Numbers, Distribution and Facts Limiting the Abundance of Tigers (Panthera tigris) in the Bardia National Park Extension Area

Abstract

The Bardia National Park (BNP) is inhabited by the second largest ­population of tigers in Nepal. To provide enough space, a good dispersal range and to offer migratory routes for them, the Bardia National Park Extension Area (BNP-EA) was created. The numbers, distribution and facts limiting the abundance of tigers in this area between October 1999, September 2000 and January 2005 were investigated using pugmarks and track survey. During this study, I recorded only two adult tigers with two cubs. The male tiger was identified by its pugmarks, whereas the female was identified by other signs (e.g., killings with pugmarks). Of fifteen pugmarks, only six were used for tracking and calculation. The male’s pugmarks were found in an area stretching from Khairi Khola to Khairibhatti Khola, while those of the female tiger were found in an area from Katauti Khola to Jhanjhari Khola. Human population growth combined with the poverty of the people and their little concern for conservation were identified as the major threats to tigers. In ­addition, human-tiger conflicts constrained the increase in numbers of tigers. The BNP-EA is an excellent habitat for tigers, as it forms a link between the western and eastern Tarai ecosystems. However, there are very few tigers in the BNP-EA. Hence, for the long-term survival of tigers in the BNP-EA, conservation measures need to be implemented at the landscape level.