CHITWAN, Feb 19: Chitwan National Park (CNP), home to several endangered wildlife species, has started focusing on the use of sophisticated technologies in an attempt to save the animals vulnerable to poaching. CNP, which is best known for the habitat of one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger, has started adopting high tech measures for effective conservation effort. The modern technology operated by the park to control poaching has included the use of helicopter and drone. Besides, the park is planning to mobilize trained sniffer dogs for the ccause. Kamal Jung Kunwar, Chief Conservation Officer at the park said, “Now we are training four sniffer dogs. A kennel has already been constructed for them. We will bring four more puppies and train them for nine months.” He added, “While the light and smaller sized drone with an installed camera is patrolling around the park through the sky, the officers at ground can watch the video. With the help of the unmanned aircraft, we have been patrolling areas inaccessible by human since last year. However, we are planning to replace them with advanced drones.” According to Chakra Bahadur Shah, Chief of Nepal Army´s Nandabaks Battalion deputed for the park, using drone for air patrol is economical but it can be used for short distance only. For longer patrolling, the park has started using helicopter. “CNP has already set up 123 security posts and it has deputed 1,100 security personnel for more effective patrolling,” said Chief Conservation Officer Kunwar, adding “Earlier security officials at the posts used oil fed lamps and telephone was not available for communication. But, with the recent installation of solar panel, the posts are advanced with electric lights and they are able to charge mobile phones.” In addition to the use of modern technologies and beefed up security, he claimed that they have also sought possible supports from the locals to prevent poaching. The CNP is the main habitat for tigers and rhinos. Out of total 534 rhinos found in Nepal, the park alone houses 503. Altogether 120 tigers out of the total of 198 are found at the park. (Source : Myrepublica)