BARDIYA: The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has conducted an orientation and training programme for the National Tiger Survey 2025/2026 in the Bardiya–Banke Complex, marking a key preparatory step for Nepal’s next nationwide tiger census.

The two-day programme was held on December 24 and 25 at the NTNC Bardiya Hall. A total of 68 participants were mobilised under Block 1 to support the deployment of camera traps for tiger monitoring and occupancy surveys in the landscape.

According to NTNC, the training focused on survey objectives, standardised field methodologies, roles and responsibilities of survey teams, and coordination mechanisms required for effective implementation in the field.

Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing participants, he emphasised the importance of scientific data in guiding conservation policies and reiterated the government’s commitment to long-term tiger conservation in Nepal.

NTNC said the orientation is a crucial step toward ensuring credible, evidence-based data collection for the national survey, which plays a central role in monitoring tiger populations and safeguarding critical habitats.

Nepal is internationally recognised for its success in tiger conservation, having previously achieved its target of doubling the tiger population ahead of global deadlines.