October 28, 2025 0 Comments

Nepal Tiger and Rhino Census 2025: Key Updates, Dates, and Population Insights

Nepal is set to conduct its tiger and rhino census starting mid-December 2025, marking a crucial step in wildlife conservation. These censuses provide essential insights into the population trends of Nepal’s iconic species and help shape national conservation strategies.

Tiger Census 2025: Dates and Details

The tiger census will begin in mid-December 2025 and continue for about three months. This survey will cover the major tiger habitats in Nepal, including:

Chitwan National Park
Bardiya National Park
Banke National Park
Parsa National Park
Shuklaphanta National Park

In the 2022 census, Nepal recorded 335 tigers, with Chitwan hosting 128 and Bardiya 125. The upcoming survey aims to update these numbers and monitor population trends.

Methodology Updates:

Camera trapping duration extended from two to three weeks for better accuracy.
Updated Tiger and Prey Base Monitoring Protocol to enhance monitoring effectiveness.

Rhino Census 2025-26: Scheduled for March

The rhino census is planned for March 2026, focusing on key rhino habitats:

Chitwan National Park
Parsa National Park
Shuklaphanta National Park
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The last rhino census in 2021 estimated 752 rhinos in Nepal, with 694 in Chitwan. This survey will help track population growth and support conservation efforts.

New Techniques for Accuracy:

Molecular technology using dung DNA analysis for safer and more precise counting.
Alternative methods to traditional head-counting to reduce human risk.

Importance of Wildlife Census in Nepal

Regular wildlife censuses are vital for:

Tracking population trends of endangered species
Informing national conservation policies
Supporting eco-tourism initiatives
Engaging local communities in wildlife protection

Nepal’s dedication to tiger and rhino conservation has placed it among global leaders in wildlife preservation, contributing to stable and growing populations of these species.