Important events in Chitwan National Park:

1911:

King George V of England visited Chitwan for hunting. The hunting party involved more than 600 elephants and bagged 39 tiger, 38 rhino, 27 leopards, and 15 bears.

1950:

Human Population in Chitwan: 36,000.

1950:

Rhino population: 800

1954:

The United States Aid for International Development (USAID) began malaria eradication project in the Terai.

1957:

Rhino population: 400

1959:

Mrigakunja comprising the areas of Tikauli forest from Rapti River to the foot hills of the Mahabharat was declared by the late king Mahendra. But in the absence of its legal status and follow up activities this National Park could not be established in the field.

1959:

Wildlife Management Division (Gainda Gasti or Rhino Patrol) under the Department of forest was established at Tukauli with the responsibility of protecting rhino.

1959:

Rhino Population: 300

1960:

Chitwan declared as malaria free area. Human population in Chitwan: 100,000

1961:

A rhino sanctuary covering 800 sq. km set aside.

1966:

Rhino population: 100

1972:

Rhino population: 120-147

1973:

Chitwan National Park gazette.

1973:

Nepal Tiger Ecology Project started at Sauraha in Collaboration with the HMG/Nepal, Smithsonian Institution, and WWF.

1974:

Chitwan National Park Regulation 1974 promulgated.

1975:

Rhino Population: 270-310

1977:

Gharial Conservation Project (Captive Breeding Center) started at Kasara with the support from the Frankfurt Zoological Society.

1980:

Long Term Tiger Monitoring Project initiated

1984:

UNESCO declared Chitwan National Park a World Heritage Site.

1987:

Elephant Breeding Center was established.

1984:

Gharial Crocodile population estimated at 58 in wild and 70 in captive.

1997:

Gaur population estimated at 198.