Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Saptakoshi River in the south-eastern Terai. The reserve was gazette in 1976 to preserve habitat for the only remaining population of wild buffalo, Arna. The 176sq. km. reserve is Nepal’s smallest wildlife reserve. The eastern and western embankments of the Saptakoshi River define the area. In 1987, Koshi- Tappu was declared a Ramsar site, a wetland of international significance.
The Saptakoshi is one of the three main tributaries of Ganges. Rapid and intense flooding of the reserve occurs during the rainy season. Embankments have been constructed parallel to the river to help to control the flooding. The reserve has important habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The last surviving population of wild buffalo is found here. It houses 159 wild buffalos according to 2007 count. They are distinguished from domestic buffalos by their much bigger horns. The reserve is also home to around 20 other animals’ species such as hog- deer, wild boar, spotted deer, and blue bull and rock python. Around 479 species of birds many seen nowhere else in Nepal have been recorded, including 20 duck species, 2 Ibis species, white tailed stone chat, striated mars warbler, 30 shorebirds, 114 water birds and the endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican.
The Koshi barrage is an extremely important resting place for many migratory birds, containing 87 winter and trans- Himalayan migratory species. The Koshi River is home to 80 species of fish. The endangered gharial crocodile and gangetic dolphin have been recorded in the river as well. The vegetation is mainly composed of tall Kharpater grassland; local villagers are permitted to collect thatch grass once a year. These are used for roof thatching and building house- walls. There are also small patches of Khair Sisau scrub forest and deciduos mixed riverine forest. During winter many of the migratory birds can be seen on the Koshi Barrage and on the river channel. Migration usually peaks around mid march. Much wildlife visits these areas during dusk and dawn. Sunsets over the river are phenomenal. The clear skies allow for beautiful sights of several Himalayan peaks including Makalu, the world’s fifth highest peak. The reserve houses an elephant stable. Visitors can arrange Elephant ride from reserve headquarter.
The Saptakoshi is one of the three main tributaries of Ganges. Rapid and intense flooding of the reserve occurs during the rainy season. Embankments have been constructed parallel to the river to help to control the flooding. The reserve has important habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The last surviving population of wild buffalo is found here. It houses 159 wild buffalos according to 2007 count. They are distinguished from domestic buffalos by their much bigger horns. The reserve is also home to around 20 other animals’ species such as hog- deer, wild boar, spotted deer, and blue bull and rock python. Around 479 species of birds many seen nowhere else in Nepal have been recorded, including 20 duck species, 2 Ibis species, white tailed stone chat, striated mars warbler, 30 shorebirds, 114 water birds and the endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican.
The Koshi barrage is an extremely important resting place for many migratory birds, containing 87 winter and trans- Himalayan migratory species. The Koshi River is home to 80 species of fish. The endangered gharial crocodile and gangetic dolphin have been recorded in the river as well. The vegetation is mainly composed of tall Kharpater grassland; local villagers are permitted to collect thatch grass once a year. These are used for roof thatching and building house- walls. There are also small patches of Khair Sisau scrub forest and deciduos mixed riverine forest. During winter many of the migratory birds can be seen on the Koshi Barrage and on the river channel. Migration usually peaks around mid march. Much wildlife visits these areas during dusk and dawn. Sunsets over the river are phenomenal. The clear skies allow for beautiful sights of several Himalayan peaks including Makalu, the world’s fifth highest peak. The reserve houses an elephant stable. Visitors can arrange Elephant ride from reserve headquarter.
No comments:
Post a Comment