Tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park from March 7

February 25, Kathmandu: Tiger counting will begin in Shuklaphanta National Park from March 7.

Information Officer Purushottam Wagle said the census will be carried out in the park and its surrounding areas after the House of Representatives election. The schedule was adjusted to manage workforce mobilization during the election period.

Camera traps will be installed in Jogbudha of Dadeldhura and the Laljhadi-Mohana Reserve Area in addition to the park. The devices will be placed in identified tiger habitats. The area has been named the Shuklaphanta-Laljhadi-Jogbudha Complex for the purpose of the census.

In the 2022 census, the complex recorded 36 adult tigers. Of them, 16 were female and 12 male. Eight additional tigers were confirmed later after further analysis of camera data.

Although the park covers only 305 square kilometres, it has a dense prey base, which conservation officials say supports a growing tiger population. The park is home to several endangered wildlife species.