Tiger Comeback in Nepal: A Conservation Success Story

Tiger Comeback in Nepal: A Conservation Success Story
Nepal has emerged as a global leader in tiger conservation, showcasing what’s possible when focused efforts meet long-term commitment. From just 121 tigers in 2010, the population surged to 355 by 2022—a nearly threefold increase. This dramatic rise stands in contrast to the global trend, where tiger populations have generally been in sharp decline.

Why Are Tigers Thriving in Nepal?
The success is attributed to a combination of strategic conservation measures. Strong anti-poaching enforcement, restoration of natural habitats, a growing prey base, and the creation of wildlife corridors have all played crucial roles. Cooperation with India to establish cross-border corridors has further supported tiger movement and genetic diversity.

Protected areas like Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks now host the largest populations of tigers in the country. Chitwan alone is home to 128 tigers, while Bardiya follows closely with 125. These numbers not only reflect effective conservation but also the resilience of Nepal’s ecosystems.

Human-Tiger Conflicts on the Decline
One might assume that more tigers would mean more human-wildlife conflict. However, Nepal has defied that expectation. The number of deaths caused by tiger attacks has steadily declined over the past few years. In 2021–22, there were 21 fatalities. By 2024–25, the number had dropped to just seven.

This reduction is due to improved habitat management and better awareness among communities living near forests. Buffer zones, community education, and rapid response teams have helped prevent encounters and manage problem animals safely.

Challenges and Opportunities
As tiger density increases, territorial compression is becoming an issue. In Bardiya, tiger territories have shrunk to just 7–8 square kilometers, significantly lower than the typical 30–50 square kilometers. This sometimes forces younger or weaker tigers to venture closer to human settlements, leading to livestock loss or rare attacks.

To address this, conservationists are calling for better infrastructure to house rescued tigers and expanded eco-tourism programs that benefit both wildlife and local economies.

Looking Ahead
Nepal’s tiger story is one of hope and resilience. It proves that with the right strategies, tigers and humans can coexist. As the country moves toward its goal of supporting up to 500 tigers, the world watches—and learns.