How Nepal is saving its tigers - BBC World Service Documentaries

Summary

Nepal has witnessed a remarkable recovery of its tiger population, which has more than doubled in the past decade. While this is a major conservation success, it has created a complex and dangerous situation for local communities living near tiger habitats. Human-wildlife conflict has increased, with more tiger attacks on humans, leading to fear and loss. Conservation efforts, led by military units and local leaders, aim to balance the protection of both tigers and the people. The tiger population’s growth is celebrated globally but comes at a high personal cost to those directly impacted by these encounters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tigers in Nepal have made a remarkable recovery, with their numbers more than doubling in the last decade.
• 😀 The protection of tigers and other endangered species is both an honor and a challenging responsibility.
• 😀 Increased tiger populations have led to more human-tiger conflicts, with rising cases of tiger attacks on humans.
• 😀 Local communities, living in close proximity to tiger habitats, face constant fear and risk of tiger attacks.
• 😀 Poaching has significantly decreased in Nepal due to strong enforcement measures, including military patrols.
• 😀 Indigenous leaders like Bhadai Tharu are playing key roles in protecting tiger corridors and ensuring community safety.
• 😀 The implementation of camera traps has been crucial in monitoring and counting tigers for conservation efforts.
• 😀 Nepal's tiger conservation efforts have resulted in a sustainable management system, ensuring a balance between tiger populations and prey density.
• 😀 The human cost of tiger conservation is real, as families suffer from attacks while also being asked to protect these endangered creatures.
• 😀 The government has been providing compensation to victims of tiger attacks, but some families are excluded from financial support due to their location within the park.
• 😀 Despite the risks, some members of the community continue to rely on the national park for their livelihoods, highlighting the complex relationship between people and wildlife.

Q & A

What is the current status of tiger populations in Nepal?

The tiger population in Nepal has more than doubled in the last ten years, marking a remarkable recovery for the species that was once on the brink of extinction.

What challenges arise from the growing tiger population in Nepal?

The growing tiger population has led to increased human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with more frequent tiger attacks on local people. The proximity of humans, tigers, and prey species in shared spaces creates tension and danger.

How has the local community responded to tiger attacks?

The local community lives in fear due to the rising number of tiger attacks. In some instances, the community has protested, demanding more protection from authorities, and tensions have escalated into violence.

What role does Private Pinky Adhikari play in tiger conservation?

Private Pinky Adhikari is stationed at Bardiya National Park, where she works as part of a military unit tasked with protecting endangered species, including tigers. Her job involves patrolling the park to prevent poaching and ensure the safety of both wildlife and local communities.

How do conservationists track tiger populations in Nepal?

Conservationists track tiger populations through a nationwide tiger census, using camera traps placed across national parks. Each tiger's unique stripes allow rangers to identify and count them, helping to monitor the population.

What is the significance of the human-tiger conflict in Nepal?

The human-tiger conflict in Nepal highlights the difficulties in balancing conservation efforts with the safety and livelihood of local communities. While tiger populations are recovering, the attacks on humans underscore the challenges of coexistence in shared environments.

Why do some villagers continue to enter the park despite the risks of tiger attacks?

Villagers like Samjhana continue to enter the park to collect resources such as wood and grass, which are essential for their livelihoods. Despite the risks posed by tigers, these activities are crucial for their survival.

What is the government doing to address the issue of tiger attacks?

The government has put in place compensation for tiger attack victims, but the response has been criticized as inadequate, especially in cases where victims were inside the national park. Authorities are also capturing tigers that kill humans, holding them in captivity to prevent further attacks.

How do indigenous leaders like Bhadai Tharu contribute to tiger conservation?

Bhadai Tharu, an indigenous leader, plays a vital role in educating his community about the importance of protecting both humans and tigers. He patrols community forests and advocates for better coexistence between people and wildlife, despite the risks.

What is the long-term plan for the tiger held in captivity in Nepal?

The tiger held in captivity will undergo monitoring and is set to receive a satellite collar. After further consultations with conservation departments, a decision will be made about the possibility of releasing the tiger back into the wild.