Bardiya National Park has seen a significant increase in its tiger population, with the latest census revealing 51 tigers, up from 25 in 2022.
According to the park’s chief conservation officer, Virendra Kandel, the tiger population has been steadily increasing since 2013, when there were just four tigers. By 2018, the number had risen to 21.
Kandel attributes the growth in tiger numbers to the effective management of grasslands, which provide a habitat for the tigers’ prey. However, he notes that human-wildlife conflict remains a significant challenge.
To mitigate this, the park has implemented measures such as the construction of artificial water ponds and the creation of a solar-powered watering system for wildlife. Kandel also credits the collaborative efforts of local communities, organizations, and stakeholders for the increase in tiger numbers.
The tiger census was conducted in the Bardiya and surrounding forest areas, using a complex division method. The Nepalese government established Bardiya National Park in 2067 Ashar 28, covering an area of 550 square kilometers, with the aim of conserving tiger habitats and biological corridors.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including eight ecosystems, 124 plant species, 32 mammal species, over 300 bird species, 58 fish species, 22 reptiles, and six amphibian species. It is also a habitat for 11 endangered mammal species and 50 internationally recognized endangered bird species.
A buffer zone of 343 square kilometers was also declared, covering areas of Bardiya, Dang, and Salyan districts.
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