Nepal’s journey in conservation has been filled with remarkable accomplishments. In recent years, the combined efforts have led to the doubled tiger populations and revived the number of the iconic one- horned rhinoceros. However, these successes are under threat from remaining challenges such as habitat loss, escalating huma-wildlife conflicts and always present danger of illegal wildlife trade.
A Tale of Two Achievements
In Chitwan National Park, the once endangered rhino now roams in population of 600 from 100 in the 1960s. This achievement has been praised by the conservationists. It is the evidence decade of dedicated efforts. However, the park’s major habitats often border against fertile farmlands. Due to this, it has created tension between wildlife conservation and agricultural activities. Farmers also faced repeated encounters with wildlife. It raises concerns about safety and economics.
Similarly, the tiger population in Bardiya and Banke also have seen good recovery. Nepal doubled its wild tiger population from 121 in 2010 A.D. to 235 today. Nepal is closer to its TX2 goal of doubling the tigers globally by 2022. But the future is clouded by declining corridors, which are essential for migration and genetic diversity. The development of infrastructure projects is essential for national development but gradually it is encroaching on these crucial wildlife pathways, as a result it is isolating the tiger population and increasing the risk of inbreeding.
“Nepal’s success lies in its integrated approach: militarized park patrols, grassroots engagement, and transboundary collaboration,” says Dr. Ghana Gurung, a conversation director at WWF Nepal. “But complacency is not an option.”
The Conservation Challenge
A central question arises: Can Nepal balance its conservation targets with the demands of human development? Famous NGOs have recently called for re-examination of the policies that unconsciously undermine species recovery. Critics argued that certain legislative measures are designed to boost economic progress. It is in direct conflict with the conservation of biodiversity efforts. These voices stress that short-term development can give economic benefits but they also break critical habitats and accelerate illegal wildlife trade.
In Chitwan, nearly 40% of rhino habitats border near agricultural lands. Which results in frequent clashes. Last year only there were over 50 incidents of destruction of crops by rhino and human injuries were reported. Which has resulted in fueling bitterness among local communities.
Ram Bahadur, a farmer in Chitwan, recounts the toll: “Rhinos destroyed my maize crop twice this year. We value these animals, but our survival matters too.”
Meanwhile, there are critical wildlife corridors which connect Bardia and Banke National Park. The lifeline for the dispersing tigers is shrinking day by day due to the development of highways, railways, and irrigation systems. A study conducted in 2023 by Nepal’s National Trust for Nature Conservation noted that there have been approximately 30% reduction in functional tiger corridor since 2015. As a result, it is isolating populations and raising the risk of inbreeding.
“Infrastructure development is vital, but not at the cost of biodiversity,” argues conservationist Kumar Paudel of Greenhood Nepal. “We’re fragmenting ecosystems that took decades to restore.”
“Achieving balance between species recovery and human progress is one of our generation’s most complect challenges,” noted senior conservationist involved in several high-profile recovery projects. “Our polices must be adaptive, making sure that the developmental footprint does not eclipse our rich natural heritage.”
Balance For Future
Policy debate will continue as stakeholders from government officials and local communities to international conservation groups search for collaborative solutions. Proposals are under discussion including the establishment of wildlife-friendly infrastructure design, incentivizing local communities to participate in conservation efforts and strengthening transboundary cooperation to safeguard the migratory routes
A new law, National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Act 2024, has been criticized. The law has eased the restrictions on road construction and mining near the protected areas. Over 50 conservation groups recently petitioned the government to revoke the law. It has been given the name of “death warrant” for already fragile ecosystems.
Illegal wildlife trade remains another big threat. The rhino poaching has declined with only two cases reported in 2023. Experts note that the demand for tiger parts and rhino horns in black markets in foreign still persists. “Trafficking networks are adapting to using latest technology such as encrypted apps and drone technology”, says a senior official at Nepal’s department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, speaking anonymously.
The dynamic relationship between success and challenges serves as a microcosm of global conservation debates. Nepal’s journey emphasizes that significant recovery can be achieved but long-term sustainability demands vigilant policy.
As the nation navigates these complexities, the ultimate measures of success will lie in its ability to create resilient ecosystems that accommodate both wildlife and human aspirations.
Sources: Wanderlust Magazine, The Nepal Weekly, Mongabay
