Wild tiger population more than triples in Nepal, highlighting critical work of coexistence
Latest estimate of 429 tigers reflects decades of collaboration
© Shutterstock / PACO COMO / WWF-Int
A new wild tiger population estimate—now 429 tigers up from 121 tigers in 2010—follows decades of sustained, collaborative conservation efforts. Announced by the government of Nepal today, it represents one of the world’s most significant endangered species recoveries.
The new estimate is the result of a holistic approach to conservation that places local communities at the center. Long-term tiger recovery is only possible with healthy coexistence between people and wildlife.
"As we recognize this milestone, we acknowledge both the challenges and the opportunities in ensuring people and wildlife can thrive together. By investing in effective coexistence programs, Nepal can continue to offer a powerful model for other tiger range countries.”- Dr. Ghana Gurung, Country Director WWF-Nepal
© WWF Nepal / Muna Thapa
Why human-tiger coexistence matters
As tiger conservation progresses there’s a sustained focus on a long-standing dynamic: how people and tigers coexist. This is not a new challenge, but one that is intensifying as wild tigers face shrinking and fragmented habitats that increasingly overlap with people. Long-term tiger conservation work depends on the people who live alongside these animals every day. Across tiger landscapes, WWF works in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and other partners to demonstrate that coexistence is possible through approaches that strengthen local economies and ensure communities benefit from conservation success.
In Nepal, here are just a few ways WWF and partners have been supporting and investing in coexistence:
- Predator-proof enclosures and early-warning systems protect the livelihoods of more than 5,000 households and have delivered more than one million wildlife alerts.
- Homestays and eco-tourism initiatives provide sources of income that demonstrate the benefits of conservation to local communities.
- Community outreach and guidance help people reduce risks and respond safely when tigers are nearby.
- Livestock Insurance schemes help families recover from livestock losses due to tigers, making coexistence more practical and sustainable.
© DoFSC/Nepal
WWF Nepal continues to emphasize the importance of scaling effective, locally relevant coexistence approaches across tiger landscapes in the country.
"Nepal's progress reflects years of dedication from local communities, government, conservation partners, and many others working toward a shared goal. It's encouraging to see how sustained commitment can create a future where people and tigers thrive together." — Dechen Dorji, VP of Asia Wildlife
To help share best practices and lessons learned, WWF launched Coexisting with Tigers: Tools and approaches for managing human–tiger interactions, a global report outlining practical, proven solutions that can be adapted across landscapes.
What's next
WWF is urging governments, donors and partners to:
- Scale up investment in coexistence and community-led conservation
- Expand social-science based approaches to manage human–wildlife interactions
- Strengthen partnerships that deliver long-term benefits for communities living alongside tigers
The recovery of tiger populations is a remarkable conservation success story. But lasting success won’t be measured just by the numbers of tigers, it will also be measured by how well people and tigers continue to share the landscapes they call home.
How you can help
© Andy Rouse/naturepl.com/WWF
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