In 10 years, the tiger population has tripled in Nepal. A significant success in terms of wildlife preservation, but which poses problems in terms of cohabitation. Tiger attacks have increased in the territory, prompting the Nepalese Prime Minister to propose radical measures.
It is a paradox that agitates Nepal. In just a few years, the country has become a model for tiger conservation. In ten years, the population of these felines has tripled, going from 121 in 2009 to 355 today. A success hailed internationally, but criticized in certain rural areas where tiger attacks are worrying.
In response, the Nepalese Prime Minister suggested offering some of these felines to allied countries, such as India or China, to ease the pressure. He also wants to reduce forest cover from 47 to 30% to limit the risks for residents.
Strong reactions from environmentalists
These proposals have provoked environmental defenders, who believe that it is not the overpopulation of tigers that is to blame, but rather the destruction of their natural habitat. They are opposed to the reduction of forests, which could make the situation worse.
They encourage Nepal to draw inspiration from examples of successful cohabitation, such as in India, where buffer zones and awareness campaigns have helped limit attacks, or in South Africa, where ecological corridors have eased tensions between wildlife and local communities.
Zoé Decker/hkr
World
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