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Shuklaphanta National Park

This article is about a national park. For municipality, see Shuklaphanta.
Shuklaphanta National Park
Nepali: शुक्लाफाँट राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Rani Tal, a lake inside Shuklaphanta National Park
Map showing the location of Shuklaphanta National Park
Map showing the location of Shuklaphanta National Park
Shuklaphanta National Park
LocationNepal, Sudurpashchim Province
Nearest cityBhimdatta
Coordinates28°50′24.72″N 80°13′44.40″E / 28.8402000°N 80.2290000°E / 28.8402000; 80.2290000
Area305 km2 (118 sq mi)
Established1976 as Wildlife Reserve; 2017 as National Park
Governing bodyDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (Nepal)
Websiteshuklaphantanationalpark.gov.np
Map

Shuklaphanta National Park is a national park in the Terai of the Far-Western Region, Nepal, covering 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of open grasslands, forests, riverbeds and wetlands at an elevation of 174 to 1,386 m (571 to 4,547 ft). It is bounded by the Mahakali river in the west and south. A small part extends north of the Mahendra Highway to create a wildlife corridor for seasonal migration of wildlife into the Sivalik Hills. It was gazetted in 1976 as Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and was enlarged to its present size in the late 1980s. A buffer zone of 243.5 km2 (94.0 sq mi) was added in 2004. It receives a mean annual rainfall of 1,579 mm (62.2 in) and harbours 700 floral, 456 bird, 56 reptile and 15 amphibian species.

History

The name Shuklaphanta was derived from one of the grasslands called phantas inside the protected area.[1] The main grassland called Shukla Phanta is the largest patch of continuous grassland in Nepal covering an area of about 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi).[2]

The area was a favourite hunting ground for Nepal's ruling class and was declared a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1969. In 1973, the area was gazetted as Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, initially comprising 155 km2 (60 sq mi), and extended to its present size in the late 1980s.[3] A buffer zone of 243.5 km2 (94.0 sq mi) was added in May 2004.[4] In 2017, the status of the protected area was changed to a national park.[5]

Geography

Shuklaphanta National Park covers 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of open grasslands, forests, riverbeds and tropical wetlands at an elevation of 174 to 1,386 m (571 to 4,547 ft). It is bounded by the Mahakali river in the west, the Mahendra Highway in the north and the Syali river in the east.[4] A wildlife corridor in the south connects it to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in India.[6]

Located in the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands, it is also included in the Terai Arc Landscape.[7] The soils in the alluvial floodplain vary from sandy loam to clay and are slightly alkaline.[8]

Climate

The climate of the region is subtropical monsoonal with a mean annual rainfall of 1,579 mm (62.2 in) occurring from June to September and peaking in August. The winter months of December and January are fairly cold with daytime temperatures of 7–12 °C (45–54 °F) and occasional frost. The temperature rises from February onward up to 25 °C (77 °F) in March and reaching 42 °C (108 °F) by end of April. Humidity increases when the first pre-monsoon rains arrive in the area in May.[3][1]

Flora

Some 700 species of flora are estimated in the park including 553 vascular plants, 18 pteridophytes, 410 dicots and 125 monocots.[4] The main grass species in the grasslands are Imperata cylindrica and Heteropogon contortus. Phragmites karka and Saccharum spontaneum grow in the marshes surrounding the seven small lakes. Acacia catechu and Dalbergia sissoo grow alongside rivers, and sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species in the forest. Grassland encroachment by tree and shrub saplings are major threats to the long-term existence of the main grasslands.[2]

Fauna

The extensive open grasslands and wetlands around the lakes of the park provide habitat for a wide range of fauna.[4]

Mammals

The congregation of barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii) in the park's grasslands is the largest known population in the world, with 1674 individuals estimated in 2007.[9] Barasingha and Indian hog deer (Axis porcinus) herds live mainly in grasslands, whereas chital (A. axis) herds use grasslands and forest patches; the Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) frequents forests close to water bodies, and the nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) uses foremost forest edge areas and semi-open habitats.[10]

