645 in 2015, with **694 in Chitwan National Park**. Chitwan is one of the best places in the world to see them, on jeep safaris, canoe trips and jungle walks. ## Where to see rhinos - [Chitwan National Park](/places/chitwan-national-park): the best chances. - [Bardia](/places/bardia-national-park) and [Shuklaphanta](/places/shuklaphanta-national-park): smaller populations. ## How conservation worked - Strong protection by park staff and the army. - Community buffer zones that share tourism income with local people. - Translocation of rhinos to establish new populations. - Several "zero poaching" years. ## Responsible viewing Rhinos can be dangerous. Always follow your naturalist, keep your distance and stay quiet. See our [2021 rhino count news](/news/nepal-rhino-count-752-2021), [Chitwan safari](/chitwan-jungle-safari) and [things to do in Chitwan](/blog/things-to-do-in-chitwan). ## The greater one-horned rhino at a glance DetailScientific nameRhinoceros unicornisWeightUp to about 2,000–2,500 kg for large malesHabitatTall grasslands, riverine forests and wetlands of the TeraiPopulation in Nepal752 in the 2021 countWhere in NepalChitwan (694 in 2021), Bardia (38), Shuklaphanta (17), Parsa (3)StatusVulnerable (IUCN), after recovering from near extinction## From near extinction to recovery In the early 20th century, the Terai's forests and grasslands were home to large numbers of rhinos. But after malaria was controlled in the 1950s, settlers moved into the Chitwan valley and cleared land for farming, and poaching for rhino horn increased. By the late 1960s, fewer than about 100 rhinos remained in Nepal. In response, Chitwan National Park was established in 1973, protected by the Nepal Army, and conservation efforts began. Numbers recovered, though poaching surged again during the civil conflict of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Since then, strong protection, community anti-poaching units and international cooperation have brought numbers back up, with several years of zero poaching. See [national parks](/blog/national-parks-of-nepal). ## Rhino counts over time YearNepal total (approx.)Late 1960sFewer than about 1002005About 409201153420156452021752A national census planned for 2025 was delayed by funding problems, so 752 remains the most recent official count at the time of writing. See [2015 rhino count](/news/nepal-rhino-count-645-2015). ## Translocation To reduce the risk of having almost all of Nepal's rhinos in one park, conservationists have moved rhinos from Chitwan to Bardia and Shuklaphanta national parks in the west, establishing new populations. Translocation is a complex operation involving darting, transporting and releasing animals, and monitoring them afterwards. The western populations are still small but growing. ## Where to see rhinos in detail [Chitwan National Park](/places/chitwan-national-park) is by far the best place to see rhinos. On a jeep safari, jungle walk or canoe trip, most visitors see at least one, grazing in the grasslands, wallowing in pools or crossing rivers. Rhinos are often seen near Sauraha, even from the riverbank at sunset. In [Bardia](/places/bardia-national-park) and [Shuklaphanta](/places/shuklaphanta-national-park), rhinos are fewer and harder to see. See [things to do in Chitwan](/blog/things-to-do-in-chitwan). ## Rhino behaviour Greater one-horned rhinos are mostly solitary, except for mothers with calves. They graze on grasses, leaves and aquatic plants, often in the early morning and late afternoon, and spend the hottest hours wallowing in water or mud. Despite their bulk, they can run surprisingly fast. Their thick, folded skin gives them an armoured appearance. Their single horn is made of keratin, the same material as hair and nails. ## Safety around rhinos Rhinos have poor eyesight but good hearing and smell, and they can charge if startled, especially mothers with calves. On walking safaris, follow your naturalist's instructions closely: stay quiet, keep together, and if a rhino charges, move behind a large tree or climb if possible, as guides will advise. Never approach rhinos for photos. Most encounters are peaceful when guidelines are followed. ## Community conservation Local communities have been central to Nepal's rhino success. In the buffer zones around Chitwan and Bardia, community forests provide habitat and resources, and a share of park revenue funds local development. Community-based anti-poaching units, made up of young people from local villages, patrol forests and share information with park authorities. Tourism, which depends on rhinos, gives communities a strong economic reason to protect them. However, rhinos also damage crops and occasionally injure people, so human-wildlife conflict remains a challenge, and compensation schemes and fencing are part of the response. ## Threats today - **Poaching:** rhino horn remains valuable on illegal markets, so vigilance is essential. - **Habitat change:** invasive plants such as mikania vine smother grasslands, reducing food. - **Floods:** monsoon floods can sweep rhinos out of the parks, sometimes into India. - **Natural deaths:** fighting between males, disease and old age. - **Human-wildlife conflict:** rhinos raiding crops