Picture of the Month: Indian Rhinoceros in Nepal – A Wildlife Conservation Success Story
Sunday, 19 July 2026
It is often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and if that is the case, then I think this Indian Rhinoceros is a magnificent example. With its armour-like skin, prehistoric appearance and surprisingly gentle nature, it possesses a unique beauty all of its own.
This photograph was taken near the Narayani River in the Chitwan region of Nepal.
Found in the wild across southern Nepal and parts of northern India, the Indian Rhinoceros is instantly recognisable thanks to its armour-like skin and single horn. Despite its formidable appearance, it is a peaceful grazer and one of the world's greatest conservation success stories.
Nepal's populations, particularly in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, have rebounded significantly thanks to decades of anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection and close cooperation between conservation organisations and local communities. Sadly, poaching has not disappeared entirely, and the species continues to face threats from illegal hunting and habitat loss.
By the early 20th century, the Indian Rhinoceros had been reduced to just a few hundred animals in the wild. Even as recently as the 1990s, the global population was thought to number only around 1,900 individuals. Thanks to sustained conservation measures by the governments of Nepal and India, that number has now risen to more than 4,100 animals. While this remarkable recovery is worth celebrating, the Indian Rhinoceros is still classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Let's hope that continued protection keeps poachers at bay and allows this extraordinary species to continue its recovery for generations to come.
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