During camera trapping surveys carried out in three cold seasons, 11 tigers (Panthera tigris) and nine leopards (P. pardus) were identified in the southern part of the national park.[11] In spring 2016, a rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) was photographed by a camera-trap for the first time in the national park.[12] The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) was recorded mainly in the wetlands.[13] The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) is present in the many streams and around lakes.[14] Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis) were recorded in the sal forest.[12]

Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) were translocated from Chitwan National Park to establish a third viable population in the country.[4] Since 2015, the population in Shuklaphanta National Park has increased from eight to 17 individuals as of March 2021.[15] In 2011, the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was thought to migrate seasonally from Uttar Pradesh through the park and beyond, with 3–5 individuals staying in far-western Nepal.[16] The park and its buffer zone provide only about 352 km2 (136 sq mi) suitable elephant habitat with sufficient natural vegetation cover close to water sources.[17]

The population of the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) may be of international significance.[2] The population density was estimated at 5.76 individuals/km2 (14.9 individuals/sq mi) and 219 ± 40 individuals within 41 km2 (16 sq mi) of grasslands in 2012.[18] The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) was recorded mainly in grasslands and exhibited a nocturnal activity pattern in winter.[19] The Malayan porcupine (H. brachyura) was recorded in the sal forest.[12]

Birds

Yellow-eyed babbler

The singing bush lark (Mirafra cantillans) and Finn's weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) were first observed in the park's grasslands in May 1996.[20] In 2001, the national park supported the largest population of the Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) in Nepal with 20–28 individuals estimated to live in the grasslands.[21]

By 2009, a total of 423 bird species had been recorded in the protected area. It is the western limit of several resident birds including swamp francolin (Ortygornis gularis), Jerdon's bush chat (Saxicola jerdoni), Indian grassbird (Graminicola bengalensis), chestnut-capped babbler (Timalia pileata) and Jerdon's babbler (Chrysomma altirostre), and the north-western limit of the yellow-eyed babbler (Chrysomma sinense). Forest birds include Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), rufous-bellied eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii), spot-bellied eagle owl (Bubo nipalensis) and dusky eagle owl (B. coromandus). The forests are also important for great slaty woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus) and white-naped woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes festivus). The white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), slender-billed vulture (G. tenuirostris), lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus), grey-headed fish eagle (Haliaeetus ichthyaetus) and Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) are breeding residents. Sarus crane (Antigone antigone), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) and bristled grassbird (Schoenicola striatus) are summer visitors. Greater racquet-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), white-capped redstart (Phoenicurus leucocephalus), rusty-tailed flycatcher (Ficedula ruficauda) and rufous-gorgeted flycatcher (F. strophiata) are uncommon winter visitors.[2] The white-throated bush chat (Saxicola insignis) is a winter visitor. The black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) visit the park occasionally.[5]

A total of 450 bird species had been recorded by mid 2019. Between November 2019 and spring 2020, six additional species were observed comprising little forktail (Enicurus scouleri), wood snipe (Gallinago nemoricola), great barbet (Psilopogon virens), Laggar falcon (Falco jugger), Indian nuthatch (Sitta castanea) and black-breasted thrush (Turdus dissimilis).[22]

