The tiger census in Bardiya National Park will begin from December 20 this year, authorities said, with preparations currently underway.

Ajit Tumbahamphe, head of the Bardiya Conservation Programme under the National Trust for Nature Conservation, said around 450 cameras are needed for the survey in the park and surrounding areas.

So far, 145 cameras have arrived from Kathmandu, with the rest expected soon. Previous camera stock will also be used. The census will employ camera-trapping technology.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said that the tiger census will be conducted across Chitwan, Parsa, Banke, Bardiya, Shuklaphanta National Parks, and Laljhadi Complex. Bardiya conducts the census every four years.

A joint technical team from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, World Wildlife Fund and National Trust for Nature Conservation will support the camera-trapping survey. The census will also cover the Khata Biological Corridor and the surrounding areas.

Technical teams will receive training in a few days, and the census will continue until January 5. Over 100 experts and staff from the park, WWF, and National Trust for Nature Conservation will participate.

Five blocks have been created for the survey—one in Dang and two each in Banke and Bardiya. During the census, three elephant teams and 49 personnel, including Nepali Army and park security staff, will be deployed, Senior Assistant Conservation Officer Sarojmani Paudel said.

The tiger census in Bardiya was conducted in 2018, recording 87 tigers. In 2013, the count was 50, and four years ago, it reached 125. Park staff expect the tiger population to rise again this year.