After coming close to extinction, Nepal’s greater one-horned rhinoceros numbers are on the rise – but now a new challenge looms.
University of Southern Queensland PhD student Ganesh Pant is delving into the potential impacts of climate change on the endangered species, with their limited habitat expected to dwindle.
'The impacts of climate change on this rhino species isn’t well studied, so I wanted to build on it,' Mr Pant said.
Ganesh's findings show that the Nepalese Rhinos are likely to be moderately impacted by the effects of climate change.
'While 752 rhinos currently inhabit the grasslands and riverine forests of Southern Nepal, a third of this habitat could be unsuitable in the next 50 years,' Mr Pant said.
'The findings of this research will help the Nepalese Government and protected area managers to make informed decisions and place the right resources in the right places.' UniSQ Professor Tek Maraseni said.
With the launch of UniSQ's new Wildlife Management courses next year, Ganesh recommends a career in conservation.
'It’s a great job – working to maintain the Earth and make it a better place to live,' he said.
