Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

Introduction

Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve with the area of 175 sq. km was established in 1976. It is situated in the southern part of Far-Western Nepal in the Kanchanpur District and features predominant sal associated with arna, semal, karma, khair and sissoo are found along the riverside. The main grass species are the Imperate Cylindrica and the Saccharum Heteropogon, used extensively by the local people for thatching.

Nepal, within its territory has a lot to offer to her valuable guests. There are lots of destinations one can explore, among them few of the destinations are famous globally while few others though have potentiality have been gone unheard due to lack of enough publicity. Most of the destinations of the Mid and Far Western regions, in spite of being a paradise of nature, culture and adventure is still in its wilderness. Yet! not exploited, among them is Rara National Park, Bardiya National Park & Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. All these three destinations have their own importance. Late King Mahendra had even written a poem on the pristine Rara Lake describing its scenic beauty.

With the objective to promote tourism in mid western region and far western region, and observing the interest of tourist visiting there, we have come up with the concept of Experience Wild West Triangle; the special promotional package offering visit to Rara Lake, Bardiya National Park and Shuklaphanta Wild Life Reserve.

Area: 305 sq. km.

Established: 1976

Location:

Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated in the southern Terai of Far-Western Nepal.

Features:

Predominant sal forests associated with asna, simal, karma, khair and sisso are found along the riversides of the reserve. Large grasslands, phantas, are found within the reserve. Main grass species include Imperate cylindrica and Saccharum heteropogon, used extensively by the local people for thatching.

The reserve provides prime habitat for swamp deer, with an estimated population of 2000 found here. Other animals in the reserve are wild elephant, tiger, hispid hare, blue bull, leopard, chital, hog deer and wild boar. A total of 200 bird species have been recorded. Many grassland birds along with the endangered Bengal florican can be seen in the phantas. Marsh mugger, Indian python, monitor lizard, cobra, krait and rat snake are recorded here.

The Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated in the southern part of Far-West Nepal in Kanchanpur District. The reserve lies between 80° 25' east longitude and 28° 35' north latitude.

The reserve had been a famous hunting area for many years, and was declared a Hunting Reserve in 1969. The reserve was gazetted in 1973 as Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. It covers an area of 155 sq. km. 305 sq. m. after completion of an extension.

The riverine flood plain of the reserve comprises hill wash and alluvial deposits. Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species. Extensive grasslands (locally called phanta) provide an ideal habitat for swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli). The species is endangered and is found in herds of thousands in the reserve.