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Saturday, December 3, 2016

Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve – 1,325 km2 (512 sq mi)
The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is the only hunting reserve in Nepal. Established in 1987 it covers an area of 1,325 km2 (512 sq mi) in the Dhaulagiri Himal of western Nepal in the Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung Districts. In altitude it ranges from 2,850 to 5,500 m (9,350 to 18,040 ft).

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve lies in the Baglung district of Dhawalagiri Himalayan range. It is the only hunting reserve in Nepal and was primarily established to cater for the needs of sport hunting and for the conservation of representatives of temperate, subalpine and alpine ecosystems of west Nepal.

This reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and temperate vegetation. Oaks Quercus lanata and Q. semecarpifolia form well developed stands at the reserve’s lower elevations in more moist and shaded areas. The other common tree species are fir Abies pindrow, birch Betula utilis, spruce Picea smithiana, juniper Juniperus recurva, pine Pinus wallichiana, hemlock Tsuga dumosa, rhododendron Rhododendron spp. and other alpine shrubs.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters.

Dhorpatan Hunting reserve is the only area in Nepal where licensed hunting is allowed. The reserve adjoins Myagdi district and Baglung district, just below the Dhaulagiri Range in the west Nepal. Spreading over an area of 1325 sq. kms the reserve begins at 3000 meters reaching as high as 7000 meters. Trees like fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are available in the reserve. One of the prime attractions for hunters is the blue sheep, which is abundant in the region. Hunters also get pheasant and partridge in vialble populations for hunting. Other animals found here are leopard ghoral, serow, Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Black bear, barking deerm wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur and mouse hare. Endangered animals in the reserve are musk deer, wolf red panda, cheer pheasant and danphe. The gateway to the region is Beni Baglung district mid west Nepal. The reserve headquarters , The time to visit the reserve is from September to May.

We offer you at the same time to hunt Blusheep & Himalayan Tahr. Hunting time takes another about 4-5 days extra. In Dhorpatan department of National Park & Wildlife Conservation has categorized seven different hunting Blocks. In Some block more Tahr found, some block Blue sheep Found. We offer the combo hunt combining two or three hunting block. Hunting Block in the north of reserve is quite remote and requires additional days. Charter of Helicopter also cost little bit more than lower part.

Hunting Block North of Dhorpatan:- Seng Block, Sundaha Block & Dogadi Block               Hunting Block South of Reserve:- Fagune Block, Gustang Block, Barse Block & Surtibang Block

List of License:- Bluesheep-1,Himalayan Tahr-1,muntjack-1 and Wildboar-1 and some birds. 

 Summary
Hunting Area: Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Suggested Arrival Day in Kathmandu: Except Saturday & Government Holiday.

Group Size: Two Pax

Hunt Guarantee: Hunting is a Game; if you are lucky animal can be finding with on two to three days. We put our all effort finding good game in case of occurring unexpected incident such as raining, snowing, sickness, disaster and political problem we cannot guarantee.

Season: October - November & March April

Optional Season: December & February (it could be very cold),it is advised to check with before making decision.

Service: Guided &Camping Service

Duration: 20 Days Hunting Block:-Gustang, Barse & Fagune Southern Areas of Dhorpatan.

Mode of Transport: Helicopter or driving & trekking. Driving &trekking usually take a week extra.

Supporting Crew: Professional Guide, Cook, porters & game scout

Equipment: Binocular, radio set(optional),skinning knife, Rifle Winchester ,comfortable walking shoes, warm gore tex Jacket, windbreaker pants, gloves, sunglass, warm woollen or fleece hats, thermal underwear, few pair wool shocks, sunglass, sun lotion, t shirt etc.

Booking Process: provide us a clear valid passport copy, details of arm &ammunition,  50 percent Advance and 4 pcs passport sized copy.

Trophy Export from Nepal: One can take trophy with them after getting certificate from department of national Park and Animal health directorate. We assist to provide all the documents after the hunt before departure from Nepal. We can even send trophy by courier too. We have done to several countries already in Europe and America.

Protection of trophy: Salting & well drying. 
Import of Riffle: Government of Nepal, Affairs of Home Ministry issue the arm & ammunition licence in application of facilitator. Qatar Airways is most convenience to travel with arm & ammunition as our previous experience.


Our Arrangements: Our Sherpa team reach the near the camp about 3-4 days in advance with taking necessary gears and wait for clients. They also conduct search of animal habitat location. We basically use local peoples who knows areas

Flora and fauna
The landscape consists of forests, marshland called Dhor and flat meadows called Patan. Higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Fifty-eight vascular plants have been recorded as present in the reserve. Flowering plants comprise 36 endemic species. Faunal species cmprise 18 mammals including snow leopard, musk deer Ailurus fulgens Red panda and blue sheep; 137 birds including koklass pheasant, cheer pheasant and impeyan pheasant; and two herpeto species.

Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – 175 km2 (68 sq mi)
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Terai of eastern Nepal covering 175 km2 (68 sq mi) of wetlands in the Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur Districts.It comprises extensive mudflats, reed beds, and freshwater marshes in the floodplain of the Sapta Kosi River, and ranges in altitude from 75 to 81 m (246 to 266 ft).It was established in 1976 and designated as a Ramsar site in December 1987.It can be accessed from the Mahendra Highway.

History
During 1997 to 1998, an interview survey was conducted in the Paschim Kasuha VDC adjacent to the east of the reserve to investigate the extent of park–people conflict.The findings showed that wild water buffalo and wild boar were major crop raiders between September and February.Large numbers of cattle were found grazing freely inside the reserve.Local people are responsible for illegal utilization of forest products, poaching and river fishing inside the reserve.
In 2005, the reserve together with the Koshi Barrage was identified as one of 27 Important Bird Areas of Nepal.

Vegetation
The vegetation of the reserve is mainly characterised by mixed deciduous riverine forest, grasslands and marshy vegetation.The coverage of grasslands is 68%,compared to only about 6% of forest, which is predominated by Indian rosewood. Patches of catechu forest are more prevalent towards the northwestern part.The grasslands near the running water bodies are maintained by the annual flooding and grazing by wildlife.The Sapta Koshi River, a tributary of the Ganges, causes rapid and intense flooding during the rainy season. In the extensive wetlands,514 plant species are found including kapok, sugarcane, reed, cattail, Imperata cylindrica, eel grass, and species of Eichhornia, Hydrilla, Azolla and lotus.

Fauna
A wide range of animals inhabit the protected area. In its water courses and ponds, 200 species of fish have been recorded, most of which are resident. Two toad species, nine frog species, six lizard species, five snake species and eleven turtle species are recorded. Gharial and mugger crocodile occur as well.

Mammals
The 31 species of mammals recorded include the Asian elephant, spotted deer, hog deer, wild pig, smooth-coated otter and golden jackal. The Ganges river dolphin has been sighted in the Koshi River. Gaur and blue bull have declined in numbers.Nepal’s last remaining population of about 150 wild water buffalo inhabit the area.This population has now grown to a total of 432 individuals with an annual growth rate of 7.27 percent, according to the latest census carried out in 2016.With this upsurge in the population,authorities are planning a possible transfer of some wild water buffaloes to the flood plains of Chitwan National Park where they have been extirpated around 1950's.If the proposed translocation happens, this will present a natural Predator-Prey scenario since wild water buffaloes in Koshi Tappu has been lacking their natural predators in the form of tiger, leopard and dhole for quite a long.

Birds
Notable among the 485 bird species are watercock, Indian nightjar, dusky eagleowl, black-headed cuckooshrike, whitetailed stonechat, striated grassbird, large adjutant stork, Pallas’s fish eagle, common golden-eye, and gullbilled tern.Swamp francolin and Nepal rufous-vented prinia occur as well.

In spring 2011,17 Bengal floricans were recorded from nine different sites along a 39 km (24 mi) north-south stretch of the Koshi River. Seven were males and 10 were females. Only five individuals were recorded outside the reserve, two pairs north of Koshi Tappu, and one female seen twice near the Koshi Barrage area.


Wildlife Reserve

Parsa Wildlife Reserve – 637 km2 (246 sq mi)
Parsa Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. Established in 1984 A.D, it covers an area of 637.37 km2 (246.09 sq mi) in the Parsa, Makwanpur and Bara districts and is the largest wildlife reserve in the country.A buffer zone declared in 2005 comprises 298.2 km2 (115.1 sq mi). In altitude it ranges from 435 m (1,427 ft) to 950 m (3,120 ft) in the Siwalika Hills.In 2015, the protected area has been extended by 128 km2 (49 sq mi).

In the north of the protected area the Rapti River and Siwalika Hills form a natural boundary to human settlements. In the east it extends up to the Hetauda – Birgunj highway. In the south, a forest roads demarcates the boundary. Adjacent to the west is Chitawan National Park. Together with the Indian Tiger Reserve Valmiki National Park, the coherent protected area of 2,075 km2 (801 sq mi) represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki, which covers a 3,549 km2 (1,370 sq mi) block of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests.
Before being converted to a protected area, the region used to be a hunting ground of the ruling class.

