A group of British tourists visiting Chitwan National Park on Monday had the rare opportunity to spot a tiger in its natural habitat, adding excitement to their safari experience. The sightings follow a similar encounter last week when tourists from the Netherlands expressed delight upon seeing a tiger during their visit.
Park officials and safari guides note that tiger sightings have become more frequent recently, both for tourists and staff. According to them, the increase in wildlife activity is largely due to the reopening of the park after long closures, which has allowed jeep safaris to resume and animals to move freely in their habitats.
Tourist Reactions and Safari Experiences
Prakash Neupane, General Manager of Banbas Resort in Sauraha, stated that tourists returning from jeep safaris are thrilled after spotting tigers, often accompanied by other wildlife such as the rare one-horned rhinoceros. He said, “Tourists get extremely excited and often share positive feedback when they see tigers and rhinos during their safari.”
On Monday, a British couple near Bhimle Post spotted a tiger and expressed their excitement with tips to their guide, Saroj Chaudhary. Chaudhary remarked, “Both domestic and international tourists become very happy when they spot a tiger. Increased wildlife sightings encourage more visitors to the park.”
Wildlife Experts Note Positive Trends
Dr. Ganesh Pant, Chief Conservation Officer of Chitwan National Park, confirmed that tourists and staff are observing more tigers and other wildlife recently. He explained that as vegetation dries and open areas expand, animals are easier to spot. Dr. Pant added that continued monitoring and habitat management have contributed to the rise in tiger and prey species populations.
This year, tiger census operations are underway in Chitwan National Park. The latest counts indicate 128 adult tigers, showing a steady increase over previous years. Experts attribute this growth to the abundance of prey species, which supports a thriving tiger population in the park.
Boost for Tourism and Conservation Awareness
Increased wildlife sightings not only delight tourists but also raise awareness about conservation efforts in Nepal. Safari operators report that seeing tigers and rhinos encourages eco-tourism and community participation in protecting endangered species.
“The more tourists witness wildlife, the more they value the park’s conservation efforts,” Neupane said. Visitors are now increasingly opting for jeep safaris, guided tours, and eco-friendly stays to experience Chitwan’s rich biodiversity firsthand.
