Global Tiger Day is observed every year on July 29 with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of tiger conservation. The day was established following a declaration made at the International Tiger Forum held in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010. That event marked the first global summit focused on tiger conservation.
In Nepal, the Ministry of Forests and Environment organizes various programs to mark this day. According to the latest national tiger census conducted in 2022, the tiger population in Nepal has reached 355. While this is a significant achievement that exceeds earlier targets, it has also brought about a range of challenges related to management, human-tiger conflict, and habitat preservation.
Local people living in buffer zones are at risk of tiger attacks while collecting firewood, fodder, or grazing livestock. Additionally, tigers are sometimes killed due to poaching, retaliation from local communities, or accidents while crossing large infrastructure projects. These challenges highlight the need for continued efforts in tiger conservation and human-wildlife coexistence.
