Tiger Census in Nepal 2025: Tracking the Rise of Royal Bengal Tigers

Nepal Begins Fifth National Tiger Census on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 to Boost Conservation Efforts.

The tiger census in Nepal is one of the most important wildlife monitoring programs in South Asia. Conducted every four years, this scientific survey tracks the population of the endangered Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) across Nepal’s protected areas and forest corridors.

Because of strong conservation policies, community involvement, and habitat protection, Nepal has emerged as a global success story in tiger conservation, becoming one of the first countries to nearly triple its wild tiger population.

Latest Tiger Census in Nepal (2025–2026 Update)

Nepal officially launched its latest fifth nationwide tiger census in December 2025, led by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) under the Ministry of Forests and Environment. It is a vital initiative aimed at determining the current population of tigers across the country. Conducted every four years, the census is led by the Government of Nepal in collaboration with wildlife experts and leading conservation organisations. More than 1,100 camera traps have been strategically installed in major tiger habitats including Chitwan, Bardia, Parsa, Banke, and Shuklaphanta National Parks.

These camera traps capture images of tigers as they move through the forests, and because every tiger has a unique stripe pattern—similar to a fingerprint—researchers can accurately identify and count individual tigers. Alongside tracking tiger numbers, the census also assesses habitat quality, availability of prey species such as deer, and human activities around protected areas.

Nepal’s remarkable success in increasing its tiger population over recent years stands as a global conservation achievement, and this census will help the country plan future strategies to ensure the long-term protection of this endangered species.

Key Highlights of the Current Tiger Census

• Conducted every 4 years
• Uses camera traps, GPS mapping, and photographic identification
• Covers national parks, buffer zones, and wildlife corridors
• Over 1,100 camera traps deployed
• Survey period: December 2025 – March 2026
• Final results expected in 2026

This census will provide updated data to guide conservation planning and human-wildlife conflict management.

Previous Tiger Census Results in Nepal

The most recent completed tiger census (2021–2022) revealed a historic milestone.

Tiger Population Growth in Nepal

👉 Nepal achieved its goal of doubling the tiger population ahead of the global TX2 target.

Tiger Distribution in Nepal (Park-Wise)

As per the 2022 census, tigers are mainly found in the Terai Arc Landscape.

National Parks with Tigers in Nepal

• Chitwan National Park: 128 tigers
• Bardia National Park: 125 tigers
• Parsa National Park: 41 tigers
• Shuklaphanta National Park: 36 tigers
• Banke National Park: 25 tigers

These protected areas provide critical habitats of grasslands, riverine forests, and prey species such as deer and wild boar.

How Is the Tiger Census Conducted in Nepal?

The Nepal tiger census follows internationally accepted scientific standards.

Tiger Census Methodology

• Camera Trapping: Tigers are identified by their unique stripe patterns
• Grid-based Survey: Forests divided into blocks for systematic coverage
• Capture-Recapture Analysis: Statistical models estimate population size
• GPS & Field Sign Surveys: Tracks, pugmarks, and scat analysis
• Community Participation: Local people and park staff assist monitoring

This method ensures accurate, non-invasive population estimates.

Why the Tiger Census in Nepal Is Important

The tiger census plays a crucial role in:

• Monitoring endangered species
• Preventing poaching and illegal wildlife trade
• Managing human-tiger conflict
• Protecting forest corridors
• Supporting eco-tourism and local livelihoods

Tigers are an umbrella species, meaning protecting them also safeguards entire ecosystems.

Challenges Despite Conservation Success

Although the tiger population in Nepal has increased, challenges remain:

• Rising human-wildlife conflict
• Habitat fragmentation outside protected areas
• Pressure on prey species
• Need for transboundary conservation with India

Balanced conservation strategies are essential for long-term sustainability.

Nepal: A Global Leader in Tiger Conservation

Nepal’s achievement is the result of:

• Strong law enforcement
• Community-based conservation
• Anti-poaching units
• Buffer zone programs
• International collaboration (WWF, NTNC, etc.)

Nepal continues to inspire global tiger conservation efforts. The tiger census in Nepal is more than just a population count—it is a symbol of conservation success, community commitment, and environmental responsibility. With continued efforts, Nepal stands as a beacon of hope for the future of wild tigers worldwide.