Reptiles

As of September 2019, 56 reptile species have been recorded in Shuklaphanta National Park.[23] The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) was observed at Rani Tal, one of the natural lakes in the east of the national park.[24] Both Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) and yellow monitor (V. flavescens) have frequently been observed in the national park's buffer zone. Venomous snakes are represented by king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Indian cobra (Naja naja) and monocled cobra (N. kaouthia), Russell's viper (Daboia russelii), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and banded krait (B. fasciatus). Non-venomous snakes comprise Burmese python (Python bivittatus), Oriental ratsnake (Ptyas mucosa), Ahaetulla laudankia, Ahaetulla nasuta, Forsten's cat snake (Boiga forsteni) and common cat snake (B. trigonata), Chrysopelea ornata, trinket snake (Coelognathus helena) and radiated ratsnake (C. radiatus), bronzeback (Dendrelaphis tristis), rainbow water snake (Enhydris enhydris) and Siebold's water snake (Ferania sieboldii), red sand boa (Eryx johnii) and rough-scaled sand boa (E. conicus), brahminy blind snake (Indotyphlops braminus), Indian wolf snake (Lycodon aulicus), twin-spotted wolf snake (L. jara) and barred wolf snake (L. striatus), banded kukri snake (Oligodon arnensis) and coral kukri snake (O. kheriensis), Psammophis condanarus, Sibynophis sagittarius, buff striped keelback (Amphiesma stolatum) and checkered keelback (Fowlea piscator). Testudines comprise tricarinate hill turtle (Melanochelys tricarinata), Indian black turtle (M. trijuga), Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta), Indian tent turtle (Pangshura tentoria), elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) and Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle (Chitra indica).[23]

Gharials became extinct in the park in 1993, but were reintroduced in 17 March 2024 to the Chaudhar River.[25]

Amphibians

Asian common toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) and marbled toad (D. stomaticus), Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Jerdon's bull frog (Hoplobatrachus crassus) and Asian bullfrog (H. tigerinus), Chunam tree frog (Polypedates maculatus) and Terai tree frog (P. taeniatus), grey balloon frog (Uperodon globulosus), marbled balloon frog (U. systoma) and painted globular frog (U. taprobanicus), Minervarya pierrei, M. syhadrensis and M. teraiensis, Microhyla and Sphaerotheca species were recorded between January 2017 and September 2019.[23]

