In Nepal, several highways cut through forested areas, and more wildlife sightings have been reported lately. The internet is flooded with animal videos that show tigers, rhinos, and elephants strolling on highways and human settlements. An adult male tiger was killed by a speeding bus in Bardiya National Park on December 21, 2016, the first-ever wildlife roadkill incident that became a national issue. Such incidents repeatedly happened to kill hundreds of tigers till date. In Nepal, especially near the National Parks animal sightings and road kills are likely to happen.
To our surprise, it has been confirmed that the tiger resides in a forest between Bastari and Tintiaap of Tansen Municipality which is very far from any of the National Park and Conservation Areas. The forest is dominated by Sal (Shorea Robusta) that's why local people call it “Salghari ko jungle”. The road cuts the Salghari forest, which is also the main road for people residing in Damkada, Sarai, and Khahare.
“While I was going to my home Damkada from Tansen, I saw a tiger sleeping on the road. I immediately stopped and returned back to Bastari from there”, Kamal Aryal, reported. Similarly, Narayan Prasad Adhikari said, “I saw the tiger crossing the road while I was traveling by bike.” Similarly, Bhagawati Acharya who goes to that forest for collecting firewood and fodders said that she heard a tiger snoring while returning back home.
Though a lot of people have encountered the tiger, no steps have been taken for safety. There is no other option than being safe for the local people that's why we request the local government to investigate this case thoroughly.