World Tiger Day: How to Reduce Conflict Between Tigers and Humans Despite Rising Tiger Numbers?
In Kathmandu, the capital city, wildlife conservationists and officials have enthusiastically welcomed the significant increase in the number of tigers. According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, there are currently 429 adult tigers in Nepal. However, Manisha Singh Tharu, Vice Chairperson of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality in Lumbini Province, cautioned that the rise in tiger numbers should not be a source of joy for local communities alone. “Since the formation of the local government, 10-15 people in this rural municipality have lost their lives due to tiger attacks. Therefore, they are not enthusiastic about the increase in tiger population,” Tharu explained.
Most of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality falls within Banke National Park, where surveys have shown the tiger population has reached 51. Conservationists agree with the concern raised by Tharu. Baburam Lamichhane, a tiger conservation expert, expressed worries about the sustainability of conservation efforts, stating, “An increase in population is indeed a conservation success, but the most important thing is that humans must not lose their lives. Conservation can only be sustainable if human casualties due to tigers or other wildlife are zero.”
Conservationist Kumar Paudel also emphasized that conservation programs cannot be deemed fully successful based on numbers alone. He said, “This is only a partial success until local communities living alongside tigers accept the coexistence happily.” Officials from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation have also recognized the population growth as a challenge. Deputy Director General Vedkumar Dhakal said, “Over the past four years, the adult tiger population has increased at an annual rate of 5 percent. We are happy about this, but as challenges increase, so too will our responsibilities.”
The results of a recent tiger survey were released on Wednesday, coinciding with World Tiger Day. In 2022, Nepal’s tiger population was 355. According to the latest figures, Chitwan National Park and its surrounding areas host the highest number of tigers at 145. Bardiya National Park and adjacent forest areas have 112 tigers. Parsa National Park counts 71, Banke National Park has 51, and Shuklaphanta National Park houses 50 tigers.