Tiger Monitoring Season 2025–26 Has Begun

11.11.25 08:36 PM - By NTT Admin
Figure 1: 2025-26 MPD2 Pothi with 2nd Litter Cub

On October 19, 2025, Nepal Tiger Trust officially started the 2025–26 long-term tiger monitoring season in the western buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Using camera traps, our team continues its mission to understand tiger population structure, movement, behavior, and dispersal patterns in human-dominated landscapes—knowledge that is vital for developing strategies to minimize human–tiger conflict.

Why the Western Buffer Zone?

Since the 2018–19 season, our focus has shifted to the western buffer zone, where reports of increased tiger conflict have made monitoring especially important. By consistently surveying the same area year after year, we can track changes in tiger residency, dispersal, and interactions with local communities.

Figure 2: NTT Senior Technician Baburam Mahato Setting Camera Trap with Park Game Scout

This Season’s Kickoff

Camera trapping began in the Meghauli Block, with nine sites, each equipped with two cameras. Already, we are thrilled to report photographs of: 

  • Resident female MPD2 “Pothi”, photographed with her second litter of cubs

    • This early confirmations give us hope for another season rich in insights into tiger family dynamics and territory use.

    Figure 3: NTT Raju Kumal Setting Camera Traps with Park Staff

    Looking Back: 2024–25 Highlights

    Last season provided a wealth of data:
    • 71 camera locations
    • 1,535 trap nights
    • 29 individual tigers photographed, including 3 females with cubs (report)
    These findings strengthened our understanding of tiger residency and reproduction in the buffer zone, while also underscoring the importance of continued monitoring.
    Figure 4: Pugmarks are Recorded Wherever Possible

    Looking Ahead

    As the new season unfolds, we are eager to capture more images that will help determine residency status and track dispersal patterns. Each photograph adds a piece to the puzzle of coexistence—helping us protect tigers while supporting the communities who share their landscape.

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    NTT Admin

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