BIRGUNJ: The number of tigers in Parsa Wildlife Reserve is found to be increasing. The Parsa Wildlife Protection Office has concluded the first round of tiger census, which put the population of big cats at 16.

This number is six more than that of final revelation of the tiger census conducted in 2014-15.

The reserve area that is stretched to an area of 637.37 square kilometres has been divided into 166 units to conduct the tiger census.

A camera trapping method was applied in the census, which would be completed in three rounds, according to the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Amlekhgunj Office.

The census is supported by the Zoological Society of London, Nepal Office and the NTNC, the NTNC Conservation Officer Sashank Paudel said.

The previous counts in 2013 and 1014-15 put the numbers of tigers at seven and 10 respectively.

The Reserve covers forest areas in Parsa, Bara and Makawanpur districts.