Ram Kumar Aryal, a key figure in Nepal's rhino conservation program, frequently encounters the repercussions of rhino-human conflicts. After a recent attack that injured three women, he emphasizes the dangers posed by wild rhinos, particularly in populated areas near Chitwan National Park. Despite the recent history of fatalities, including the loss of his uncle, Aryal advocates for the continued protection of rhinos, recognizing that their habitat overlaps with human settlements. The population of greater one-horned rhinos has significantly grown since the park's establishment in 1973.
Every few months, Aryal ends up in a hospital to respond to a rhino attack, as people often get injured in encounters with these animals.
Normally, rhinos are vegetarian, but they use their incisors for attacks - those incisors can grow to three inches long, making encounters dangerous.
Incidents are common; in the past six months, eight people have been killed by rhinos in the buffer zone surrounding Chitwan national park.
Despite the danger, Aryal emphasizes the importance of protecting rhinos, stating, "This is the land of rhino, with human beings in."
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