SHUKLAPHANTA WILDLIFE RESERVE - EXPLORING THE UNKOWN

In the southern part of far-western Nepal, in Kanchanpur district, lies the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Like Chitwan and Bardia National Park, this reserve is a flood plain of the Sarda River on the southwestern edge of Nepal and people of the Tharu ethnicity primarily inhabit this area.

This Park was designated as a Royal Hunting Reserve back in 1969. In 1976, an area of 155 sq km was gazetted as the Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve to protect Nepal’s last remaining herd of Swamp deer (Cervus duvaucelli). Today the extended reserve covers an area of 305 sq km.

Though 150 sq km was added to the 155 sq km reserve two decades ago, the plan to extend was pending for a long time. Recently, however, the first step to link the wildlife reserve to other forested areas along the foothill of Chure Range has been completed.

The major tourist attractions within its distinctive and contrasting interior are the forests, grasslands, lakes, streams, river, and an abundant wildlife which find within the reserve numerous habitats. On a clear day, to the north, Nanda Devi Himal can also be seen.

The name “Sukla Phanta”, meaning ‘the plain grassland’, has marsh vegetation which dominates the wetland areas. The major species of this reserve are Imperate cylindrical and Saccharum heteropogon contortus, used extensively by the local people for thatching. This grassland is controlled by burning to help produce a suitable habitat for the swamp deer and the task of protecting the Swamp deer, has been a major accomplishment. The grassy and swampy land makes for the perfect Swamp deer habitat and an estimated population of 2000-2500 of this species is found in the reserve.

Apart from grassland, this varied reserve supports a great variety of forests consisting mainly of predominantly Sal trees associated with Asna, Simal, Karma, Khair and Sisoo trees that are found along the riverside area.

The reserve is also home to other endangered species like Asian Elephants, which number around 45-50 and about 32 Royal Bengal tigers. This area has had many elephant sightings, mostly at according to a study, the Shuklaphanta Reserve is known for the presence of Nepal’s biggest Tiger – with a 17 – centimeter paw-print. Other mammals that are found in the reserve are antelopes, leopards, Blue bull, barking deer, hog deer, spotted deer, wild boar, Hispid hare, Jackals, Langur, and the Rhesus monkey. Currently there is also sole Rhinoceros in the reserve.

Waterfowl in large numbers can also be seen there along with other birds. Bird lovers will be delighted with the prospects of seeing about 268 species of birds here and many grassland birds such as Sarus Crane, Swam Francolin, grass Owl, Warbiers, Flycatchers along with the endangered Bengal floricans can be seen in the reserve. In terms of aquatic life, a total of 21 species of fish including the Mahaseer, Rohu, and Tenger have been recorded in the reserve. A wide variety of reptiles like the Marsh mugger, Indian Python, Monitor lizard, crocodiles along with snakes like the cobra, krait, rattle snake are also an important feature of the Shuklaphantta ecosystem.

Within the reserve there are a number of man-made waterholes, which have been created to attract animals away from the poaching prone Mahakali River and to improve habitat. Much of Suklaphanta’s wildlife and birdlife visit these areas. The areas surrounding the waterholes are great for sighting footprints and offer visitors the opportunity to learn about these animals – even if they do not get to actually see them. The Salgaudi Lake is an extremely beautiful example of such waterholes and has an abundance of birdlife. There is a Machan (view tower) from where one can see a variety of animals like egrets, herons, storks, eagles, and one can often see herds of elephants as this area is true elephant country.

Another attractive natural lake here is Rani Taal, nestled in the forest of the reserve. The viewing tower there provides an opportunity to view many wildlife habitats together with the scenic beauty of the lake. Near Rani Taal lies the ancient Temple of Singphal, one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva. During the Dashian festival, Hindus visit this temple to worship Singphal.

The reserve had three main seasons. It experiences dry weather from October through early April with warm and pleasant days and cool nights. Between April and June the temperature rises up to 40 degree Celsius and the hot sticky days of summers are followed by monsoon rain which last till September/

In order to enter the park, Nepalese Nationals pay an entry of NRs 20, for SAARC Nationals it is NRs 200, and for other foreign nationals it is
NRs 500. Entrance fee is not required for children under 10 years of age. The reserve is against illegal purchase of animal and plants products and has a strict rule requiring disposing of rubbish only in designated area.

There is currently only a single hotel operating so far within the reserve and it is situated on the bank of Bahuni Nadi (river) but other hotels outside the reserve can be found in Mahendranagar. The Elephant Camp is located in Pipriya while Majgaon, a beautiful village enroute to Shuklaphanta, is worth staying at. Elephant rides can also be arranged in Majgaon. It is advisable to carry a comprehensive first-aid-kit including medicines for intestinal problems as medical aid sometimes be hard to come by.

In terms of getting there, it is accessible by road from any part of the country and from India. A night bus from Kathmandu takes about 18 hours to reach Mahendranagar from where the reserves headquarter is some eight km south-west. Flights can also be taken from Kathmandu to Dhangadi from where it takes about one and a half hour bus ride to the reserve. There is no regular public transportation to the headquarters but local rickshaws, tempos and jeeps are available.

Shuklaphanta has much to offer, yet it is Nepal’s least accessible natural reserves with little current tourism development. Its relatively low popularity among the western tourists can be attributed partially to its lack of tourists’ amenities, the relatively small size of the reserve and the limited coverage it receives in the tourism advertisements. Which means that this area, Shuklaphanta, a veritable Jewel in the West of Nepal, remains relatively unrecognized for its potential or worth?