Bardiya residents are paying the brutal price of tiger conservation

Bardiya National Park is set to receive an award for its efforts in protecting the wild cats—but at the cost of human lives. At least 23 people have been killed in tiger attacks since 2019.

On the evening of February 22, Lily Chaudhary was feeding her pigs near her house in Sainabagar, Thakurbaba Municipality in Bardiya. It was around half-past eight. She was oblivious to the fact that a tiger was on the prowl. And suddenly, the royal Bengal tiger pounced upon her and started dragging her towards the forest. She shouted for help. Neighbours sprung into action. Distracted by the noise, the tiger retreated, leaving Lily. But she had already been mauled to death.