There are many places in Nepal to which I feel a strong bond. Bardia National Park is a tiger landscape I have a strong affection for, going back many years now. The Bardia/Banke region is fast becoming one of the most important regions on the planet for the future of the tiger. The area is now an ideal base for me as I understand the issues surrounding the leopard and the coexistence of that animal with us humans and other species such as the tigers here along with the snow leopards up in the Himalayas in other regions north of the park.
Those who have been following this blog will have an idea how living among wild animals impacts communities and Bardia with ongoing issues with elephants and leopards is a perfect example. The tigers here are generally well behaved, there is a fantastic prey base and vigilant anti-poaching, these are two of the factors that has seen the tiger population increase. However, the rise in tiger numbers means fresh challenges in coexistence with people as well as other animals, this is the future.
Bardia is a beautiful place and as we come into the oven like pre monsoon months I'll bring more news of happenings here as well as further news on the challenges of human-leopard coexistence higher up in the hills. There are sometimes not enough hours in the day and now the extra challenge of yet another leopard rehab, little Dipnani, adds to the load. But every effort is worth it, the world has to do its best to keep protecting places like this because without them we are nothing...
