the status and distribution of the greater one-horned rhino in nepal

18
THE STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE GREATER ONE HORNED RHINO IN NEPAL
In additi on, digital cameras were employed both for validati ng data and to further build up the
ID master fi les. Experienced observers checked all rhino sighti ng informati on to ensure double
counts did not take place. Uncertainti es were resolved by carefully checking with the observer
teams. Communicati on in the fi eld was essenti al between the elephant observati on teams to
ensure rhinos were recorded accurately by the best placed team. Motorola handheld radio sets
were used and found to be very reliable.
The observers used binoculars (Opti cron - 10 x 50 etc.) where possible for observing identi fi cati on
features of rhino without getti ng too close and disturbing the animals. Aft er recording, rhinos were
carefully pushed behind the census line to prevent being counted again. Individual rhinos were
identi fi ed using a range of features such as horn shape, ear tears, skin folds, knobs, deformiti es,
body scars and tail shape. Where necessary, at the end of each day, observers also cross checked
their sighti ng data with observers sitti ng on elephant of either side to avoid double counti ng
(Figure 21).
Figure 21: Elephant backed observer team recording rhino informati on
The validated data were then entered into an excel spread sheet and fi nal list tabulated for each
day. The M. Micrantha recorded sheets were also checked and entered into an excel spread sheet
at the end of each census day.
Daily de-briefi ng sessions were conducted with the whole census team. This included a detailed
review of the day’s tracks to ensure all potenti al rhino areas were covered well and a fi nal review
of the following day’s survey operati on (Figure 22).