Tagged Bengal Tiger Killed in Nepal National Park

WWF charity officials have regretfully confirmed the death of Namo Buddha – Nepal’s first GPS tagged tiger. An enquiry is now being undertaken by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), who believe that poison laced cow flesh was to blame, poisoned by poachers. Close to the last known whereabouts of Namo lay the charred remains of GPS system used to track the tigers movements, alongside the dismembered cow carcass.

WWF Nepal’s Country Representative, Mr. Anil Manandhar, said –

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. 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.

Police have arrested three persons in suspicion of involvement in the poaching and death of the tiger, who’s skin and teeth have either already been sold, or available on the black market. WWF officials in Nepal are saddened by this terrible act of inhumanity. Namo Buddha was the first ever wild tiger to be fitted with a GPS collar in Nepal, and gave conservationists a better idea of how to improve conservation interventions. Once again human hands cause the death of one of the world’s most beautiful animals.