Nepal’s Tiger population rises to 429, Latest national census shows

Kathmandu- Nepal’s tiger population has increased to 429, according to the latest national tiger census released on Tuesday to mark World Tiger Day.

The results were unveiled by Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary. The previous national census, published in 2022, recorded 355 tigers, reflecting a significant increase over the past four years.

The latest survey found the highest number of tigers in and around Chitwan National Park, which is home to 145 Bengal tigers. Bardiya National Park and its surrounding forests recorded 112 tigers, followed by Parsa National Park with 71, Banke National Park with 51, and Shuklaphanta National Park and nearby forests with 50 tigers.

Nepal conducts a national tiger census every four years. According to Dr. Buddhisagar Poudel, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the country’s tiger population has shown steady growth over the years, increasing from 121 in 2010 to 198 in 2014, 235 in 2018, 355 in 2022, and 429 in 2026.

Globally, the tiger population has also rebounded, rising from approximately 3,200 in 2010 to 5,357 in 2025. Following the commitment made at the 2010 Tiger Summit in Russia to double the global tiger population by 2022, Nepal has emerged as a global conservation success story through its sustained efforts in tiger protection and habitat conservation.