IUCN recommends for formation of High-level rhino protection squad

Jan 10,2007 00:00 by Biz Correspondent

World Conservation Union (IUCN) has recommended to the government the formation and mobilization of a high-level special rhino protection squad to preserve the endangered rhino.

In the wake of increased incidents of rhino poaching in the forests of Nepal, the meeting of the experts and members of IUCN held on Tuesday also urged the government to form a high-level committee of parliamentary members, journalists, government representatives, experts, representatives of I/NGOs among others to assess the ground reality regarding rhino-poaching.

According to Prabhu Budhathoki, country representative of IUCN, the meeting has identified strategic immediate, short-term and long-term measures to cope with this national problem.

The meeting has also urged the government to immediately reinstate army and forest posts displaced during the armed conflict in the past. "We have also asked the government to effectively implement the Rhino Action Plan and CITES Bill," Budhathoki said.

The meeting has requested the government to prepare a detailed post-conflict assessment of protected areas.