Bardiya National Park has stepped up security patrols targeting potential poaching during the festive season.

According to Saroj Mani Paudel, information officer and senior assistant conservation officer at the park, joint teams of Nepali Army personnel and park staff have launched operations in areas deemed vulnerable to poaching.

“Poachers often exploit festivals to carry out illegal hunting,” Paudel said. “This year, due to strict security arrangements and mobilisation of the army, park officials, conservationists, and youth, no poaching incidents have been recorded so far.”

Last fiscal year, poachers killed three spotted deer. Two decades ago, the park gained notoriety for the poaching of rhinos and other wildlife.