12:50 PM
Niraj Luitel
The Royal Suklaphanta
Wildlife Reserve is situated in the southern part of Far-West Nepal in
Kanchanpur District. The reserve lies between 80o 25' east longitude and 28o
35' north latitude.
The reserve had been a
famous hunting area for many years and was declared a Royal Hunting Reserve in
1969. The reserve was gazetted in 1973 as Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
It began as an area of 155 sq. km, today the reserve covers an area of 305 sq.
m after completion of an extension. The riverine flood plain
of the reserve comprises of hill wash and alluvial deposits. Sal (Shorea
robusta) is the dominant tree species. Extensive grasslands (locally called
phanta) provide an ideal habitat for swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli). The species
is endangered...
