Nepal's Tiger Population Hits Record High, Surging 21% to 429

Nepal has achieved a significant conservation milestone, with its wild tiger population soaring by nearly 21% in the last four years to a record 429 individuals. This latest national count, published Wednesday, is the highest number recorded since Nepal began systematic tiger censuses in 2009. The population has more than tripled since 2010, demonstrating a remarkable recovery for the endangered species.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment reported that the census, conducted between December 31 and April 23 using camera traps across the country's main protected areas, confirmed the upward trend. Haribhadra Acharya, information officer for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, attributed the increase to improvements in protected areas and habitats over recent years.

Chitwan National Park remains home to the largest tiger population, with 145 individuals, up from 128 in the previous census. Parsa National Park saw the most substantial growth, with its tiger numbers jumping from 41 to 71. Banke National Park more than doubled its population, from 25 to 51 tigers, while Shuklaphanta saw an increase from 36 to 50.

Bardiya National Park was the only protected area to register a decline, with its tiger population decreasing to 112 from 125 in 2022. Despite this localized dip, the overall national figures underscore Nepal's success in tiger conservation. In 2022, Nepal already surpassed its international commitment made at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit to double its tiger population by that year.

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The tiger population has increased thanks to the improvements recorded in the protected areas and habitats during the last years.