Marwell Wildlife is helping unlock ancient Buddhist wisdom to protect Bhutan’s tigers

When we think about tiger conservation, we often picture camera traps, satellite tracking and anti-poaching patrols.

But in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, Marwell Wildlife is helping lead a very different kind of conservation project – one that looks to centuries-old Buddhist teachings to help people and tigers live alongside one another today.

Working in partnership with Bhutanese conservation organisation Druk Nyo Foundation, Marwell Wildlife is developing an innovative programme that reconnects tiger conservation with Bhutan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Where conservation and culture meet

Bhutan is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with more than half of its land protected for nature. It is home to around 130 wild tigers – an increase from around 100 in 2016 – representing an important conservation success.

However, tigers remain threatened and as numbers recover, encounters between people and tigers become more common, particularly in rural communities where around half of Bhutan’s population lives.

Finding ways for both people and wildlife to thrive together is now one of conservation’s greatest challenges.

Rather than relying solely on technology or law enforcement, this project recognises that long-term conservation also depends on people’s relationship with nature.

Rediscovering forgotten stories

The first phase of the project set out to uncover the historical and spiritual significance of tigers within Bhutanese Buddhism.

Working alongside Buddhist scholars and religious leaders, the team discovered long-forgotten scrolls and texts hidden within temples, ancient wall paintings, and oral histories preserved through generations of monastic scholars.

These remarkable discoveries have now been brought together in the publication Tiger Tales from Buddhism – presenting and preserving stories that had almost been lost while revealing the important role tigers have played in Buddhist teaching for centuries.

Turning knowledge into conservation action

The next phase moves beyond preserving history and focuses on helping communities put these ancient teachings into practice.

Working alongside Bhutan’s Department of Forestry and Park Services, Buddhist scholars and monastic communities, the project will develop educational resources and practical guidance that supports both people and wildlife.

This includes encouraging community-led conservation alongside practical measures such as stronger livestock corrals, improved fencing, effective tiger deterrents and monitoring technology where appropriate, or even assistance with compensation claims to support loss of livestock.

The aim is simple: to create lasting coexistence between people and tigers by combining practical conservation with deeply rooted cultural values.

People are at the heart of conservation

Professor Philip Riordan, Director of Conservation at Marwell Wildlife, said: “People are central to wildlife conservation and protection, emphasising our reliance on nature. If we are to reverse species declines, the value we place on nature must be strong enough to counter those human desires that lead to further destruction.”

He added: “In this collection of stories and classical depictions, our Buddhist scholars have unearthed treasure beyond material wealth. These are the people that can enact the principles of Practical Philosophy with urgency, leading to better outcomes for tiger conservation.”

Conservation that goes beyond wildlife

This pioneering work reflects Marwell Wildlife’s belief that successful conservation is about more than protecting animals and ecosystems in isolation – it’s about working with people, cultures and communities to create a future where both wildlife and humans can flourish.

By combining conservation science with Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage, this project is helping create a new model for coexistence that could inspire conservation efforts around the world.

Watch our documentary to discover the extraordinary story behind this project and learn how ancient wisdom is helping shape the future of tiger conservation: