Nepal Begins New Tiger Prey Survey Across Chitwan-Parsa Landscape
A new prey species survey has started in Chitwan and Parsa national parks to measure how much food is available for Nepal's growing tiger population.
Nepal has started a fresh survey of tiger prey species in the Chitwan National Park and Parsa National Park landscape, a move that could shape the next phase of big-cat conservation in one of South Asia's most important tiger habitats.
According to park officials, the study began on May 14 and spans the area from Triveni in Nawalparasi to Rautahat, using 400 designated transits to count the animals that form the backbone of the tiger food chain.
The survey is focused on key prey species including spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and gaur. These species are central to understanding whether the parks can continue supporting a healthy tiger population as conservation efforts expand.
Why prey counts matter
For tigers, prey availability is just as important as forest protection. Research in the Chitwan-Parsa complex has already shown that tiger occupancy is positively influenced by prey abundance, meaning more prey generally supports more tigers.
Earlier studies in the landscape also estimated substantial ungulate density and a prey base capable of supporting a large tiger population, underscoring why regular monitoring is essential for long-term management.
A landscape with rising tiger numbers
The Chitwan-Parsa region has become a major success story in tiger recovery. Recent research reported tiger numbers of 128 in Chitwan and 41 in Parsa, reflecting the growing importance of the landscape as a source site for the species.
That recovery also makes prey monitoring more urgent. As tiger populations rise, conservation teams need up-to-date data on whether the ecosystem is producing enough food to sustain them without increasing pressure on surrounding habitats.
What the survey will help decide
The findings are expected to guide future wildlife management decisions in the parks, including habitat planning, prey protection, and anti-poaching strategy. If prey numbers are strong, that strengthens the case for continued tiger recovery. If they are weak in key zones, managers may need targeted interventions to protect the balance of the ecosystem.
In a landscape where the health of deer, boar, and gaur can influence the fate of tigers, this survey is more than a routine count. It is a snapshot of the ecological engine that keeps Nepal's tiger corridor alive.