Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an example of one of the finest birding sites in South Asia. Koshi Tappu was established as a wildlife reserve in 1976 with an aim to protect the last remaining population of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes in Nepal. The reserve has a total area of 175 sq. km. and is roughly rectangular in shape. The principal habitats in the reserve include: wetlands, grasslands and small patches of riverine forest. To date this is the most important of the Ramsar Sites in Nepal. More than half of Nepal’s birds are recorded from Koshi and its adjacent areas! Among the mammals, besides Wild Water Buffaloes, Wild Elephants frequently visit the reserve and a few reside on the western side of the park. The endangered Gangetic Dolphin are found south of the barrage and the highly nocturnal Fishing Cats frequently visit the Koshi Camp ponds to catch fish and breed inside the camp. Apart from this, other mammals that visit the camp are Jungle Cat, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Asiatic Golden Jackal, Palm and Small Indian Civet, Indian Grey and Small mongoose. Nilgai or Bluebull (whose numbers are increasing in the reserve) are regularly seen inside the reserve. Flying foxes can be seen flying over the camp during dusk and sometimes feeding on the fruiting trees in Koshi Camp.
A barrage on the southern side of the reserve has created a water reservoir towards the north. The barrage was built in the late 1950’s, mainly to save people in the Indian state of Bihar from the devastating floods of the Koshi River. High earthen embankments bound the Koshi River on both its eastern and western sides, which confine the course of the waters within these bunds. Many small marshlands, pools and grasslands are formed which provide a haven for birds and birdwatchers alike. The vegetation near these banks holds many passerines. In addition, large agricultural fields that lie adjacent to the reserve make fine habitat for many birds. The finest birding sites, in and outside the reserve, are located between Koshi Camp and down south all the way to the barrage and north till 13 RD, a span of over 20 kms. Within this stretch many birds and mammals are found. Koshi Tappu is the ultimate destination for any nature enthusiasts and experts visiting Nepal and offers the experience of a lifetime.
Driving from Biratnagar airport we pass through a man-made lake called “Birju”. It is a 45 minutes drive from Koshi Camp and is worth a visit. This lake holds a variety of wintering ducks and waders. Rare species like Mandarin Duck, Baikal Teal, Bear’s Pochard and Falcated Duck have all been recorded here in winter whereas Grey-headed Lapwing and Fulvous-whistling Duck are regular wintering species. Resident species like Cotton Pygmy Goose and Pheasant-tailed Jacana are species to look out for.
