800, estimate
In the early 1950s, several thousand squatters settled illegally in the reserve, destroying the habitat and forcing the rhinoceros into the swamps south of the Rapti River and onto the islands in the Narayani River. Poachers took advantage of the confused situation to kill a large number of animals. The result was a decline in popualtion. Following strong representation by the Forest Department, the Nepalese Government acted decisively. The entire Chitawan Sanctuary was cleared of settlement and provided that poaching can be controlled, the outlook for the rhino is now brighter than any time during the last decade.
165
80-100
1969, 400
total 700
400
A major shortcoming of this sanctuary is that domestic livestock is permitted to graze within its boundaries. In theory the area available for such use is small, only about 3 sq. miles, but in practice little attempt is made to adhere to the regulations.
