Nepal’s wildlife success story: How tiger and rhino conservation defied global odds
Summary
Nepal’s tiger population has risen to 429 and its greater one-horned rhino population to 752, marking rare global conservation successes. But the recovery has also increased human-wildlife conflict, especially around protected areas like Bardiya and Chitwan.
Key Points
- Nepal has become the first of the 13 Tx2 tiger-range countries to meet the goal of doubling wild tiger numbers, with the 2026 census showing 429 tigers.
- The greater one-horned rhino has also recovered sharply, reaching 752 in Nepal in the latest national count.
- Rising wildlife numbers have increased attacks on people, livestock losses, and compensation costs in communities near protected areas.
- Researchers and officials say Nepal’s conservation gains now face a growing challenge as tiger populations approach the country’s estimated carrying capacity.
