Koshitappu Wild Life Reserve

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 to protect the last remaining wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) population, known locally as Arna. It is located on the floodplain of the Sapta Koshi River and includes the districts of Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur in the eastern Terai region. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in Nepal and covers an area of ​​175 square kilometers. The eastern and western tributaries of the Sapta Koshi River define the territory of the reserve. Koshi Tappu was declared the first Ramsar wetland in Nepal on December 17, 1987 for the conservation and sustainable use of its wetlands.

In 2004, an area of ​​173 square kilometers around the reserve (4 communes and 1 rural commune in Sunsari, Saptari and Udaypur districts) was declared a buffer zone. Protected area management and local residents work together to initiate community development, conservation activities, and management of natural resources within the buffer zone. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973 mandates that 30 to 50 percent of reserve revenue be earmarked for community development and buffer zone protection.