World Wildlife Fund stressed the need to renew tiger conservation efforts in response to the government 's announcement of an estimated 121 breeding tigers in four protected areas in the Tarai Arc Landscape of Nepal.

Chitwan National Park is still a stronghold for tigers, with an estimated population of 91, Parsa Wildlife Reserve has an estimated four tigers, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is likely to have eight tigers and Bardia National Park has 18 according to Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

The results are the culmination of a nine-month research project that surveyed tiger abundance and distribution in all of the protected areas concurrently for the first time.

"What we have today is a snapshot of tiger populations in one corner of the Eastern Himalayas, one of the last bastions of this endangered species," said Shubash Lohani of the Eastern Himalayas Program of WWF. "In the bigger picture, the numbers from this survey are not strong enough to withstand an ever increasing demand for tiger parts and derivatives."

Yeti CSR
Welfare organisations - Sewa Kendra Leprosy Relief, Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Women for Human Rights were each handed over a cheque of Rs 2,84,442 by Yeti Airlines. As a part of Yeti's corporate social responsibility program the airline has been collecting four rupees from each flight ticket.

Exchange
AVCO Auto Shoppe, an outlet that allows buying, selling as well as exchange of pre-owned cars was launched last week. On purchase of any of their vehicles the outlet provides limited warranty and free servicing.

Holiday discounts
Travel luggage brand, American Tourister, has come out with a special 'Great Value Offer for the upcoming holiday season. American Tourister offers up to 15 per cent discount on its products that are available at all the company stores in Kathmandu.

NEW PRODUCTS

KTM-HK: Dragon Air announced its new flights to and from Kathmandu to Hong Kong. Starting from 1 October, three flights per week in A330 aircrafts will all operate via Dhaka.

OUTLET: Nokia has launched two Nokia Stores in City Center, Kamal Pokhari and in Tamrakar House, New Road. As part of their limited introductory offer, consumers can win Nokia Merchandise with purchases in any of the new stores.