Parsa National Park sees most increase in number of Tigers

Among the 5 national parks that are home to tigers, Parsa National Park has seen the best increase in the number of tigers. According to the data released by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department, Parsa National Park has seen the best growth rate of tigers.

The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department of Nepal has released data showing that the number of tigers in Nepal has reached 355, with the highest growth rate seen in Parsa National Park. In 2018, there were 93 tigers in Chitwan National Park, 87 in Bardia, 21 in Banke, 18 in Parsa, and 16 in Shuklaphanta National Park. In the recent census from December 2021 to February 2022, the numbers have increased to 128 in Chitwan National Park, 125 in Bardia, 41 in Parsa, 36 in Shuklaphanta, and 25 in Banke National Park. Nepal has achieved the goal of doubling the number of tigers in the last 10 years. 

The increase in tiger population in Parsa National Park is due to improved habitat areas, drinking water for wild animals, and increased numbers of adult tigers. 

However, human settlements and highways pose a risk to tiger conservation, as last year, an adult female tiger also died in an accident on the road section of the park from Adhabhar to Pathalaiya.

According to Schedule 1 of the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, tigers are among the 26 protected animals. Tiger counting was started in Nepal for the first time in 2009. According to the statistics released by the department, the number of tigers in Nepal in 2009 was only 121. Then, in the 2013 census, the number of tigers increased to 198 and in the 2018 census, this number reached 235.