Trip Overview
Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is a 305-square-kilometer sal woodland and grassland with a large Asian Swamp Deer population. Similarly, this wildlife reserve is located in the Terai of Nepal’s Far-Western Region, in the Kanchanpur district. Likewise, Shuklaphanta provides a broad range of wildlife encounters. Forests, rivers, lakes, and numerous huge meadows can all be found here (phantas). Moreover, the woodlands are full of sal trees, with Khair-Sisso forests around the riverbanks. Furthermore, the reserve’s name is taken from Shukla Phanta, the largest of the reserve’s grasslands. The Mahakali river forms a shared border between the reserve and the Indian state of Utter Pradesh in the south and west.
Also, Shuklaphata Wildlife Reserve has more than 665 plant species in its worldwide habitats, divided into 438 genera and 118 families, making it the Terai’s highest species richness area.
Flora at Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
The reserve is the most diverse Terai wildlife reserve in terms of flora diversity. It preserves more than 665 species of plants. The reserve’s most common species is Sal (Shorea robusta). Similarly, the three basic forms of habitat are forest, grassland, and aquatic environment. Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) and Khayar make up the riverine woodland (Acacia catechu).
In addition, the wetland areas are full of marsh vegetation. The Phantas’ major grass species are Imperata cylindrical and Heteropogan contortus, both of which are used for thatching.
Fauna at Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
The reserve is equally diverse in terms of fauna. It is home to around 53 mammal species, the most renowned of which is the Swamp deer (Cervus duvaucelli). Wild elephants (Elephas maximus), Royal Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris Tigris), One-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), and Black-buck (Caprolagus hispidus) are other noteworthy mammals.
Along with all these, some other things attract the attention of visitors visiting there. During your visit here you will be able to see different kinds of unique faunas which will add value to your trip.
The Swamp deer herd currently numbers 2170 animals. It is the world’s largest herd of this species. The reserve is home to roughly 25-30 endangered Wild Elephants (Elephas maximus). Likewise, he reserve is home to about 17 Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris), an endangered species that preys on the numerous Spotted deer and Swamp deer. Four rhinos were relocated to Suklaphanta in the year 2000 A.D. to establish a healthy population of this species in this area. Currently, there are seven Rhinos in the reserve that are doing well.
Similarly, the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is home to the Golden monitor lizard (Varanus flovescens), Hispid Hare, Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamellus), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Hog deer (Axis porcinus), Wild boar (Sus scrofa), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jackals (Canis aureus), Langur (Presbytis entellus
The reserve is home to 424 different bird species, including the world’s largest population of Bengal floricans. Sarus cranes, Swamp francolins, Grass owls, warblers, and flycatchers are among the other species. Mahseer, Rahu, and tengara are among the 21 fish species that call the reserve home. The reserve is also home to a variety of reptiles, including marsh mugger crocodiles, cobras, and pythons.
Highlights of the trip
- Travel to one of the famous WIldlife Reserve of Nepal
- Explore different Flora and Fauna of the place
- Explore different endangered animals at the National Park.
- Travel to the beautiful Terai Region of Nepal.