Banke National Park, Nepal — Established in 2010 to safeguard biodiversity and tiger populations, Banke National Park is set to expand its grassland areas to support the growing number of tigers. The park, located in the mid-western region of Nepal, currently hosts 25 tigers, a remarkable achievement given that no tigers were spotted during the park's first census in 2008.
Chief Conservation Officer Birendra Kandel announced that preparations are underway to increase the Karauti grassland by 50 hectares, adding to the existing 400 hectares of grassland within the park. This expansion is aimed at boosting prey availability for the tigers. "If we can expand the grassland area, it will ease the challenges of providing sufficient prey for the growing tiger population," stated Kandel.
Tigers are apex predators, and their survival depends on a thriving prey population. A single tiger typically requires about 50 prey animals per year, consuming 15 to 40 kilograms of meat per meal, which sustains it for about a week. Recognizing this, the park has intensified conservation efforts for prey species such as deer, spotted deer, swamp deer, wild boar, and wild buffalo.
Addressing Conservation Challenges
The increasing tiger population brings unique challenges. Protecting tigers from threats, preventing human intrusion, and ensuring a balanced ecosystem have become critical priorities for the park. Additionally, the park has constructed three solar-powered water ponds and a watchtower in the Karauti grassland area to provide a secure and resourceful habitat for the tigers.
Banke National Park, covering 550 square kilometers across Banke, Dang, and Salyan districts, is a biologically significant area. It is home to eight distinct ecosystems, 124 plant species, 35 mammal species, over 300 bird species, 58 fish species, 22 reptile species, and six amphibian species. Among these, the park shelters 11 endangered mammal species and 50 internationally rare bird species.
A Model for Conservation
Despite facing conservation challenges, the progress in Banke National Park serves as a beacon of hope for wildlife preservation in Nepal. The integration of sustainable practices, such as habitat expansion and prey population management, demonstrates the park’s commitment to safeguarding its ecosystem.
As the global community looks toward Nepal's conservation efforts, Banke National Park stands as a reminder of the importance of balanced ecosystems in ensuring the survival of apex predators like tigers.
