Situated in the verdant Terai area of eastern Nepal, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a unique and ecologically significant shelter. This reserve, which covers 176 square kilometers (68 square miles) in the districts of Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur, is evidence of how well nature coexists with human efforts to protect it.
Koshi Tappu, which was founded in 1976 and designated as a Ramsar site in December 1987, is an essential refuge for a diverse array of flora and creatures. Lying in the Kosi River's floodplain, its terrain is a captivating mixture of vast reed beds and calming freshwater marshes. The reserve's low-lying wetlands, which range in elevation from 75 to 81 meters (246 to 266 feet), are an ideal environment for life. The only sounds that disturb the peace here are the soft murmur of flowing water and the calls of its avian residents.
A Historical Perspective
A detailed picture of the relationships between the reserve and nearby villages was revealed in the late 1990s through an interview survey conducted in the Paschim Kasuha VDC. The survey shed light on the difficulties of coexisting by showing that, from September to February, wild boar and water buffalo frequently raided crops. It also brought to light issues like illegal forest product extraction and cattle grazing, highlighting the delicate balance that needs to be maintained between conservation efforts and local livelihoods.
Recognizing its ecological importance, the Koshi Tappu Reserve, together with the Koshi Barrage, was designated as one of Nepal’s 27 Important Bird Areas in 2005. This acknowledgment underscores the reserve’s critical role in avian conservation and its status as a vital refuge for a myriad of bird species.
The Verdant Landscape
The reserve’s vegetation is a rich blend of mixed deciduous riverine forests, sprawling grasslands, and marshy vegetation. Grasslands dominate, covering an impressive 68% of the reserve’s area, while the forested regions, primarily composed of Indian rosewood, cover a modest 6%. The northern part of the reserve features patches of catechu forest, adding to the ecological diversity. The dynamic interplay of annual flooding and wildlife grazing sustains these grasslands, creating a vibrant and ever-changing landscape.
The Sapta Koshi River, with its dramatic seasonal floods, shapes this environment, supporting a diverse array of plant species. The wetlands are adorned with 514 plant varieties, including kapok, sugarcane, reed, cattail, and an array of aquatic plants like eel grass, Eichhornia, Hydrilla, Azolla, and lotus.
A Haven for Wildlife
Koshi Tappu’s wetlands and watercourses are teeming with life. The reserve is home to 200 fish species, many of which are resident, as well as two species of toads, nine frog species, six lizard species, five snake species, and eleven turtle species. Among its notable residents are the gharial and mugger crocodiles, which add an element of grandeur to the reserve's aquatic realm.
Mammalian inhabitants include the majestic Asian elephant, graceful spotted deer, elusive hog deer, wild boar, smooth-coated otter, and the cunning golden jackal. The rare Ganges river dolphin occasionally graces the Koshi River, and while the populations of gaur and nilgai have dwindled, the reserve is home to Nepal’s last remaining wild water buffalo herd. Once numbering around 150, the population has surged to 432 individuals as of the 2016 census, showcasing a remarkable annual growth rate of 7.27%. This success story offers hope for the potential reintroduction of these magnificent creatures to the floodplains of Chitwan National Park, where they once roamed freely.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
For bird enthusiasts, Koshi Tappu is nothing short of a paradise. The reserve attracts 485 bird species, including the elusive watercock, Indian nightjar, dusky eagle-owl, and black-headed cuckooshrike. Birdwatchers can marvel at the white-tailed stonechat, striated grassbird, large adjutant stork, Pallas’s fish eagle, Giant Hornbill, common golden-eye, and gull-billed tern. The reserve also provides a critical habitat for the swamp francolin and the rufous-vented grass babbler.
In the spring of 2011, a noteworthy sighting of 17 Bengal floricans was recorded along a 39-kilometer (24-mile) stretch of the Koshi River. This sighting, with seven males and ten females, underscored the reserve’s importance as a refuge for this rare and endangered species.
A living example of both the determination of the natural world and the critical significance of conservation is the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is a protection and a symbol of hope for many different species because of its breathtaking wetlands, rich biodiversity, and continuous conservation efforts. Koshi Tappu offers an unmatched experience—a sanctuary where the spirit of conservation and the beauty of nature blend in perfect harmony—whether you are pulled by the prospect of seeing endangered creatures, exploring lush landscapes, or just finding comfort in nature's embrace.
Picture Credit: Boundless Adventure, Atlas Obscura, Nepal Rental Car, Khojnu.com, The Kathmandu Post
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