Nepal's Wildlife Conservation Efforts Yield Positive Results Amidst Emerging Challenges

Nepal's commitment to wildlife conservation has led to significant strides in protecting its endangered species, particularly the Bengal tiger, greater one-horned rhinoceros, and Asian elephant. Initiatives like the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) project have been instrumental in restoring habitats and fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife. However, as conservation successes mount, new challenges such as infrastructure development and human-wildlife conflict have emerged, necessitating adaptive strategies to ensure sustainable coexistence.​

The Terai Arc Landscape initiative, launched in 2001, encompasses 2.47 million hectares across Nepal and India, aiming to restore and connect fragmented habitats. Through reforestation efforts, approximately 65,000 hectares of degraded land have been revitalized, benefiting both wildlife and local communities. This initiative has been recognized as a United Nations World Restoration Flagship, highlighting its success in ecosystem restoration and community engagement. ​

One of the notable successes of the TAL project is the resurgence of the Bengal tiger population, which has tripled from 121 individuals in 2009 to 355 in 2022. This increase underscores the effectiveness of habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures. Similarly, the greater one-horned rhinoceros population has grown from around 100 in 1965 to 752 in 2021, thanks to concerted conservation efforts. ​

Despite these achievements, the rapid growth of infrastructure, such as roads and highways, poses new threats to wildlife corridors. The construction of the Postal Highway, spanning over 1,700 kilometers, intersects critical habitats of apex predators like tigers and Asiatic wild dogs. Studies indicate that such developments can fragment ecosystems and increase human-wildlife conflicts, challenging the progress made in conservation. ​

Human-wildlife conflict remains a pressing issue, particularly in areas where wildlife habitats overlap with agricultural lands. Incidents of crop raiding by elephants and livestock predation by tigers have been reported, leading to retaliatory killings and strained relations between communities and conservation authorities. Addressing these conflicts requires implementing mitigation strategies, such as community-based monitoring and the establishment of buffer zones, to minimize negative interactions.​

Conclusion:

Nepal's wildlife conservation initiatives have yielded commendable results, with significant increases in the populations of key endangered species. However, the emerging challenges posed by infrastructure development and human-wildlife conflict necessitate a balanced approach that integrates conservation goals with sustainable development practices. Continued collaboration between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities is essential to ensure that Nepal's rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations