Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (175 km2) lies on the flood plains of the Koshi River. The rectangular - shaped Reserve is contained within the east and west embankments of the Koshi Barrage. Therefore, the entire Reserve is subjected to seasonal flooding during monsoon. This Reserve was gazetted in 1976, and established mainly to preserve the habitats for the last remnant population of wild water buffalo in Nepal. In addition, there are larger ungulates such as gaur, nilgai, hog deer and wild pig, and medium sized predators such as fishing cat, jungle cat, and civets. The Koshi River also supports sparse populations of endangeded species such as the Gangetic dolphin and gharial.