Vegetation
The typical vegetation of the park is tropical and subtropical forest types with sal forest constituting about 90% of the vegetation. Chir pine grows in the Churia Hills. Khair, sissoo and silk cotton trees occur along watercourses.Sabai grass grows well on the southern face of the Churia Hills.An estimated 919 species of flora have been recorded including 298 vascular plants, 234 dicots, 58 monocots,five pteridophytes, and one gymnosperm.

Fauna
In May 2008, a census conducted in the reserve confirmed the presence of 37 gaurs.A survey combined with extensive camera-trapping conducted in 2008 estimated four adult Bengal tigers resident in the reserve.


Wildlife Reserves of Nepal

Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve – 305 km2 (118 sq mi)
The Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Terai of the Far-Western Region, Nepal, covering 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of open grassland, forests, riverbeds and tropical wetlands at an altitude of 174 to 1,386 metres (571 to 4,547 ft).It was gazetted in 1976 as Royal Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. A small part of the reserve extends north of the East-West Highway to create a corridor for seasonal migration of wildlife into the Sivalik Hills.The Syali River forms the eastern boundary southward to the international border with India, which demarcates the reserve’s southern and western boundary.

The Indian Tiger Reserve Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous in the south;this coherent protected area of 439 km2 (169 sq mi) represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Sukla Phanta-Kishanpur, which covers a 1.897 km2 (0.732 sq mi) block of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests.

The protected area is part of the Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands ecoregion and is one of the best-conserved examples of floodplain grassland.It is included in the Terai Arc Landscape.

History
The area was a favorite hunting ground for Nepal's ruling class and was declared a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1969.In 1973 the area was gazetted as Royal Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, initially comprising 155 km2 (60 sq mi), and extended to its present size in the late 1980s.A buffer zone of 243.5 km2 (94.0 sq mi) was added in May 2004.

The name Suklaphanta was derived from one of the grasslands found inside the reserve. The main grassland called Sukla Phanta is the largest patch of continuous grassland in Nepal covering an area of about 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi).

The jungles of the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve were once the site of an ancient kingdom. To this day, ruins of that kingdom can be seen in some places. Near Rani Tal,a lake in the reserve, there still remains a brick girdle, measuring 1,500 m (59,000 in) in circumference. It is considered by locals to be a remnant of the fort of Tharu king Singpal.

Climate
The climate of the region is subtropical monsoonal with mean annual rainfall of 1,579 mm (62.2 in) that occurs from June to September and is highest in August. The winter months of December and January are fairly cold with daytime temperatures of 7–12 °C (45–54 °F) and occasional frost. From February onwards temperatures rise up to 25 °C (77 °F) in March and reach 42 °C (108 °F) by end of April. When the first pre-monsoon rains reach the area in May, humidity increases.

Vegetation
Some 700 species of flora are estimated in the reserve including 553 vascular plants,18 pteridophytes, 410 dicots and 125 monocots.Grassland constitutes almost half the reserve's vegetation. The main grass species are Imperata cylindrica and Heteropogon contortus. khagra reed (Phragmites karka) and Saccharum spontaneum grow in the marshes surrounding the seven small lakes.The dominant forest type is sal. Khair and sissoo grow alongside rivers.Grassland encroachment by tree and shrub saplings are major threats to the long-term existence of the main phantas .Trees out compete any grasses growing under them, especially those that need plenty of sunlight.Tree seeds are dispersed all over the grasslands and generally germinate near existing trees.Additionally, trees encourage the growth of shade-loving grasses and inhibit growth of sun-loving species. This process of succession usually converts grassland into woodland over time.

Fauna
The extensive open grasslands and wetlands around the lakes of the reserve are habitat for a wide range of fauna.In the rivers, lakes and ponds 28 fish species and 12 reptile and amphibian species were recorded.These include mahseer and rohu, mugger crocodile,Indian rock python, monitor lizard, Indian cobra, common krait and Oriental ratsnake.

Mammals
Current checklists include 46 mammal species, of which 18 are protected under CITES such as the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, swamp deer, elephant and hispid hare. Great one-horned rhinoceros were translocated from Chitwan National Park to establish a third viable population in the country.

The congregation of swamp deer in the reserve's grasslands is the largest in the world; the population of hispid hare may be of international significance.As of 2013, there were 2170 swamp deer in the reserve.

Birds
A total of 423 bird species has been recorded. The reserve supports the highest population of Bengal floricans in Nepal. It is the western limit of swamp francolin, Jerdon's bushchat, rufous-rumped grassbird, chestnut-capped babbler and Jerdon's babbler; the north-western limit of yellow-eyed babbler; the eastern limit of Finn's weaver and the most important regular wintering site of Hodgson's bushchat.Forest birds include spot-bellied eagle owl,dusky eagle owl, rufous-bellied eagle and Oriental pied hornbill. The forests are also important for great slaty woodpecker and white-naped woodpecker.The white-rumped vulture, slender-billed vulture, lesser adjutant, grey-headed fish eagle, darter and rufous-rumped grassbird are breeding residents.Sarus crane, painted stork and bristled grassbird are summer visitors. Greater racquet-tailed drongo, white-capped water redstart, rusty-tailed flycatcher and rufous-gorgeted flycatcher are uncommon winter visitors.
During a survey carried out in January 2005, a total of 19 Hodgson's bushchats were recorded, and a year later only 8 males.

