Ensuring tiger protection beyond protected areas of Bhutan (phase II, 2022-2024) 

The project aims to replicate and build on the success of the earlier project ensuring tiger protection beyond protected areas in Bhutan. The project aims to secure tiger conservation in Paro, which is the biological corridor between the Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve.  

The upscaling of the project will focus on a community-based approach, in addition to continuing adaptive SMART (spatial monitoring and reporting tool) patrol and strengthening capacity of frontline rangers. Citizen science approaches are critical program, which enables active participation and involvement in conservation, while securing their livelihoods.   

Tiger population in Bhutan has been increasing, however it continues to face several threats. Poaching and illegal activity persist where existing surveillance trends are occasionally ineffective. The expansion of human settlements is also narrowing the tiger’s habitat. Often human-tiger conflicts happen with the trend increasing in central Bhutan. Despite multiple awareness, local communities are apprehensive toward conservation approaches which can lead to ineffective conservation of the species.