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Koshi Tappu
Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plains of the Sapta-koshi in Saptari
and Sunsari districts of eastern Nepal. The Reserve covers 175 sq. kms
and was established in 1976.
Rapid and complete
inundation of the reserve to depths ranging from 10 to 300 cm. occurs during the monsoon. The Sapta-Koshi river also
changes its course from one season to another. The vegetation is mainly
tall Khar-pater grassland with a few patches of Khair-sisso, scrub
forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest.
The
reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last
surviving population (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalo or Arna
are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild deer,
spotted deer and blue bull.
The reserve also assists
the local economy by providing fishing permits and allowing the
collection of edible fruits and ferns in season.
A
total of 280 different species of birds have been recorded in the
reserve. These include 20 species of ducks, 2 species of ibises, many
stroks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal
floricans. The endangered Gharial, Crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have
been recorded in Koshi river.
Entry Fee Per Person Per
Day
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs.
20/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 200/-
For Other Foreign
Nationals, Rs. 500/-
(Note Entrance fee not required for
children under 10 years).
Filming Permit Fee (Documentary
Films)
For Nepalese Nationals, Rs. 5,000/-
For SAARC
Nationals, Rs. 25,000/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, US $
1,000/-
Helicopter Landing (Per Landing), Rs.
2,000/- |
Access
Koshi Tappu is easily accessible from Kathmandu,
being well connected by a national highway. There are daily flights
from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and road connected Biratnagar to national
highway.
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