Big cat population of Bhutan bounces back by 27 percent on Global Tiger Day

The number of tigers in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan has increased by 27 percent, a new report released to coincide with Global Tiger Day has revealed. The National Tiger Survey Report 2021-2022 covered 85 per cent of the country (32,800 km2) and tigers were photographed at over 15 percent of the 1,201 camera trap locations, including for the first time in two forest divisions (Dagana and Pemagatshel). In total, the numbers increased from 103 to 131. Bhutan has the world record for tiger sightings at the highest elevations, in excess of 4,400 metres, and the research confirms that tigers are breeding at various altitudes. Major interventions in the last 10 years intended to boost the wild tiger population in the area, ranging from increased law enforcement, community-based tiger conservation programmes, habitat improvement and human-wildlife conflict management interventions, appear to be paying off. However, the survey warns the threat of poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict remains, with ongoing efforts needed to protect tigers and their habitats for future generations.