Topic Overview

As a part of the key policy and actions analysis related to threatened species, this topic will introduce socio-environmental synthesis (SES) framework. Using SES framework, you will identify and describe socio-environmental components and explain complex interaction and feedbacks related to One-horned rhinoceros conservation in Nepal. You will further apply this framework to analyze the challenges of this species conservation as well as identify responses to address those challenges.

Learning objectives

• Describe historic distribution of rhino in Nepal.
• Describe and analyze drivers of rhino population decline.
• Analyze and explain policies and practices to address rhino conservation.
• Discuss emerging issues and apply practiced solutions.

Required & Optional Readings

Required Readings

• Thapa, K., Nepal, S., Thapa, G., Bhatta, S. R., & Wikramanayake, E. (2013). Past, present and future conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal. Oryx, 47(3), 345-351.
• Acharya, K. P., Thapa, R. K., Kuwar, K. J., Thapalia, B. P., & Paudel, P. K. (2020). Policy and management actions that resulted in curbing rhinoceros poaching. Journal of Applied Ecology, 57(8), 1452-1458.
• Lamichhane, B. R., Persoon, G. A., Leirs, H., Poudel, S., Subedi, N., Pokheral, C. P., ... & de Iongh, H. H. (2019). Contribution of buffer zone programs to reduce human-wildlife impacts: the case of the Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Human Ecology, 47(1), 95-110.
• Pant, G., Maraseni, T., Apan, A., & Allen, B. L. (2020). Trends and current state of research on greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): A systematic review of the literature over a period of 33 years (1985–2018). Science of The Total Environment, 710, 136349.

Fundamental Concepts

• Topic 4.3 Case study analysis Rhino conservation in Nepal.pdf Download Topic 4.3 Case study analysis Rhino conservation in Nepal.pdf

Self-test Quiz (For certificate learning only)

After viewing lecture PPT presentation for this topic, take 10 minutes to take this self-test quiz. It is intended to serve as a quick check points of your learning progress about the factual content for this topic. Immediate feedback or answer key will be provided after your attempt. Click Self-test Quiz 4.3 to start.

Online Discussions (For certificate learning only)

Each week you will participant in the topic discussions of the week. The purpose of these discussions is to enable you to critically discuss and apply the core concepts you learned each week. Each online weekly topic discussion will include two parts: 1) your initial response to topic discussion questions posted by the instructor; and 2) your peer comment on other peer posts. Instructor will post one or two discussion questions related to the assigned module and topic every week. Response to these online discussion question and subsequent peer comment on these responses is mandatory. By doing this, you will enhance your knowledge through multiple perspectives posted by your peers. These questions will be focused on the most important aspect of the assigned module and topic and reflection on how you can apply these concept and tools from the assigned module and topic in your own context. For detailed requirements and grading rubric go to Online Discussions page.

To join the online topic discussions for this week go to Self-test Quiz 4.3.

Graded Assignment for the Week (For certificate learning only)

NA.