Sunday, August 30, 2009

Koshi Tappu Reserve

Koshi Tappu Reserve, Nepal's first Ramsar site, covers 175 sq. km. and covers three districts of Nepal - Sunsari, Udaypur and Sarlahi. It contains some of the most endangered species such as Arna (Wild water buffaloes)and various bird species. The reserve contains the highest number of bird species in the country (an amazing 863 species are found inside the park, nearly 95% of the total 900 species found in Nepal).

The recent problems being faced by the reserve are:
1. The Reserve's wetlands are drying up and the increasing deposition of silt in the wetlands is further killing the habitat.
2. The invasion of Mikania micarantha, locally known as 'mile-a-minute' plant, has covered at least 70% of the reserve.
3. Rising Temperature due to climate change is affecting the wild-life habitat.
4. Flooding and no measures to control it.
5. The forests have been almost stripped bare, and some buffer areas of the reserve have been turned into farmlands by the locals who live on the periphery.
6. Over grazing of domesticated buffaloes by the local farmers is affecting the plant species.
7. Lack of preventive strategy and Wild-life Conservation policy is affecting the overall environment of the reserve.

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