Sarda River - National Parks in The Basin

National Parks in The Basin

Notable national parks are Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve in Nepal and Dudhwa National Park on the Indo-Nepal border in India.

a) Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in Nepal has evolved over the years from a Hunting Reserve In 1969, to the gazetted Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve in July 1976 with .an area of 155 km to protect Nepal's last remaining herd of swamp deer (Cervus duvaucalli). Now it stands extended to the current size of 305 km. It is bounded Kanchanpur District in the extreme south-western section, has a common boundary with the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the south and west which is formed by the Mahakali (Sharda), River, and is bordered on the east by the Chaudhar River and in the north by a forest belt and cultivations. The reserve supports a wide range of biodiversity, which is nationally and globally important. Primarily the vegetation types are Sal forest, Sal savanna, which is part of continuum between climax forest and grassland that is maintained by fire and floods. The reserve supports the largest population of Bengal florican Houbaropsis bengalensis (E) and swamp deer Cervus duvauceli (E). It is also home to 14 species of Fish including Goonch, a large catfish suspected of several fatal attacks on humans. 350 species of birds and 24 species of Mammal.

b) Dudhwa National Park is located at India-Nepal border, in Uttar Pradesh in India. The northern edge of the Park lies along the Indo-Nepal border, and the southern boundary is formed by the Suheli River. The terrain of the park varies from mosaic grasslands, dense sal forests and swampy marshes. It has diverse wildlife population. Another reserve area "Kishunpur Pashu Vihar" sanctuary located about 30 km from Dudhwa. spread over about 204 sqr.km, lies on the banks of river Sharda and is surrounded by Sal forest of adjoining reserve forests. In 1987 Dudhwa National Park and Kishunpur Pashu Vihar were merged to form the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR). Although the Tigers at the Park are numerous, sightings are rare due to the thick forest cover of the area. Besides Tigers, Leopards, Hispid Hares, Swamp Deer (Barasingha) and Rhinos thrive amidst the vegetation, it is home to 400 species of resident and migratory birds, 37 species of mammals and 16 species of reptiles Main Wildlife found are Swamp Deer, Chital, Hog Deer, Sambar, Rhino.