Nepal made notable efforts in One-horned rhino conservation, successfully raising its number from 100 in 1965 to 752 in 2021. However, the study of carrying capacity of protected areas in terms of rhinos isn’t into due consideration as per its growing needs. Rhinos are facing significant threats from habitat alteration, where the majority of suitable habitat including floodplains and foothills has been transformed into agricultural lands and remaining areas are highly vulnerable to erosion (Ceballos et al., 2015). The Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has emerged as another major challenge due to their high proliferation rates and detrimental effects on native flora. Despite studies on the IAS, and its impacts on rhinos and their habitat are initiated alongside the implementation of management practices; the outcomes aren’t satisfactory. The western sector of CNP has been recognized as a rhino hotspot, as the landscape comprises continuous riverine forests and floodplains providing ideal habitats with ample resources. The community-led habitat management stood as an exemplary work to support the growing rhino’s number. However, the paradox has changed in recent times, as a majority of grasslands have reached to climax stage of natural succession or been covered by the IAS; Mikania micrantha, Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophus and Ageratum conyzoidesdiminishing the forest quality. A recent study (2022) at Namuna buffer zone community forest under Lamichaur BZUC indicated that around 20-40% of forest have been covered by IAS, displacing palatable grasses and reducing their regeneration threatening wildlife and their habitat. Large tracts of land in the buffer zones and forest corridors also face heavy encroachment. To redress the aforementioned challenges, this project aims to adopt a multifaceted approach that integrates habitat restoration, sustainable livelihood development, and community engagement.

While IAS poses threats to rhinos, its management has equally been a challenge for respective authorities. Hence, the project targets restoring 75 hectares (ha) of degraded grasslands focusing on IAS management (50 ha) by manual control technique. The cut-off IAS will be further used as raw material for bio-briquette production, aiding grassland management, and will be an effective mechanism to check and control IAS and provide an economic source for the locals. The project also incorporates the natural regeneration (25 ha) and the restoration of one major waterhole with the use of renewable technology. These efforts provide essential resources for rhinos, supporting their populations and enhancing regional biodiversity.

Overcoming the conservation challenge also requires increased capacity of the key stakeholders. Around 80% of the residents belong to marginalized, vulnerable communities (Musahar, Dalit) with poor economic backgrounds relying on natural resources to sustain livelihood. However, they have limited opportunities to use the resources or generate an income although national parks are the most visited tourism destination. Keeping this in mind, the project aims at empowering the locals and engage them in nature-based enterprises. Local nature guides will receive skill enhancement, and homestay owners will undergo training to improve services and attract more tourists. This project will also support in creating market linkages, which will generate steady income and increase the resilience of such marginalized groups.

The project aims to strengthen community awareness through outreach programs. Students and community people will be educated regarding the importance of rhinos and their habitat conservation. This approach offers an excellent opportunity to engage diverse stakeholders in boosting their awareness on biodiversity significance, fostering positive attitudes, and taking decisive actions to achieve sustainable solutions for wildlife conservation.

This project is funded with the support of Fondation Segré through IUCN Save Our Species.