Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Overview And Highlights

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 175 sq km and is located in the lowland (Terai Region) of Eastern Nepal. The reserve was established in 1976 in order to preserve the habitats of the wild water buffalo. Apart from wild buffalos, the reserve is also home to other species of mammals and birds.

The reserve is subjected to flooding during monsoons which is why the Koshi Barrage was built in the area. The Koshi Barrage also promoted irrigation, making the reserve an important wetland in Nepal. The Government of Nepal designated Koshi Tappu as a Ramsar Site in December 1987 and continues to conserve the wetland.

What’s There:

Animals: 31 species of mammals including the Wild pig, Hog Deer, Asian Elephant, Blue Bull, Porcupine, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Mongoose, Civets, Jungle Cats, Rhesus Monkey, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Otter, Golden Jackal, Hyena, Leopard, and the Fishing cat.

Birds: 485 species of birds including the Woodpecker, Heron, Bulbul, Dove, Egret, Parakeets, King Fisher, Bee Eater, Barbet, Pigeon, Stork, Sun-bird, Babbler, Warble, Flycatcher, and Bar-headed Goose.

When to visit:

Fall (October to November) and Spring (February to April) are the best seasons to visit the Reserve.