Nepal’s tiger numbers are approaching 400, highlighting the need to balance protecting the animals with living peacefully alongside them.

 Kathmandu, July 29

Today, Nepal joins the world in celebrating Global Tiger Day, an event started in 2010 to raise awareness about tiger conservation. Nepal’s Bengal tiger population has grown significantly—from just 121 in 2009 to 355 in the latest census in 2022.

Experts say the tiger population is approaching the country’s natural limit of around 400 tigers, meaning the focus now needs to shift to managing them sustainably.

Studies by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), WWF Nepal, and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) suggest Nepal can support up to 400 tigers. Dr. Bhagawan Raj Dahal from ZSL Nepal highlights the importance of improving habitats—especially grasslands and water sources—to keep the tiger population healthy.

However, the increase in tigers has also caused problems, such as more human-tiger conflicts, attacks on livestock, and tiger deaths from poaching and accidents near roads or infrastructure. Currently, 18 conflict tigers are being kept in captivity, including five at Jawalakhel Zoo, which is costly to maintain.

Dr. Chiranjibi Prasad Pokharel of NTNC stresses educating local communities and providing training to reduce their reliance on forests and promote peaceful living with tigers. WWF Nepal’s Dr. Ghanashyam Gurung agrees and calls for alternative jobs near protected areas to support communities.

As of 2025, there are 5,357 tigers worldwide. Nepal ranks fourth in tiger population after India, Russia, and Indonesia. The most tigers live in Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks, with 128 and 125 tigers respectively.

Nepal has been conducting national tiger counts every four years since 2010 and has far exceeded its goal from the 2010 summit to double its tiger numbers.

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