KATHMANDU, Aug 2: Nepal has neared the target of doubling the number of Royal Bengal tigers by 2022. The Bardiya National Park (BNP) has now nearly 100 tigers- increased from 87 recorded during the last tiger census.
Nepal has continued efforts to increase the number of tigers with the formulation and implementation of the Tiger Conservation Work Plan. In line with the work plan, priority has been given to the protection of tiger habitats, its species and sources of water. The work plan was formulated also to face the challenge created by the growing human-tiger clash and adopt proper adaptation measures.
Human-Tiger Coexistence Amidst Rising Tiger Population
Chief Conservation Officer at BNP, Ananath Baral, said that activities were being conducted as per the work plan.
Similarly, the number of tigers has reached 21 in Banke National Park, according to Baral. He said, "Currently, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan are in a campaign to double their tigers. It is estimated that there are some 4,000 Bengal tigers in the world."
At an international conference held in Russia in 2010, 13 countries, including Nepal, had made a commitment to double the tiger population by 2022. As per the resolution, Nepal needs to increase the number of its tigers to 250. In 2010, Nepal had 121 tigers, which now has reached 235, Baral added.
In addition to adult tigers, Nepal also has many cubs. In the coming census, the cubs will be enumerated.
