Camera traps confirm three Bengal tigers in the two hilly districts, beyond their usual range in the Tarai.

Archaeological evidence confirms Tilaurakot’s urban sophistication dating back to the eighth century, yet poor connectivity and weak policy links with Lumbini leave the historic district struggling with poverty.

In this neglected and impoverished Tharu settlement in Kaplivastu, people must make long treks for even basic services like schools, healthcare and markets.

Conservationists say parties prioritise vote-winning projects and ignore the long-term benefits of conserving biodiversity.

Ravina Khan, once a frontline combatant, now campaigns door-to-door on a shoestring budget, seeking to represent the poor and marginalised after being sidelined by her party.

Conservationists warn the deaths threaten scavenger birds that play a vital role in keeping the environment clean.

Organisers said the two-day conference will bring together Buddhist scholars, monks, nuns, gurus and religious leaders from more than 40 countries.

A nationwide census conducted last month shows populations have dropped in major wetlands. Experts cite habitat loss and human threats.

During last elections, ‘midi bhai’ from Jhugagaun in Kapilvastu went viral after wearing a police uniform and jokingly telling his friends not to fear the law.

140,969 foreigners visited the area in 2025, up 26 percent compared to 2024. But tourism entrepreneurs say Lumbini has gained little economically.

The annual count helps track population trends, distribution and emerging risks to water birds while engaging local communities in conservation.

Nuns from 13 countries walk 300km-trail from Tilaurakot to Vaishali.

Aim is not only to count big cats but also to understand habitat quality, prey availability and human pressures, official says.

A Bird Conservation Nepal team led by Ankit Bilas Joshi and Kiran Gosai observed a crane pair with a chick in Limi Valley.

Six young cranes in Rupandehi and Kapilvastu were fitted with GPS tags to track their movement, migration and breeding behaviour.