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Kathmandu, July 29: Nepal joins the global celebration of World Tiger Day today, observed every year on July 29 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. The day was initiated in 2010 following the first Global Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment is commemorating the day through various programs. According to the latest national tiger census conducted in 2022, Nepal is home to 355 tigers—a significant increase from just 98 in 1995. The country has nearly tripled its tiger population since 2010, exceeding the global target.

Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks hold the highest numbers—128 and 125 tigers, respectively—followed by Parsa (41), Shuklaphanta (36), and Banke (25). However, this growth has brought challenges such as increased human-tiger conflict, habitat pressure, and threats to local livelihoods. Locals entering buffer zones for firewood or livestock grazing often face tiger attacks.

Dr. Ghanashyam Gurung, WWF Nepal’s country representative, highlighted the tiger’s importance for eco-tourism and called for inclusive conservation. He stressed the need to offer alternative livelihoods to communities near forests and to manage tiger habitats effectively so wild animals don’t stray into human settlements.

Globally, tiger numbers declined from about 100,000 in 1900 to just 3,200 by 2010.However, due to concerted conservation efforts, the population rebounded to 5,357 by 2025. India leads with 3,167 tigers, followed by Russia (750), Indonesia (400), and Nepal (355). Tigers are also found in Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos.

Senior ecologist Haribhadra Acharya from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation stated that Nepal’s tiger density remains balanced despite growing numbers, and there is still capacity for more through better grasslands and water sources. He added that the department is working with stakeholders to reduce human-tiger conflict and promote coexistence.

Currently, 18 problematic tigers—those involved in human or livestock attacks—are kept in captivity across Nepal, including five in the Central Zoo, and others in Chitwan, Bardiya, Banke, and Parsa. Their upkeep requires significant government funding.

With legal restrictions on killing or trading tigers, Nepal is now debating long-term solutions such as establishing a dedicated “Tiger Zoo,” gifting tigers through wildlife diplomacy, or housing them in provincial zoos to generate income.

People’s News Monitoring Service