Chitwan National Park is the oldest and one of Nepal's most renowned national parks. Originally named Royal Chitwan National Park when established in 1973, it was the first national park to be set up in the country. Spanning an area of 932 sq km, the park is located in south-central Nepal across parts of the Chitwan, Makwanpur, and Parsa districts in the subtropical Terai lowlands.
Known initially for conserving the iconic greater one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, Chitwan has grown into one of Asia's most important protected areas with a breathtaking range of ecosystems and biodiversity within its boundaries. Its rich flora, fauna, and cultural heritage make Chitwan a major global ecotourism attraction as well.
History:
Chitwan National Park has a long history of conservation and protection, even before its establishment:
- The Rana rulers declared part of the area as a reserve forest in 1957 to provide royal hunting access.
- Conservationists stepped up efforts to protect rhino and tiger populations and raise awareness in the 1960s due to rampant poaching.
- A survey in the Terai led to a proposal to designate the area as a national park in 1970. This came to fruition in 1973 with the gazette of Royal Chitwan National Park.
After Nepal became a democracy in the 1990s, the park was renamed simply to Chitwan National Park as the royal reference was dropped. But its conservation mission continued with equal passion. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 in recognition of its rich natural and ecological value.
Conservation Efforts:
Key aspects of conservation today:
- Over 1000 park staff, and soldiers patrol for poachers and monitor wildlife.
- Assisted breeding programs for rhinos and elimination drives for invasive species.
- Local community development projects provide alternative livelihoods.
- Awareness building through visitor center exhibits and school programs.
The park's anti-poaching and conservation achievements over 50 years serve as an inspirational model globally.
Wildlife:
Chitwan is home to incredibly rich biodiversity, including:
- One Horned Rhinoceros - Over 600 wild rhinos now thanks to remarkable conservation.
- Bengal Tiger - Estimated 120+ tigers make it a vital habitat.
- Gaur - One of Asia's largest wild cattle over 2m tall.
- Sloth Bear - Endemic species with about 120 bears.
- Leopards - Elusive big cats with a population of around 120.
- Elephants - Both wild herds and domesticated elephants.
- Crocodiles - Marsh and fish inhabiting rivers.
- 500+ Bird Species - Paradise for avid bird watchers.
- Various Deer, Monkeys, Wild Boars.
Tourism:
Key tourism activities offered focus on nature and wildlife:
- Jungle safaris - Jeep, elephant back, and guided walks.
- Bird-watching tours - Spot rare species with a guide.
- Canoe rides - Silent paddles for river dolphins.
- Wildlife research tours - Camera trapping and tracking.
- Community visits - Farm and village walks interacting with locals.
Revenue from controlled ecotourism funds conservation efforts and also provides livelihoods for residents. The model alignment has driven positive outcomes.
Local Community Role:
Chitwan has a strong involvement of indigenous Tharu and other communities in conservation:
- Bufferzone co-management system gives local people oversight and revenue share for community development.
- Women's participation was ensured in Buffer Zone Committees.
- 95 user committees coordinate conservation awareness and training.
- Skill training for alternate livelihoods instead of poaching or encroachment.
- Support getting biogas, clean cookstoves, and solar power to reduce forest use.
Community-driven conservation ensures sustainability beyond just area protection. The model has made Chitwan a UNESCO learning site for its best practices.
Challenges Faced:
Key pressures facing the fragile park ecosystems:
- Persisting risk from illegal poachers and smugglers seeking animal parts.
- Recent floods and changes in Narayani river patterns require habitat restoration.
- Human-wildlife conflict from surrounding farms and villages.
- Road construction near sensitive park borders impacting wildlife corridors.
Dedicated forest rangers, conservation police, and partners work day and night confronting risks to Chitwan's biodiversity riches.
Flora and Vegetation:
Chitwan is situated in the Himalayan Foothills supporting a rich diversity of vegetation zones:
- 5 main forest types - Sal forest, riverine forests, grasslands, wetlands and sub-tropical deciduous
- Iconic Sal tree forests cover about 70% of the park area
- Over 700 flowering plant species including 50+ types of grasses and quite rare orchids
- Medicinal and culturally important plants like basil, Piper longum, and the Butea monosperma
- Plants tied to local livelihoods - grass for thatching roofs, leaves for plates, wood for dairy churners
- Responsible harvest of plants like mushrooms and Asparagus allowed in the Buffer Zone
While renowned for its wildlife, protecting Chitwan's incredible botanical treasures remains equally vital for a balanced ecosystem.
Ongoing Research:
Rich biodiversity makes Chitwan an active hub for scientific research in areas like:
- Rhino and tiger behavior, rehabilitation, and breeding improvements
- Emerging technologies like camera traps, sensors, satellite radio collaring
- Habitat conservation of wetlands and vulnerable native trees
- Countering impacts from climate change and urbanization
- Testing conservation education curriculum for communities
- Evolving best practices for parks globally to emulate
The grassroots to cutting-edge science continually progresses conservation knowledge in Chitwan and beyond.