Royal
Suklaphant Wildlife Reserve
The
Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated in the southern
part of Far-West Nepal in Kanchanpur District. The reserve lies
between 80o 25' east longitude and 28o 35' north laltude.
The
reserve had been a famous hunting area for many years, and was
declared a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1969. The reserve was gazetted
in 1973 as Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. It covers an
area of 155 sq. km. 305 sq. m. after completion of an extension.
The
riverine flood plain of the reserve comprises hill wash and
alluvial deposits. Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant
tree species. Extensive grasslands (locally called phanta) provide
an ideal habitat for swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli). The
species is endangered and is found in herds of thousands in
the reserve.
Seasons
The
reserve has typically four seasons, viz., winter, spring, summer
and monsoon.  The
months of December and January are fairly cold and misty with
occasional frost. Temperatures during the winter range from
10o to 12o C, gradually rising up to 22o to 25o C in February
and March. In the pre-monsoon period (April-June) the temperatures
range form 30o to 32o C. reaching as high as 42o C with increasing
humidity.
Vegetation
and Wild Animals
Predominant
sal (Shorea robusta) forest is associated with asna (Terminalia
alata), semal (Bombax ceiba), and karma (Adina
Cordifolia). Khair, (Acacia catechu) and sissoo (Dolbergia
sisso) forest is found along the river side. The main grass
species of the phantas are Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum
heteropogon which are extensively used by the local people for
thatching.
The
reserve provides prime habitat form swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli).
An estimated population of 2000 to 2500 is found in the reserve.
Other wild animals in the reserve are wild elephant (Elephas
maximus), tiger (Panthera tigris), hispid hare (Caprolagus
hispidus), blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), leopard
(Panthera pardus), chital (Zxis axis), hog deer
(Zxis porcinus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa).
A
total 268 species of birds has been recorded in the reserve.
Many grassland birds along with the rare Bengal florican be
seen in the phantas. Marsh mugger crocodile, Indian python,
monitor lizard and snakes like cobra, krait, and rat snake are
recorded in the reserve.
Regulations
and Fees
Movement
inside the reserve is restricted between sunrise and sunset.
Flora and fauna are totally protected and must not be disturbed.
Rubbish must be buried or disposed of in a designated place.
- (RESERVE
FEES ) , (FOREIGNERS ), ( NEPALI )
- (
Entrance Fee ) , ( Rs. 650.00 ) , ( Rs.10.00 )
- (Camping
Fee per night per person ) , ( Rs.300.00 ) , (Rs.20.00 )
- (
Vehicle Fee ) , (Rs.100.00) , (Rs.100.00)
- (
Elephant ride per hour per person ) , ( Rs. 650.00 ) , (Rs.100.00
)
- Children
below 10 yrs. free entrance.
Places
of Interest
The
extensive open grasslands of Suklaphanta are worth visiting
for a breathtaking view of the largest herd of swamp deer in
the world and other grassland birds including Bengal florican.
Wetlands
such as Ranital, Sikarital and others in the extension area
like Kalikitch Lake, Lalpanital and Taratal, support a healthy
population of many kinds of waterfowl, reptiles and other wildlife.
Ranital,
18 km. from the reserve HQ., is a beautiful lake for viewing
waterfowl, with machans (viewing towers).
How
to Get There
The
reserve is accessible by road as well as by air. The reserve
will be easily accessible by road from any parts of Nepal with
the completion of the far-wetern sector of East-West Highway.
There is once a week flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi which
is 51 km. far from the park headquarters. There is regular public
bus service from Dhangadhi to Mahendranagar taking 3 hours drive
and the reserve headquarters is 8 km south-west of Mahendranagar.
The reserve can be reached by East-West Highway through Nepalgunj-Dhangadhi-Mahendranagar.
Facilities
A
small information center is maintained at the reserve HQ. at
Majhgaon.
A privately owned jungle lodge provides accommodations and other
activities in the reserve.
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