Nepal’s PM worries over rising tiger numbers

Nepal has been widely praised for its successful conservation efforts, which have led to a significant increase in the country’s tiger population. However, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has raised concerns about the growing number of tigers, suggesting that Nepal may have too many.

At an event reviewing the country’s COP29 outcomes last month, Oli stated, "In such a small country, we have more than 350 tigers… We can't have so many tigers and let them eat up humans."

Government data shows that tiger attacks resulted in nearly 40 deaths and 15 injuries between 2019 and 2023, though local communities believe the actual numbers are higher.

Oli proposed that Nepal’s tiger population could be capped at 150, suggesting that the country might consider sending some of its tigers to other nations as diplomatic gifts.

Experts, however, argue that the focus should not be on limiting tiger numbers but on expanding protected areas with sufficient prey for the animals.

Tiger biologist Ullas Karanth emphasized that the number of tigers in a region should depend on the availability of prey, with each tiger ideally requiring access to around 500 prey animals, such as deer or antelopes. Dr. Karanth suggests that Nepal’s government should prioritize expanding protected areas to maintain a sustainable balance between tiger populations and prey densities.

Human-tiger conflicts, particularly in areas bordering forests, have become more frequent as wildlife ventures outside protected areas in search of food. Buffer zones between national parks and human settlements, where locals graze cattle and collect firewood, have seen an increase in tiger sightings and attacks.

Forest corridors, which connect different national parks and reserves, have also become dangerous areas for locals, as they are frequently used for foraging and grazing. Zoologist Karan Shah noted that the rise in human fatalities signals potential flaws in Nepal’s conservation model.

While Oli has proposed sending some tigers abroad, experts like Dr. Karanth argue that tigers responsible for repeated human fatalities should be removed from the wild.

However, some critics suggest that human encroachment into tiger habitats has worsened the problem, reducing the availability of prey and increasing the likelihood of conflict.

A wildlife management expert told the BBC that Oli’s proposal might be motivated by a desire to clear land for infrastructure development, rather than concerns for public safety.

The situation remains unresolved, with the debate continuing over whether the growing number of tigers or human encroachment is to blame for the increase in tiger attacks. What is clear is that Nepal faces significant challenges in balancing its conservation success with the safety of its people and the well-being of its wildlife.