Kathmandu, July 29 - Nepal proudly marked International Tiger Day 2025 with renewed commitment to wildlife conservation, highlighting its remarkable progress in protecting the endangered Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). The celebration reflects both national pride and international recognition for Nepal’s sustained conservation efforts.
Population Soars: A Conservation Success Story
Nepal has witnessed a historic rise in its tiger population—from 121 individuals in 2009 to 355 in 2022, according to the National Tiger Survey. This nearly threefold increase places Nepal among the top tiger-range countries that are making significant strides towards the global goal of doubling wild tiger populations, initially set under the TX2 Initiative launched in 2010.
Key Tiger Habitats Under Protection
Nepal’s tigers primarily roam across five protected areas:
Chitwan National Park
Bardiya National Park
Shuklaphanta National Park
Parsa National Park
Banke National Park
These rich lowland ecosystems offer the ideal mix of forest cover, prey base, and water sources needed for tigers to thrive.
Community & Government-Driven Conservation
The tiger recovery in Nepal has been attributed to a multi-pronged strategy that includes:
Community involvement in conservation and buffer zone management.
Strong anti-poaching enforcement through the mobilization of park rangers and the Nepal Army.
Habitat restoration and the creation of wildlife corridors for tiger movement.
Use of camera traps and scientific monitoring for accurate population data.
The success also stems from close collaboration between national agencies such as the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), conservation NGOs, and local communities living near protected areas.
Balancing Coexistence: A Future for Both Humans and Tigers
With rising tiger numbers, human-wildlife conflict management has become a priority. Nepal is increasingly focusing on conflict mitigation measures-such as predator-proof livestock pens, awareness campaigns, and compensation programs for affected communities-to ensure that both people and tigers can coexist sustainably.
A Global Call for Continued Action
On this occasion, conservationists have urged continued vigilance against threats such as habitat encroachment, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) also emphasized the role of eco-tourism in raising awareness and supporting conservation-linked livelihoods.
“The stripes of the tiger are a symbol of wilderness, strength, and balance. Saving them means saving ourselves,” said Chiranjibi Prasad Pokhrel who is currently director of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) in Nepal.
