KANCHANPUR: Preparations have been completed for the upcoming tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur district.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has begun a nationwide tiger census, and Shuklaphanta is included in the effort. The park office has stated that three “complexes” have been formed for the census, covering five national parks and surrounding areas.
Although the tiger census is currently underway in the Chitwan-Parsa Complex as well as Bardiya and Banke National Parks, Shuklaphanta, which falls under the third complex, will begin its census after the completion of the first two complexes, said Purushottam Wagle, information officer of the park.
“For this purpose, the park office has prepared its manpower and completed all necessary arrangements,” he said. “The Department has also conducted training. The census here will begin once the first and second complexes are completed and the cameras arrive.”
Recent monitoring indicates that the number of tigers in Shuklaphanta National Park is increasing. According to the national census conducted in 2022, the park had 36 tigers. However, internal monitoring this year shows 43 tigers.
“The park office monitors tigers every year,” said Wagle. “Although Shuklaphanta covers a relatively small area, the density of prey species is sufficient, which has contributed to the increase in tiger numbers.” He added that the density of prey species in the park is 146 per square kilometer.
Shuklaphanta National Park, renowned for its wildlife and rare plant species, spans an area of 305 square kilometers.
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