Since 2018, 215 undergraduate students from Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL) have participated in a field course at the Nepal Tiger Trust (NTT) Meghauli field site. Each year, an average of 35 students visits the field site for 7-10 days. During their time there, they learn about the structure and management of the national park, buffer zone and eco-tourism. Additionally, they develop skills in estimating tiger prey abundance, understanding tiger population size, and identifying wildlife signs, common birds and plants.
Field studies provide valuable first-hand experiences that encourage critical thinking, foster an appreciation for nature, and ignite scientific curiosity. In 2018, the NTT and KAFCOL signed a Memorandum of Understanding for collaborative research and training activities. Since then, 28-41 undergraduate students by 2 instructors visit Meghauli annually for field studies.
Upon arrival at Meghauli, the students and professors are accommodated at Tharu Community Home Stay. The group is divided into 8 homes, with 3-9 people in each home. Accommodation and meals are provided by their respective host families.
The field study is an integral part of the ‘Wildlife and Protected Area Management’ course offered by KAFCOL. During their stay, students receive an introduction to the park and its management from Chitwan National Park staff and Nepali Army officer. Additionally, the buffer zone user committee chair, eco-tourism lodge manager and NTT representatives share insights into their organization’s activities.
Students engage in various wildlife data collection techniques, including pellet count, bird circular count, camera trapping, and identification of wildlife signs, birds, and plants. Their performance is evaluated based on presentations and individual assessments by field instructors.
In 2024, the KAFCOL student group visited the NTT site from April 3 to 11.