198 Wild Tigers in Nepal

Nepal is becoming a fine example for countries struggling with poaching activities. The most recent figure from the tiger survey conducted between February-June 2013 suggests that there has been an increase of 63% since the last survey in 2009, bringing the wild tiger population of Nepal to 198.  The joint tiger survey by India and Nepal used the same methodology to assess the numbers of tigers found in the wild. The last survey in 2009 estimated that there were only 121 wild tigers left in Nepal. According to this new figure of 198, the approximate numbers of tigers in Nepal range anywhere from 163 to 235. That sounds amazing and so inspiring for the other states struggling with poaching and conservation efforts.

As always, there is a network of people working diligently to conserve and promote tigers in Nepal. One of the key players is WWF Nepal who have inspired locals to take the lead and protect this iconic animal from fading away. Please watch the few minutes long clip made by WHISKAS (Cat food) on ‘Searching for Tigers 2013’. The video features the teams search to see tigers in Bardia National Park. You can support WWF by buying Whiskas cat food, just saying.

Having been to Chitwan National Park four times including one lengthy stay at Tiger Tops, I still haven’t been lucky enough to spot a tiger in its natural habitat. If we go by the new figures released today then Chitwan National Park is now home to 120 tigers. I hope people have more luck spotting the striped animal during their visit. And I think it’s time for me to venture beyond Chitwan and head to Bardia National Park in 2014. Cannot wait!

Oh yes! Its GLOBAL TIGER DAY today! Rawwrrrrr!!!!