Bardia National Park (810 20'
E and 280 35' N) is the largest lowland protected
area of Nepal. The park is located in the western
lowland and encompasses a total area of 968 km2. The
park includes alluvial floodplains created by Karnali
River in the west and pristine ecosystem of Bardia
valley in the northeastern section of the park.
In 1967, part of the area was established
as Hunting Reserve. Later in 1976, the area was gazetted
as Karnali Wildlife Reserve to include an area of
386 sq km and renamed as the Bardia Wildlife Reserve
(RBWR) in 1982. Before the establishment of hunting
reserve the villages located in Baghaura Phanta and
Lamkoili Phanta were relocated outside the reserve
boundary. In 1984, the area was extended in the east
to include the Babai Valley to encompass a total area
of 968 km2. In 1988, the whole area was declared as
Bardia National Park (BNP). Recently the proposed
extension of the park in the east in Banke district
has been dedicated as a "Gift to the Earth"
and declaration is in process.
The park is bordered with Ratna Highway
(Nepalganj-Surkhet road) in the east. Geruwa River,
eastern branch of Karnali river system forms the western
boundary of the park. The crest of the Churia range
forms the northern boundary of the park and the southern
boundary adjoins cultivated lands, settlements, buffer
zone forest and part of the East-West Highway.
The park is reputed for its rich biodiversity.
The vegetation in the park ranges from early successional
stage, tall floodplains grassland, established on
the alluvial floodplain of Karnali, Orai and Babai
river systems to the climax stage, sal (Shorea robusta)
forest, extended on relatively dry flat lands and
slopes of the park are revegetated and are dominated
by grass species.
The faunal diversity of the park includes
53 species of mammals including endangered megaherbivores
like rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and elephant
(Elephas maximus), more then 25 species of reptiles,
over 400 species of birds, 121 species of fishes and
unknown diversity of mollusks and arthropods.
Species conservation in the park has
yielded satisfactory results as a number of mammalian
species such as tiger, elephant, spotted deer, hog
deer, smabar deer, swamp deer etc. have made remarkable
comeback. In this regard, reintroduction program of
endangered rhinoceros has been carried out regularly
since 1986. So far a total of 58 rhinoceros have been
released in two different sites (Karnali floodplain
and Babai valley) of the park. The current population
of rhinoceros has been estimated at 73.
The park provides an excellent wilderness
experience for visitors. Unique flora, fauna and landscape
of the park and indigenous culture of buffer zone
communities are important attraction for the tourists.
In recent years the number of tourists visiting the
park has increased remarkably.
A narrow strip of buffer zone covering
an area of about 327 sq. km adjoins the park in the
west and in the south. More then 100,000 people of
diverse ethnicity inhabit the buffer zone. Tharus
are the indigenous group and comprises above 60% of
the total population. Other ethnic groups in the buffer
zone include Brahmin/Kshetri, occupational castes
and the people from Mongoloid origin (Magar, Gurung,
Tamang etc). Agriculture is the main occupation of
buffer zone communities.
Restriction in the traditional use of
nature resources inside the park, damage to agricultural
crops, local harassment and livestock depredation
by the park animals have created conflict between
the park and people residing in the buffer zone. To
overcome these problems, a wide range of initiatives
has been instigated for the past few years. Allowing
local communities to collect thatch grass inside the
park and declaration of buffer zone regulation are
among the major steps taken in this regard. Beside,
a Rahat Kosh (relief fund) has also been created to
compensate injuries and loss of life, livestock depredation
and property (mainly house) damages caused by wild
animals. Furthermore, RBNP in direct collaboration
with four major projects has been launching a number
integrated conservation and development programs targeted
to build up harmonious relationship between park and
people as well as to motivate buffer zone communities
towards the conservation of the park bio-diversity.
For the better protection and
management of the park, HMG has developed 132 park
staff, 2 companies of Nepal Army and 10 elephants
and their drivers (35 persons). Similarly, a wide
range of interventions has also been made to manage
park's bio-diversity. Habitat management is among
the major initiatives taken to improve the foraging
grounds for large and medium sized mammals.
