Rhino poaching increasing in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 23 (UPI) -- Incidents of rhinoceros poaching are on the rise in Nepal, an official said.

Poaching of the one-horned rhino in Chitwan National Park has increased even amid security measures, eKantipur reported Saturday.

As recently as Wednesday, park officials found the carcass of a pregnant rhino shot with its horn missing.

"We have resources to mobilize rhino conservation efforts inside the park," said park conservation officer Narendra Babu Pradhan. "But we have not been able to identify the poachers."

Since March 2008, 10 rhinos have been killed, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said.

Mangal Man Shakya, a wildlife expert, said a lack of punishment is to blame for the rise in poaching.

"Poachers are not afraid of punishment because they get bail soon after arrest," he said.