A Monumental Achievement
Nepal's government unveiled the results of its latest National Tiger and Prey Base Survey on July 29, 2026, confirming the new population estimate of 429 tigers. This represents a significant 21% increase from the 355 tigers recorded in the previous census
of 2022. The announcement, made by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, solidifies Nepal's position as a global leader in reversing the decline of this endangered species. The consistent growth is a testament to the country's dedicated conservation strategies over the past decade and a half.
From 121 to 429: A Story of Recovery
The journey to this number has been remarkable. In 2010, Nepal's tiger population was at a precarious low of just 121 individuals. That year, at an international summit, Nepal and 12 other tiger-range countries committed to the ambitious TX2 goal: to double the world's wild tiger population by 2022. Nepal not only met this target ahead of schedule but has now nearly quadrupled its 2010 numbers. The population has shown a steady, impressive climb through each four-year census, rising to 198 in 2013, 235 in 2018, 355 in 2022, and now the record-breaking 429.
How the Count Was Done
The estimate is the result of an intensive survey conducted between late 2025 and April 2026. Researchers and wildlife experts deployed thousands of camera traps across more than 7,300 square kilometers of tiger habitat in the Terai Arc Landscape. This vast area along Nepal's southern border with India encompasses five national parks and their surrounding corridors. By analyzing the unique stripe patterns of individual tigers captured on camera, researchers identified 363 distinct animals before using statistical models to arrive at the total population estimate.
A Park-by-Park Breakdown
The success story is evident across most of Nepal's protected areas. Chitwan National Park remains the country's primary tiger stronghold, with its population increasing from 128 to 145. The most dramatic gains were seen elsewhere: Parsa National Park's tiger numbers surged from 41 to 71, and Banke National Park more than doubled its population from 25 to 51. Shuklaphanta National Park also saw a healthy increase from 36 to 50 tigers. However, the census also revealed a nuanced picture, as Bardiya National Park was the only location to record a decline, with its numbers falling from 125 to 112.
The Blueprint for Success
Nepal's achievement is not accidental. It is built on a multi-pronged strategy. Key pillars include robust anti-poaching patrols, often conducted in partnership with the Nepal Army, which have been crucial in protecting tigers from the illegal wildlife trade. Another vital component has been a focus on community-based conservation, engaging local populations as partners in protecting wildlife. Furthermore, restoring and protecting habitat, particularly the wildlife corridors of the Terai Arc Landscape that allow tigers to move safely between Nepal and India, has been essential for the population's growth and genetic health.
The New Challenge: Human-Tiger Coexistence
The very success of the conservation program has created its most pressing new challenge: a rise in human-tiger conflict. As tiger populations grow and expand, they increasingly share landscapes with human communities, leading to more frequent encounters. This has resulted in tragic human casualties and livestock losses, which can erode local support for conservation. Recognizing this, conservation organizations are now intensifying efforts to promote coexistence. These initiatives include building predator-proof livestock enclosures, providing community outreach and guidance, and establishing insurance schemes to compensate families for lost animals.
