Nature tour to Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

The riverine flood plain of the reserve comprises hill wash and alluvial deposits. More than 33 percent of the reserve is covered by Sal (Shorea robusta) and other mixed forest. There are extensive grassland called phanta in Nepal. The biggest grassland is called Sukla Phanta. Several other extensive grasslands are separated by the patches of the forest. A small lake called Rani Tal (Lake) lies on the eastern side of the reserve and it is the most fascinating area for the water birds and migratory birds.

There are also several water-logged area known as the dhap or swampy ground covered by reed and tall grasses.

Animals and Birds

The reserve is home to about 45 to 55 Wild Elephant (Elephas maximus) an endangered species, which seems to leave a constant trail of destruction. About 35 Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris), an endangered species, inhabit the reserve preying on the abundant spotted deer. Other animals found here are leopard, Indian fox, jackal, wild boar, common mongoose, porcupine, wild cat, swamp deer, samber deer, spotted deer, hog deer, barking deer, blue bull, hispid hare, Black Naped Hare, marsh crocodile, python, sly squirrel, three striped palm squirrel, rhesus monkey, langur, pangolin, common palm cive, common otter and rhino

About 268 species of birds have been recorded in the Reserve. Several species of endangered birds including the Bengal Florican (Eupodotis bengalensis) are found in the Reserve. Many grassland birds can be seen in the phantas.

Among the reptiles, Marsh Magger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Indian Python (Python molurus), Monitor Lizard (Varanus monitor) and snakes like Cobra (Naja sp), Krait (Bungarus sp) and Rat snake (ptyas mucosus) are recorded in this reserve.

The reserve is home to 21 species of fish including the Mahaseer, Rohu and Tenger.

Vegetation

Some 54.7% of the reserve is covered by mixed deciduous forest, grassland and marsh in the south-west where soils are of recent alluvium. The rest is moist deciduous forest and savanna, supported by the better drained soils on higher terrain in the north-east (Balson, 1976).

The main vegetation types distinguished by Schaaf (1978a, 1978b) are: sal Shorea robusta forest; sal savanna, which is part of a continuum between climax forest and grassland that is maintained by fire or floods; mixed deciduous forest, which is patchily distributed among the more extensive grasslands in the south-west (sal is absent); grasslands, which may be dry (locally known as phantas) or wet in the case of areas inundated during the monsoon; lowland savanna, which occurs on the fringes of all main grasslands and covers most of Karaiya Phanta; khair-sissoo forest, dominated by Acacia catechu and Dalbergia sissoo and forming an early succession in riverine areas; and marsh, in which tall dense grasses are predominant (e.g. Phragmites karka, Saccharum spontaneum and Sclerostachya fusca).

Climate

The area has a tropical monsoon climate with four different seasons:winter ,spring, summer and monsoon .The months of December and January are fairly cold and misty with occasional frost.The mean monthly minimum temperature varies from 10 to 12 o C in winter , gradually rising to 17oc in the spring and 26oCin the summer.Over 90% of the annual precipitation fall during monsoon between June and September.Mean maximum temperatures are 40-42°C in summer (April-May), when hot westerly winds of up to 160km per 4hour have been recorded. (Balson, 1976).In February and March, the maximum temperature rises up to 22o to 25ocC.The relative humidity remains fairly high throughout the the year except in the dry months of the pre-monsoon period.

Places of Interest

The extensive open grassland of the reserve serves for breathtaking views of the herds of Swamp Deer in the world. Grassland birds are also very fascinating and attractive.

Wetlands such as Rani Tal, Sikari Tal and other extension area such as Kalikitch Lake, Lalpani Tal and Tara Tal also provide halting place for waterfowls. Rani Tal about 17 kilometers from Majgaon the park headquarter is a beautiful lake for viewing waterfowl from machan or viewing towers.

Near Rani Tal is the ancient temple of Singphal, devoted to Lord Shiva. During the Dasain festival, Hindus come to worship Singphal.

Salgoudi Tal (Lake) is extremely pretty and has an abundance of bird life. There is a Machan (View tower) from which egrets, herons, storks, eagle and many of the animals can be seen including elephants.

What to Bring

Although the Terai can be cool during the winter, It can be stiflingly hot during the summer months. If you are headed there in winter, bring along a sweater or jacket. Summer months require cool clothes, good walking shoes, shady hat and sunscreen, Make sure your clothes are in colors-like brown and green-that help you blend into the background.

Carry along some mosquito repellant, anti-diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines. Meanwhile, along with photo equipment, a pair of binoculars will prove invaluable. If you are closer to the monsoon months, carry some water proof jackets and an extra pair of shoes. Just in case.

The Terai jungles are also famous for leeches that appear in the monsoon and are around for a few months after, Salt or a lighted cigarette will make them fall off, do not pull them off as the wound may get infected. Try an insect repellant to keep them away.

How to get there

The reserve is accessible by the road as well as air. The reserve will be easily accessible by road from any parts of Nepal with the completion of the far-western sector of east-West Highway. There is once a week flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi which is 51 km far from the park headquarters. There is regular public bus service from Dhangadhi to Mahendranagar taking 3 hours drive and the reserve headquarters is 8 km south-west of Mahendranagar. The reserve can be reached by East-west Highway through Nepalgunj-Dhangadhi-Mahendranagar.