Koshi Tapu Wildlife Reserve This is a small wildlife reserve (about 175 square kilometers)established mainly for the protection of the last survivingwild water buffaloes. The buffaloes are very ferocious and canweigh over 2,000 pounds (915 kg).

Wild Water Buffalo - an endangered species Credit: Mahabir Pun

The reserve is situated in the flood plains of the Sapta KosiRiver that drains water from the highest peaks of the world.The other wild animals that found in this reserve are hog deer,spotted deer, wild boar and blue bull.

This reserve is also known as the best bird sanctuary in Nepalbecause more than 280 species of birds can be observed in thissmall island in spring. This number includes some of themigratory birds which stop here on their northward flights toTibet.

Parsa Wildlife Reserve
This wildlife reserve is mainly the extension of Royal ChitwanNational Park and was established to protect a herd of about 20wild elephants. This park also provides shelter for some oftigers displaced from Chitwan National Park. The climate,vegetation and wild animals here are similar to those in theadjacent park.

Leopard Credit: Allen Matheson

Royal Sukla Phant Wildlife Reserve
This is another small reserve established to protect endangeredswamp deer. It is situated in the far southwestern corner ofNepal. Like the Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks, thisreserve is also a flood plain -- of the Sarda River. The grassyand swampy land has provided the perfect habitat for swampdeer. There are some tigers too. The other animals found in thereserve areantelopes, leopards, wild boars and hares.

Himalayan Black Bear Credit: Mahabir Pun

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
This is the only hunting reserve in Nepal. It lies in thesouthern foothills of the Dhaulagiri range. This reserve hasmany kinds of wild animal such as the ghoral, Himalayan thar,Himalayan black bear and deer. However, this reserve is famousfor blue sheep, which are highly prized trophy animals.Tourists are allowed to hunt some specific animals by paying agame fee.