Wildlife
Four-Horned Antelope Nepal: The Rare Chousingha
The four-horned antelope or chousingha is the only antelope species in the world with four horns. Nepal's Terai and lower Churia hills are among its last remaining strongholds.
Overview
The four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), locally called chousingha, holds a unique place in zoology as the world's only four-horned bovid. Males carry two pairs of horns: a shorter front pair averaging 2 to 4 cm and a larger rear pair reaching 8 to 10 cm. The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. In Nepal, populations survive in the dry deciduous forest and tall grassland edges of Chitwan, Parsa, and the Churia hill range.
Habitat and Behaviour
Chousingha favour forest edges where dry deciduous woodland meets open grassland -- the ecotone zone that also attracts spotted deer, four-horned antelope, and Indian grey mongoose. They are solitary and extremely shy, relying on dense undergrowth for cover. Males are territorial during the October to December rut and are occasionally seen in forest clearings at this time.
The best approach is a dawn walking safari through dry forest in Parsa National Park or the buffer zone east of Chitwan. Look for chousingha at the edges of sal (Shorea robusta) forest, particularly where streams create clearings. Sightings are uncommon even for experienced naturalists -- roughly one in five focused half-day walks yields a sighting.
Parsa National Park Access
Parsa National Park, adjacent to Chitwan, receives far fewer visitors and offers better chances for chousingha sightings due to lower disturbance. Entry permits cost NPR 1,500 for foreign nationals. Jeep hire from the park gate at Amlekhgunj costs NPR 4,000 to 6,000 per day.
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FAQ
Why does the four-horned antelope have four horns?
The extra pair of horns is unique to this species and is thought to be an evolutionary trait for male-male competition. The front pair is usually present from an early age while the rear pair grows through adolescence.
Where exactly in Nepal are chousingha most reliably seen?
Parsa National Park's dry forest sections and the Churia hills along the southern border of Chitwan are the best locations. Local naturalist guides from Amlekhgunj have specific knowledge of resident territories.
Is the four-horned antelope hunted in Nepal?
Hunting is illegal inside protected areas. Poaching pressure is lower than for deer or rhino, but habitat loss remains the primary threat to this species.
