Chayan Kumar Chaudhary’s Jungle Sneak‑Peek
Chayan Kumar Chaudhary, a 25‑year‑old scout in Bardia National Park, spent hours scrolling through photos snapped by hidden cameras in the Nepali jungle. He was on the lookout for his favourite feline celebrity – affectionately dubbed the “selfie tiger” – hoping it’d saunter into frame again.
The Big‑Cat Boom
- Over the last decade, Nepal’s tiger population has nearly doubled from 121 (2009) to 235 adult tigers (2023).
- Scientists used more than 3,200 camera traps, each paired with a sensor that triggered a capture when motion or temperature changed.
- The census, launched in November 2017, yielded over 4,000 images by March 2018.
Local Heroes on the Frontline
Chayan and field workers – many riding on elephants to reach dense jungle spots – made the hard work of monitoring possible. “It was very exciting when we checked the memory cards and found photos of tigers,” he told AFP. “It felt like we’re part of something big.”
How the Cameras Work
The traps sit inconspicuously among the undergrowth, waiting for a chill or a step to set off the shutter. The result? Snaps of lone tigers, mothers with their playful cubs, and hunting scenes. One of the most beloved shots is of the “selfie tiger” preening for the lens.
From Fear to Guardianship
Conservationists credit Nepal’s success to a clever strategy: turning tiger‑hunters into tiger‑protectors. Poachers once chased tigers for huge bounties, but now they’re watched by local volunteers who patrol the national parks, sniff out traps, and alert authorities.
- Up to 15 years in jail and heavy fines punish poaching.
- Police recently nabbed a poacher on the run for five years, caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos of bones allegedly destined for China.
- In 2010, Nepal and 12 other tiger‑rich countries signed an agreement to double tiger numbers by 2022, with Nepal aiming to be the first to hit the mark.
Why the Numbers Matter (And the Risks)
More tigers mean more tourists, boosting local economies. But they also attract poachers. Unlike rhinos, a tiger’s body leaves no record after death, making detection harder. “It’s now more important than ever to stay vigilant,” says park warden Ashok Bhandari.
Takeaway
Thanks to community vigilance, scientific innovation, and a national commitment to stewardship, Nepal’s big cats are thriving. And while the “selfie tiger” flaunts its stripes on camera, the real star is the collective effort to protect these majestic creatures for future generations.