Kathmandu, October 6
The government has begun the process of establishing a “tiger sanctuary” (tiger conservation) centre to resolve the human-tiger conflict that has grown along with the rise in the tiger population.
The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US-based organisation The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS).
The agreement was signed by NTNC member-secretary Dr Chiranjibi Prasad Pokharel on behalf of the trust and TWAS executive director Pat Craig.
With Nepal’s tiger population more than doubling, tigers have been entering human settlements and causing human casualties. After “conflict tigers” are taken from their natural habitat, they are currently kept in various cramped cages.
The Ministry of Agriculture said it has advanced international partnerships under the plan, since a separate sanctuary for long-term care, modern housing and scientific management has become essential.
Under the agreement, a modern tiger sanctuary with an open, natural-environment-friendly design will be built on at least 50 hectares in Nepal. Using its more than 46 years of experience and expertise, TWAS will raise the financial and technical resources needed for the sanctuary’s physical infrastructure, natural habitat design, veterinary hospital and enclosure.
The land will remain owned by the Government of Nepal or the NTNC. The agreement says the sanctuary will be developed not only as a lifelong safe habitat for problem tigers but also as a centre for public awareness and conservation education.
Tigers inside the sanctuary may not be used for any commercial entertainment, photo sessions, games or breeding purposes. The project is expected to reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensure the conservation of the endangered Bengal tiger.
