Nepal’s first translocated tiger killed by poachers

The wild tiger making its way into the forest after it was released at Bardia National Park, Nepal. Photo Credit: WWF Nepal / Min Bajracharya

June 2011. Namo Buddha, the only tiger fitted with a Global Position System (GPS)-enabled satellite collar in Nepal, has been killed in Bardia National Park.

The Nepal Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) confirmed the death of Namo Buddha - the Nepal's first translocated tiger - after the discovery of the animal's hair in a dismembered cow carcass alongside the dismembered remains of GPS equipment strewn around the site of the tiger's last known whereabouts.

Poisoned bait
Investigations have revealed that the cow carcass was poisoned and Namo Buddha died after consuming the poison-laced flesh. Police have arrested three persons in suspicion of involvement in killing the tiger and investigations into the incident are ongoing.

WWF Nepal is saddened by this unfortunate incident and condemns such acts. Commenting on the incident, Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, stated that Namo Buddha represented a unique win in conservation - in being the first wild tiger to be translocated to help increase Nepal's wild tiger population, and the first wild tiger to be fitted with a GPS-enabled satellite collar in Nepal to help conservationists get a better idea of tiger ecology and improve conservation interventions like anti-poaching operations.

"Namo Buddha's unfortunate end underscores the fact that efforts to protect Nepal's tigers face serious challenges and now need to be further strengthened and consolidated," said Mr. Anil Manandhar, WWF Nepal's Country Representative.

GPS collar led to arrests
"While many may now question the inherent use of the GPS collar, it must be mentioned that it was because of the collar that officials were informed almost immediately of the incident and could nab three persons whose involvement was suspected. Hence, while this incident is a turnaround to our conservation plans, it is in no way a deterrent to keep investing in people, science and technology to help protect wild tigers," he added.