CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
Habitats are not stagnant. They are constantly changing. A grassland can slowly evolve into shrub land, which in turn can slowly evolve into forest cover. This succession, according to the area and type vegetation of the habitat, support appropriate herbivores, which in turn support carnivores. This food chain keeps the population in check. Hence, a proper balance is usually the end result, if man does not interfere. Therefore, in giving protection to the animals, one needs to take into consideration the carrying capacity of the habitat and the changes that are occurring within it.
This inter-relation can clearly be gleaned through the recent reports in The Kathmandu Post of the death of at least 62 rhinos within two years in Royal Chitwan National Park. Among the several reports, the March 4th report by Surendra Phuyal provides the vital clue: "Chitwan's short 'siru' grasslands have been substituted by tall grasslands in recent years. That's why more and more rhinos have been found going towards the surrounding villages, where they can graze on green crops and vegetables." This was a statement from Mr. Manandhar, former Chief Warden of Chitwan. He further stated that with tall grasses fast replacing short grasslands of the park, hardly one third of the park has appropriate habitat for rhinos. Rhinos, wandering off into agricultural land, are being killed by angry farmers and poachers. Officials state that 31 rhinos are believed to have died (unspecified) natural deaths out of which 8 died through infighting. The remaining half of the deaths can be seen as the work of humans.
It can be hinted through this report that Royal Chitwan National Park has either reached or nearing the limits of its carrying capacity of rhinos brought about by the changes in its natural feeding habitat. This report has highlighted the fact that in protecting our habitats, we need to be constantly aware of the changes occurring within it.
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