Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lieson the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi
River in the Terai plains of south-eastern Nepal. The reserve was gazetted
in 1976 to preserve habitat for the last surviving population of Wild
Water Buffalos in the country. The 176 square kilometer reserve is Nepal's
smallest wildlife reserve in which the eastern and western embankments
of the Sapta Koshi River define the area. In 1987, Koshi Tappu was declared
a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international significance.
Climate
February through May is intensely hot with very little precipitation.
Shade temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius. The Monsoons arrive
late May/early June bringing in frequent and heavy rainfall. Rainfall
is greatest during July, and the high temperatures and humidity persist
till the arrival of winter (October - January), which is charaterized
by clear skies and milder temperatures but after sunset it can get chilly.
Features
The Sapta Koshi is one of the three main tributaries of the Ganga. Rapid
and intense flooding of the reserve with depths ranging from 10 centimeters
to 3 meters occur during the rainy season. Embankments have been constructed
parallel to the river to help control the flooding.
The reserve has a significant habitat for a variety of
wildlife. The last surviving population of the Wild Water Buffalo is
found here, and the estimated population of 150 is dwindling. They are
easily distinguished from the domestic species by their larger horns.
The reserve is also home to twenty other animal species such as Hog
Deer, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Nilgai and the Rock Python.
Around 441 species of birds, many seen nowhere else in
Nepal (of which 14 are endemic), have been recorded in Koshi Tappu.
This includes 20 duck species, 2 ibis', 30 shore birds, 114 water birds,
the White Tailed Stonechat, Striated Marsh Warbler, and includes the
endangered Swamp Partridge and Bengal Florican. The Koshi Barrage is
an extremely important resting place for many migratory birds. At least
87 winter and trans-Himalayan migratory species have been recorded.
There are 80 species of fish in the Koshi River . The
Gharial crocodiles and the Gangetic dolphins have been recorded in these
waters as well.
The vegetation is mainly composed of tall Kharpater grassland
with small patches of Khair-sissoo scrub forests as well as deciduous
mixed riverine forests.
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. There is a lot of wildlife activity around these areas
during dusk and dawn. Sunsets over the river are phenomenal. The clear
skies allow for beautiful sights of several Himalayan peaks including
Mt. Makalu, 8463 m., the world's fifth highest peak.
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