Fish

As of 2005, 28 fish species have been recorded in the rivers and lakes in the national park.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b Timilsina, N. & Heinen, J.T. (2008). "Forest structure under different management regimes in the western lowlands of Nepal". Journal of Sustainable Forestry. 26 (2): 112−131. doi:10.1080/10549810701879628.
  2. ^ a b c d Baral, H.S. & Inskipp, C. (2009). "The birds of Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal". Our Nature. 7: 56−81.
  3. ^ a b Majupuria, T.C. & Kumar, R. (1998). "Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve". Wildlife, National Parks and Reserves of Nepal. Bangkok: S. DeviSaharanpur and Tecpress Books. pp. 237–240. ISBN 974-89833-5-8.
  4. ^ a b c d e Bhuju, U.R.; Shakya, P.R.; Basnet, T.B. & Shrestha, S. (2007). "Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve". Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book. Protected Areas, Ramsar Sites, and World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, in cooperation with United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. pp. 57–59. ISBN 978-92-9115-033-5.
  5. ^ a b Basnet, H.; Thakuri, D.C.; Bhetwal, K.; Joshi, D. & Poudyal, L.P. (2019). "Recent records of threatened birds in the Sukilaphanta Grassland, Suklaphanta National Park, Nepal, with particular focus on White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis and Finn's Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus". Birding Asia (32): 93–96.
  6. ^ Talukdar, B.K. & Sinha, S.P. (2013). "Challenges and opportunities of transboundary Rhino conservation in India and Nepal". Pachyderm (54): 45–51.
  7. ^ Joshi, A.; Dinerstein, E. & Smith, D. (2002). "The Terai Arc: Managing Tigers and other wildlife as metapopulations". In Wikramanayake, E.; Dinerstein, E. & Colby, J.L. (eds.). Terrestrial Ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: a Conservation Assessment. Washington, D.C.: Island Press. pp. 178–181. ISBN 9781559639231.
  8. ^ Henshaw, J. (1994). "The Barasingha, or Swamp Deer, in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal". Oryx. 28 (3): 199–206. doi:10.1017/S0030605300028568.
  9. ^ Poudel, B.S. (2007). "Thirty years of managing Suklaphanta the Swamp Deer and the Tiger: issues and strategies". The Initiation. 1: 72–76. doi:10.3126/init.v1i0.2684.
  10. ^ Lamichhane, S.; Khanal, G.; Karki, J.B.; Aryal, C. & Acharya, S. (2020). "Natural and anthropogenic correlates of habitat use by wild ungulates in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal". Global Ecology and Conservation. 24: e01338. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01338.
  11. ^ Pokheral, C.P. & Wegge, P. (2019). "Coexisting large carnivores: spatial relationships of tigers and leopards and their prey in a prey-rich area in lowland Nepal". Écoscience. 26 (1): 1–9. doi:10.1080/11956860.2018.1491512.
  12. ^ a b c Lamichhane, B.R.; Kadariya, R.; Subedi, N.; Dhakal, B.K.; Dhakal, M.; Thapa, K. & Acharya, K.P. (2016). "Rusty-spotted Cat: 12th cat species discovered in western Terai of Nepal". Cat News (64): 30–33.
  13. ^ Yadav, B.P.; Appel, A.; Shrestha, B.P.; Dahal, B.R. & M. Dhakal (2020). "The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus (Bennett, 1833) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal". Journal of Threatened Taxa. 12 (16): 17203–17212. doi:10.11609/jott.6145.12.16.17203-17212.
  14. ^ a b Joshi, G.K.; Joshi, R. & Poudel, B. (2021). "Distribution and threats to Smooth-Coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal". Journal of Threatened Taxa. 13 (11): 19475–19483. doi:10.11609/jott.7322.13.11.19475-19483.
  15. ^ Talukdar, B.K. (2021). "Current state of the greater one-horned rhinoceros in India and Nepal". Pachyderm (62): 29–34.
  16. ^ Pradhan, N.M.; Williams, A.C. & Dhakal, M. (2011). "Current status of Asian elephants in Nepal". Gajah (35): 87–92.
  17. ^ Sharma, P.; Panthi, S.; Yadav, S.K.; Bhatta, M.; Karki, A.; Duncan, T.; Poudel, M. & Acharya, K.P. (2020). "Suitable habitat of wild Asian elephant in western Terai of Nepal". Ecology and Evolution. 10 (12): 6112–6119. doi:10.1002/ece3.6356. PMC 7319151.
  18. ^ Aryal, A.; Brunton, D.; Ji, W.; Yadav, H.K.; Adhikari, B. & Raubenheimer, D. (2012). "Diet and habitat use of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal". Mammal Study. 37 (2): 147–154. doi:10.3106/041.037.0205.
  19. ^ Fattorini, N. & Pokheral, C.P. (2012). "Activity and habitat selection of the Indian crested porcupine". Ethology Ecology & Evolution. 24 (4): 377–387. doi:10.1080/03949370.2012.705330.
  20. ^ Baral, H.S. (1998). "Finn's Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus and Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans: two new species for Nepal" (PDF). Forktail. 13: 129–130.
  21. ^ Baral, N.; Timilsina, N. & Tamang, B. (2003). "Status of Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in Nepal". Forktail. 19: 51–56.
  22. ^ Giri, T.R.; Inskipp, C.; Joshi, D.; Rawat, Y.B. & Poudyal, L.P. (2020). "First records for six species in Shuklaphanta National Park, western Nepal". Minivet. 3 (3): 31–32.
  23. ^ a b c Rawat, Y.B.; Bhattarai, S.; Poudyal, L.P. & Subedi, N. (2020). "Herpetofauna of Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal". Journal of Threatened Taxa. 12 (5): 15587–15611. doi:10.11609/jott.5611.12.5.15587-15611.
  24. ^ Bhat, H.P.; Saund, T.B. & Thapa, J.B. (2012). "Status and threats to Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris Lesson, 1831 at Rani Tal, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Nepal". Nepal Journal of Science and Technology. 13 (1): 125−131.
  25. ^ Abhaya Raj Joshi (23 March 2024). "Nepal's release of endangered crocs into historical habitat raises concerns". Mongabay. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
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