 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976, and covers an area of 175 sq. km.
The reserve is named after the biggest river of Nepal, the Koshi. It is a major residing, staging and
wintering site for water fowls and waders in the sub-continent. Due to its international importance
for the conservation of waders and Ramsar, this site has gained even more prominence since
the wetlands convention in 1987.
The body of water supports more than 100 species of fish including the human size catfish
known as Gonch, famous sporting fish the Mahasheer and delicious species the Jalkapoor.
The large reptiles inhabiting this reserve include the longest snake species of the sub continent,
the rare Indian rock python, Crocodile and a Numbur of lizards and turtle species.
The reserve and the adjacent area support more than 350 bird species. During October to April
it is possible to spot more than 100 species in a single day of birding. Massive flocks of ducks
Numburing more than 50,000, chiefly of northern Pintails, Mallard and Northern Shoveler are a
common sight during fall and winter. Globally threatened species occurring in this area include
Black-necked Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, lesser Adjutant Stork, Baer's Pochard, Red-necked
Falcon, Bengal Florican, Great stone Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Dusky eagle Owl, Swamp Francolin,
Marsh Warbler, etc.
Koshi tappu supports large ungulates such as wild water buffalo, Blue Bull Antelope, Hog Deer, etc.
It is the last refuge for the globally threatened wild water Buffalo. Currently their population is about
150 only. These bovine possess the longest horns (about two meters in length) among any surviving
mammals in the world and are aggressive in nature. The small wetland carnivore includes the rare
Fishing Cat and smooth coated otters. There are few Genetic Dolphins found in the Koshi river.
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