The Transboundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA) between India and Bhutan won the Tiger Conservation Excellence Award for its effort to increase the population of the tiger in the area, Kuensel reported.

Thirteen nations around the world in 2010 set an ambitious target of doubling its tiger count by 2022. On the 10th anniversary of the same event, TraMCA’s achievement in its conservation effort is a significant milestone for both nations. 

TraMCA is a joint conservation project by the two nations which includes Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan and Manas Tiger Reserve in India. Bhutan increased its Tiger count to 26 in 2018 from earlier 12 in 2008 while India increased to 25 in 2018 which was just nine in 2010. 

“Camera trap studies in Bhutan have also shown that tiger prey, including gaur and sambar, are abundant in the protected area,” stated the press release from the World Wildlife Fund Bhutan. 

Efforts led by both nations make the TraMCA region perfect habitat for Tigers. Various officials from both nations attended the ceremony which was held virtually this year due to the global Pandemic caused by COVID-19.