Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Terai of Eastern Nepal covering 348 sq. km, including the buffer zone of 173 sq. km. in the Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur Districts. It is around 50km far from Dharan and is well accessed through road ways. It comprises extensive mudflats, reed beds, and freshwater marshes in the floodplain of the Sapta Koshi River, and ranges in elevation from 75 to 81 m (246 to 266 ft). It was established in 1976 and designated as a Ramsar site in December 1987. It hosts Nepal’s last remaining herd of the wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee).

A wide range of animals inhabit the protected area. In its water courses and ponds, 200 species of fish have been recorded, most of which are resident. Two toad species, nine frog species, six lizard species, five snake species and eleven turtle species are recorded. Gharial and mugger crocodile occur as well.

The 31 species of mammals recorded include the Asian elephant, spotted deer, hog deer, wild boar, smooth-coated otter and golden jackal. The Ganges river dolphin has been sighted in the Koshi River.

Notable among the 485 bird species are watercock, Indian nightjar, dusky eagleowl, black-headed cuckooshrike, whitetailed stonechat, striated grassbird, large adjutant stork, Pallas’s fish eagle, common golden-eye, and gullbilled tern. Swamp francolin and rufous-vented grass babbler occur as well.