As the world observes Global Tiger Day, Bhutan emerges as a beacon of successful tiger conservation. The Himalayan kingdom has recently recorded a remarkable 27% increase in its tiger population over the past six years, bringing the total count to an impressive 131 tigers. This growth not only underscores Bhutan’s effective conservation strategies but also highlights its role in the broader regional effort to protect and preserve these majestic big cats.

Recent reports reveal that Bhutan’s tiger population is not only growing but also demonstrating remarkable long-distance movements. This newfound mobility includes tigers traversing international borders, a testament to the country’s well-integrated network of protected areas and functional biological corridors. These corridors, crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and population health, are instrumental in linking Bhutan’s tigers with those in neighboring regions, including northeastern India.

One of the most compelling stories emerging from Bhutan’s conservation success is that of a tiger previously documented in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) during the 2021-2022 survey. This tiger embarked on an extraordinary journey, crossing hundreds of kilometers and several rivers, including traveling into India’s Sikkim state before returning to Bhutan’s Samtse district in April of 2024. This long-distance movement not only illustrates Bhutan’s role as a critical habitat for tigers but also highlights the country’s success in breeding and maintaining a healthy tiger population.

The significance of these movements extends beyond Bhutan’s borders. The connectivity facilitated by Bhutan’s biological corridors plays a pivotal role in linking tiger populations across the Terai Arc Landscape in India with those in the eastern Himalayas. This connectivity is vital for ensuring genetic diversity and preventing inbreeding, which is essential for the long-term survival of tiger populations. By serving as a conduit for tigers moving between these areas, Bhutan contributes significantly to the health and sustainability of the broader regional tiger metapopulation.

In addition to the impressive journey of the tiger from JSWNP, Bhutan has witnessed other notable instances of tiger expansion. Two tiger siblings from Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) have embarked on extraordinary eastward journeys. One sibling has established itself in Mongar, while the other has reached Trashigang. These sightings represent the first confirmed presence of tigers in these areas in years and mark a significant expansion of Bhutan’s tiger range.

The movement of these tigers into previously unoccupied regions is a promising development for conservationists. It indicates not only the successful dispersal of tigers to new habitats but also the effectiveness of Bhutan’s network of protected areas in facilitating such movements. By providing safe passage through biological corridors, Bhutan ensures that tigers can explore new territories, establish new populations, and maintain genetic diversity within the larger metapopulation.

Bhutan’s success in tiger conservation is a result of a multifaceted approach that includes the protection of critical habitats, the establishment of biological corridors, and effective management of protected areas. The kingdom’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage is reflected in its conservation policies and practices, which prioritize the well-being of both wildlife and ecosystems.

The establishment of protected areas like Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Royal Manas National Park plays a crucial role in safeguarding tigers and their habitats. These areas provide essential resources for tigers, including prey and shelter, while also offering safe corridors for movement. Bhutan’s conservation efforts are further supported by community engagement and collaboration with regional partners, ensuring a holistic approach to wildlife protection.

The success of Bhutan’s tiger conservation program serves as an inspiring example for other countries grappling with the challenges of protecting endangered species. By demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-integrated network of protected areas and biological corridors, Bhutan offers valuable lessons in conservation strategy and wildlife management. This achievements highlight the importance of international cooperation and regional collaboration in addressing global conservation challenges.

As Global Tiger Day 2024 unfolds, Bhutan’s achievements in tiger conservation are a cause for celebration and reflection. The country’s impressive increase in tiger numbers, the remarkable long-distance movements of its tigers, and the expansion of their range underscore the effectiveness of its conservation efforts. Bhutan’s success story not only enhances the prospects for the future of tigers in the region but also provides hope for the global conservation community.