Initially, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve was managed as a hunting reserve beginning 1969 AD., but was resettled as a Wildlife Reserve in 1976. It was established in the year 2032 B.S. (1976AD.) located in the lowlands of the extreme south-western section of Terai in Kanchanpur District of Nepal. It consists of sal forests and extensive grasslands.
The name of the Sukla Phanta is derived from the largest of these grasslands. This wildlife reserve protected area in the Terai covering the total area of 155 sq. km which will become 305 sq. km after completion of its extension.
Out of them buffer zone consists 243.5 sq. km. declared in 2004 AD.. The headquarter of this wildlife reserve is Majhgaun. This wildlife reserve shares a common boundary with the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the south and west which is formed by the Mahakali River; a major tributary of the Ganges and the Chaudhar River on the east and the north by a forest belt and cultivations.
It helps the conservation of the wild animals and birds which are specially found in the south western Terai near Nepal-India border. 24 mammal species, 180 breeding species, 200 species of birds, 14 species of fish and 10 species of ectoparasites and biting flies are found in here.
The endangered species of antelope (Barshainga) are conserved in this reserve. The wild elephant, tiger, leopard, deer and wild pigs, wild boar, bear, wildass, stag (Jarayo), chital, porcupine and otter etc. found in this reserve.
Sal forest is mainly found here. There are the forests of Sisou, simaland khayer along with grassland in this area.
There are many lakes such as Rani Taal, Sikari Taal, Tarapunal and Kalikitch. There are lots of magar crocodiles in Rani lake and other small lakes here. The reserve has world’s largest population of swamp deer (about 2500). It has Samburs; considered endangered in the world.
This reserve also supports many species of migratory and Raithane local birds. This reserve has highly contributed to the conservation of wildlife.
It is ideal spot for game viewing and jungle safari for visitors. After the visiting this protected area, one may experience unique.
