Conservationists oppose evening safari in Nepal's wildlife corridor

A proposal to introduce evening jeep safaris in Nepal's Barandabhar forest corridor, a vital wildlife passage, has sparked strong opposition from conservationists. They argue that extending safari operations into the night would significantly disrupt wildlife movement and behavior in this biologically sensitive area.

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A forest is wildlife’s home. Animals do not tolerate noise and disturbance in their home at night.

The Barandabhar corridor, which connects the Mahabharat range to the ecosystems of Chitwan National Park, is a critical passage for numerous species. Currently, jeep safaris operate only during morning and afternoon hours, with vehicles required to exit forest areas before sunset. The new plan, however, aims to allow safaris to continue after dark within the corridor, which is bisected by the East-West Highway.

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Introducing evening-time jeep movement here is reckless. We should benefit from tourism while respecting wildlife. Operating this safari while disturbing animals at night is simply greed in the name of money.

Conservationists express serious concerns, highlighting that nighttime is a particularly sensitive period for wildlife. Surajan Shrestha, a wildlife rights activist, urged authorities to halt the plan, stating that animals do not tolerate noise and disturbance at night. He pointed to the earlier proposal of a wildlife overpass during the highway's widening as evidence of the corridor's biological importance, calling the evening safari plan "reckless."

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If animals become agitated and aggressive, it will put at risk not only tourists but also locals who enter the forest to collect firewo

Doma Paudel, a nature guide and conservationist, added that increased vehicle movement at night could agitate animals, leading to stress and potentially aggressive behavior. This, she warned, would not only endanger tourists but also local communities who enter the forest for resources. The proposal emerges as jeep safaris within Chitwan National Park have been suspended for two to three months due to monsoon-related track damage and wildlife breeding cycles, intensifying the debate over balancing tourism benefits with wildlife protection.

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We have worked hard to protect the forest. Selling only timber is not enough. We are turning to eco-tourism due to its potential.