July 28, 2025

Nepal’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes have long attracted explorers, naturalists, travelers, and even royalty. The evolution of wildlife and conservation tourism in Nepal is a fascinating story of pioneering visionaries, evolving policies, and grassroots involvement that have shaped the country into a global hotspot for nature lovers and conservationists alike.

Early Explorations and Natural History (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

  • 1880s–1900s: British colonial officers, hunters, and naturalists such as Brian Houghton Hodgson and Frank Kingdon-Ward documented Nepal’s rich wildlife, from the Himalayas’ snow leopards to Terai’s tigers and rhinos. Although hunting was a pastime for elites, early scientific observations laid the foundation for future conservation.

The Birth of Protected Areas and Wildlife Conservation (1950s–1970s)

  • 1959: The establishment of Royal Chitwan National Park, initially a hunting reserve, marked Nepal’s first formal step toward wildlife protection.
  • 1962: Chitwan was officially designated a national park with a focus on protecting endangered species like the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.
  • 1973: Royal Bardia National Park was established, expanding conservation efforts to Nepal’s western Terai.
  • International organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) supported Nepal in developing wildlife protection policies.

Pioneering Conservation Tourism

  • 1964: Toddy Lee Wynne and Herb Klein, two American hunters, founded Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge near Nepal’s southern border, originally offering hunting expeditions.
  • 1971: British adventurer Jim Edwards and his partner Chuck McDougal acquired Tiger Tops and transformed it into a wildlife viewing operation, ceasing all hunting activities. Edwards played a pivotal role in promoting ethical wildlife tourism and conservation.
  • Chuck McDougal established the world’s first long-term tiger monitoring program in 1974.
  • 1981: Jim Edwards founded the World Elephant Polo Association, organizing annual championships in Meghauli, Chitwan.

Rise of Conservation Tourism and Royal Visits (1970s–1990s)

  • Wildlife tourism flourished, particularly in Chitwan, where visitors could observe Bengal tigers, rhinos, elephants, and diverse birdlife.
  • Nepal’s trekking industry also grew, linking wildlife appreciation with cultural exploration.
  • Queen Elizabeth II visited Nepal and spotlighted its natural heritage, bringing global attention to the country’s conservation efforts.

Institutional Growth and Community Conservation (1980s–2000s)

  • The government created the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) to oversee protected areas.
  • Community forestry programs empowered local people to manage and protect forests sustainably.
  • Conservation NGOs intensified anti-poaching campaigns and habitat restoration.
  • Tourism diversified into birdwatching, river safaris, and cultural tours tied to conservation.

Recent Ethical Shifts: Ending Elephant Polo and Promoting Responsible Tourism

  • In recent years, Nepal has taken a stand against unethical wildlife tourism practices.
  • The much-loved elephant polo tournament, once held in Chitwan, was discontinued to promote elephant welfare.
  • There is growing emphasis on ethical wildlife viewing, avoiding rides or close contact that distress animals.
  • Eco-lodges and conservation-focused tours now prioritize low-impact experiences benefiting wildlife and local communities.

Key Milestones Timeline

YearEvent
1959Chitwan declared Nepal’s first national park
1964Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge established by Wynne and Klein
1971Jim Edwards and Chuck McDougal acquire Tiger Tops
1973Royal Bardia National Park established
1978Tiger Tops initiates Gharial Breeding Program
1981World Elephant Polo Association founded by Jim Edwards
1983Annapurna Conservation Area Project begins
1993Forest Act passed, legally recognizing Community Forest User Groups
2001Kanchenjunga Conservation Area established
2010+Ethical tourism grows; elephant polo banned in Chitwan