A tiger is pictured at the Central Zoo in Lalitpur, Nepal, on July 29, 2026. First established in 2010, the World Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29 to raise awareness of tiger conservation. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
KATHMANDU, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Nepal's tiger population has increased by 21 percent over the past four years to 429, according to the latest national tiger census released on the occasion of World Tiger Day on Wednesday.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said the 2026 census recorded an increase of 74 endangered Bengal tigers from the previous nationwide census conducted in 2022.
According to the census, Chitwan National Park and its surrounding areas host the largest tiger population with 145 individuals, followed by the Bardiya National Park area with 112. Parsa National Park has 71 tigers, while Banke National Park and Shuklaphanta National Park and adjacent areas have 51 and 50 tigers, respectively.
The department conducted the nationwide survey using advanced camera-trapping technology to monitor the country's tiger population. ■
A tiger is pictured at the Central Zoo in Lalitpur, Nepal, on July 29, 2026. First established in 2010, the World Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29 to raise awareness of tiger conservation. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
A student with a tiger paint on her face is pictured at the Central Zoo in Lalitpur, Nepal, on July 29, 2026. First established in 2010, the World Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29 to raise awareness of tiger conservation. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
A tiger face paint is made for a student at the Central Zoo in Lalitpur, Nepal, on July 29, 2026. First established in 2010, the World Tiger Day is celebrated annually on July 29 to raise awareness of tiger conservation. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
