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Banke National Park (BNP) welcomed 430 domestic and international tourists over the past 10 months, according to park authorities.
Conservation Officer Mandip Pangeni reported that these visitors came to experience the park’s rich wildlife and enjoy homestay facilities located within the park. The highest number of tourists was recorded in December, with 82 visitors, while July saw the lowest number at just 12.
Of the total visitors, only 21 were from SAARC countries.
BNP’s Chief and Senior Conservation Officer, Birendra Prasad Kandel, stated that while the park has made notable progress in tiger conservation, more effort is needed to promote ecotourism. “We’ve built a 200-kilometre forest trail, developed grasslands, and created artificial ponds to support both wildlife and visitors,” Kandel shared. He also emphasized the need for better management of safaris and improvements in local homestays and hotel facilities.
A recent wildlife survey confirmed the presence of 25 adult tigers in the park. BNP is home to several endangered species and hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including 34 species of mammals, 276 species of birds, 24 reptiles, 9 amphibians, and 55 types of adding up to 422 recorded wildlife species in total.
However, the park continues to face serious challenges such as illegal poaching, human-wildlife conflict, forest fires, encroachment, the spread of invasive species, and rapid urbanization.
Park officials say continued conservation and tourism development efforts are vital for the sustainable future of Banke National Park.
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