can lead to conflict with farmers. ## Rhinos in culture In Nepal, the rhino (gainda) has a place in folklore and ritual. Rhino products were once used in traditional rituals, including royal ceremonies, and the rhino appears in local stories in the Terai. Today, the rhino is a symbol of Nepal's conservation success, featured on stamps, logos and tourism promotions. ## Photographing rhinos Rhinos are wonderful subjects, especially when wallowing in pools, grazing in grassland at dawn, or crossing rivers. A telephoto lens of 200–400 mm lets you keep a safe distance. Early morning and late afternoon light is best. On jeep safaris, stay seated and quiet, and never ask drivers to approach too closely or block an animal's path. On foot, follow your guide's instructions strictly. See [photography tips](/blog/himalaya-photography-tips). ## Rhinos beyond Nepal The greater one-horned rhino is found only in Nepal and north-eastern India, with the largest population in Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Together, Nepal and India hold almost all of the world's population of this species, and conservation efforts in both countries have brought it back from the brink. Cross-border cooperation helps protect rhinos that move between countries. ## Our wildlife trips Our Chitwan and Bardia trips include jeep safaris, canoe trips and guided walks with experienced naturalists, giving excellent chances of seeing rhinos responsibly. We don't include elephant rides. [Contact us](/contact-us) to plan a wildlife trip. ## World Rhino Day World Rhino Day, on 22 September each year, is marked in Nepal with events in Chitwan and Kathmandu, celebrating conservation successes and raising awareness of the threats rhinos still face. Schools, communities and conservation organisations take part in rallies, art competitions and educational programmes. If you are in Chitwan around this date, you may see local celebrations. ## How you can help - Visit national parks with licensed guides and pay park fees, which fund conservation. - Choose ethical wildlife experiences and avoid elephant rides. - Never buy products made from rhino horn or other wildlife. - Support community-based conservation organisations. - Stay in lodges that contribute to local communities and conservation. ## Rhino calves Female rhinos give birth to a single calf after a pregnancy of about 16 months. Calves stay with their mothers for about two to three years, learning to graze and wallow. Mothers are fiercely protective, so encounters with a mother and calf require extra care. Seeing a calf trotting behind its mother through the grass is one of the highlights of a Chitwan safari. ## Rhinos and the landscape Rhinos are sometimes called "landscape engineers". By grazing tall grasses, wallowing in pools and trampling paths, they shape the grasslands and wetlands of the Terai, creating habitats for other species. Their dung spreads seeds of trees and plants. Protecting rhinos also protects the whole ecosystem, from deer and birds to tigers, which share the same habitat. ## Our recommendation Spend at least two nights in Chitwan, combining a jeep safari, a canoe trip and a guided walk, for the best chance of memorable rhino encounters. Go between February and May, when grasses are cut and animals gather at water. Respect the animals' space, and enjoy one of the world's great conservation stories. ## Frequently asked questions ### How many rhinos are in Nepal? **752**, according to the 2021 count. ### Where can I see rhinos in Nepal? In **Chitwan National Park**. ### Are rhinos dangerous? They can be; follow your naturalist. ### Is rhino poaching still a problem? Nepal has achieved several zero-poaching years. ### How many rhinos were there in the 1960s? Fewer than about 100 in Nepal. ### What is the rhino horn made of? Keratin, the same material as hair and nails. ### Why were rhinos moved to Bardia? To create new populations and reduce the risk of having almost all rhinos in one park. ### Was there a rhino census in 2025? A census planned for 2025 was delayed by funding problems. ### Can rhinos charge? Yes, especially mothers with calves; follow your naturalist's instructions. ### What threats do rhinos face today? Poaching, invasive plants, floods, natural deaths and conflict with farmers. ### What is the rhino called in Nepali? "Gainda". ### Where else do greater one-horned rhinos live? In north-eastern India, especially Kaziranga National Park. ### What lens should I use for rhinos? A 200–400 mm telephoto lens to keep a safe distance. ### When is World Rhino Day? On 22 September each year. ### How can tourists help rhinos? By visiting parks with licensed guides, paying park fees and choosing ethical experiences. ### How long is a rhino pregnancy? About 16 months. ### How long do calves stay with their mothers? About two to three years. ### Do rhinos live alone? Mostly, except mothers with calves. ### Why are rhinos called landscape engineers? They shape grasslands and wetlands by grazing, wallowing and spreading seeds. ### How many nights should I spend in Chitwan to see rhinos? At least two, combining jeep, canoe and walking safaris. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/one-horned-rhino-in-nepal