2 rhinos die in a week in Nepal's Chitwan National Park

At least two rare one-horned rhinoceros have died within a week in Nepal's Chitwan National Park (CPN), raising concerns about the sharp increase in deaths of rhinos.

A female rhino of estimated 20 years old was found dead in a swamp on Saturday, and was pulled out by an excavator, according to the officials at CNP, the country's largest rhino habitat located some 160 km from the capital city.

"The female rhino had a natural death," Gopal Ghimire, spokesperson at the CNP, told Xinhua on Sunday, adding that they are yet to find out other details.

The park had recorded the first rhino death of this year on Jan. 5, when a baby rhino of estimated five to six years old was found dead in a mustard field in Nawalparasi district.

"It might have died due to the electric shock, we are still investigating into the case," Bhattarai said, adding that autopsy process of wildlife deaths would take long time.

With the beginning of current fiscal year in July, at least seven rhinos have died within CNP premise while two died in the forest division area. No deaths were recorded out of poaching activities lately.

Around 45 rhinos died in the last fiscal year.

According to the officials, many rhinos die following battle with other animals regarding territories, while some die due to diseases and infections.

The authorized record puts deaths into two categories - natural or unknown, and poaching. All deaths including territorial clash, diseases and infections, drowning, injuries, old age and other than poaching are defined as natural.

The increased number of rhino deaths due to natural reasons in the last few years has raised concerns among the authorities and conservation partners.

"The government is concerned, and has made a special study on the natural deaths of rhinos. But the report hasn't been published yet," an official at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, told Xinhua.

Nepal homes 645 endangered rhinos in its different national parks as per the census of 2015, which includes 605 in Chitwan, 29 in Bardia National Park, eight in Shuklaphanta National Park, and three in Parsa National Park.

The Himalayan country will be conducting another rhino census later this year.