Where is Chitwan National Park?

March 10, 2023

Chitwan National Park is the first-ever national park set up in Nepal. It was founded in 1973 as the Royal Chitwan National Park. It became a World Heritage Site in 1984. This park encompasses a massive area of 952.63 km2 (367.81 sq mi). It is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. Notably, its adjacent Parsa National Park is contiguous with Bihar’s Valmiki National Park.

Why is Chitwan National Park in News?

Threats such as illegal fishing and sand mining are causing major threats to the mugger crocodile of the Rapti River that flows along the Chitwan National Park (CNP). A new study has recommended a win-win conservation setup between the local community and muggers to ensure the long-term conservation of vulnerable species.

The historical significance of the Chitwan National Park: Big Game Hunting

The Chitwan National Park used to be the favourite hunting spot of the kings of Nepal. “Big Game Hunting” was common in the Chitwan National Park. What is “Big Game Hunting”? In this game, hunters hunt large game animals. Game animals are those animals that are hunted for recreation, animal products, and trophies. The big game hunting runs for two to three months. During the big game hunting, hundreds of tigers, rhinos, and other wild animals are hunted for furs, antlers, tusks, bones, and organs. In Africa, the same is referred to as the “Big Five Games”. During Big Five Games, the hunters hunt African elephants, lions, cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and African leopards.

Why was Chitwan National Park declared a World Heritage Site?

By 1960, 70% of the jungle was cleared. Thousands of people settled around the park. Anthropogenic activities started to degrade the park. Poaching was uncontrollable. Only 95 rhinos were left.

Ethnic Tribe in the Chitwan National Park

Tharu people were the ethnic tribe in the region. They are also spread in UP, Uttarakhand and Bihar. They call themselves the original descendants of Lord Buddha. When the protected areas were established in the park, these ethnic tribes were forced to leave the land without any compensation. They were left landless and they eventually fell into poverty.

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