Conservation Areas


Annapurna Conservation Area – 7,629 km2 (2,946 sq mi)
The Annapurna Conservation Area is Nepal's largest protected area covering 7,629 km2 (2,946 sq mi) in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas across the Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi, and Lamjung districts. The area ranges in altitude from 790 m (2,590 ft) to the peak of Annapurna I at 8,091 m (26,545 ft).

History
The Annapurna Conservation Area was established in 1985 and gazetted in 1992. It is managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation.

Climate
There are two distinct climatic regions within a span of 120 km (75 mi) and an altitude of 1,000 to 8,000 m (3,300 to 26,200 ft). Annual rainfall averages 3,000 mm (120 in) in the south, and less than 500 mm (20 in) in the north.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area – 2,035 km2 (786 sq mi)
The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a protected area in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. Established in 1997 it covers 2,035 km2 (786 sq mi) in the Taplejung District and comprises two peaks of Kanchenjunga. In the north it adjoins the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet, and in the east the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim.To the west it adjoins the Sankhuwasabha District.It ranges in altitude from 1,200 m (3,900 ft) to 8,586 m (28,169 ft).It also falls within the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, which is being developed by WWF Nepal in partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

History
When the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area was designated in March 1997, it was Nepal’s third Conservation Area. In April 2003, a Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council was formed with the support of WWF Nepal, comprising seven Conservation Area User Committees, 44 User Groups, and 32 Mother Groups. These community based institutions support effective implementation of all planned activities. In August 2006, the Government of Nepal handed over the management of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area to the Management Council.

Vegetation
The landscape of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area comprises cultivated lands, forests, pastures, rivers, high altitude lakes and glaciers.

Fauna
Mammal species include the snow leopard, Asian black bear, and red panda.Bird species symbolic of the area include the golden-breasted ful vetta, snow cock, blood pheasant, and red-billed chough.

In 2012, a leopard cat was camera trapped at an elevation of 4,500 m (14,800 ft).This record constitutes the highest known record to date.

Manaslu Conservation Area – 1,663 km2 (642 sq mi)

The Manaslu Conservation Area is a protected area in Nepal. Established in 1998 it covers 1,663 km2 (642 sq mi) in the Mansiri Himal range of the Himalayas in the Gorkha District. The area comprises mountains, glaciers, and watercourses.In elevation, the area ranges from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 8,156 m (26,759 ft) at Manaslu.

Flora and Fauna
The region is home to 33 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr. There are over 110 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 1500-2000 species of flowering plants.

Blackbuck Conservation Area – 15.95 km2 (6.16 sq mi)

The Blackbuck Conservation Area is located in the Mid-Western Region,Nepal and was established in 2009 to conserve the endangered blackbuck.This protected area covers 16.95 km2 (6.54 sq mi) in the Bardiya District.

History
Attempts for the conservation of blackbuck in Nepal began in 1975 when a small herd was spotted in Khairapur VDC of Bardiya District. Realizing their fragile existence, immediate efforts were made to protect the herd. The government deployed five staff members, providing four of them with arms. A guard post was also established in the same year. This particular herd is the northernmost surviving herd of blackbucks in the world. In 2009, the herd numbered 202 comprising 73 males,111 females and 18 calves.
During 1995-1997,the Government of Nepal obtained private land for blackbuck conservation.


Api Nampa Conservation Area – 1,903 km2 (735 sq mi)

The Api-Nampa Conservation Area is a protected area in the Far-Western Development Region, Nepal. It was established in 2010 and covers 1,903 km2 (735 sq mi) encompassing 21 Village Development Committees in the Darchula District. The western boundary is formed by the Mahakali River, and the northern by the international border with Tibet. Adjacent to the east are the Bajhang and Baitadi districts.[1] It ranges in elevation from 518 to 7,132 m (1,699 to 23,399 ft) at the Himalayan peak Api, and is within the circumscribed area of the Kailash Sacred Landscape.

Named after the two peaks Api and Nampa, it was established to conserve the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area.It is inhabited by 54,358 people living in 8966 households.A grasslands plateau is at the center of the area. It is intermixed with various forest types.

Fauna
Mammalian species include snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, common langur, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan musk deer, goral and serow. Birds include Himalayan monal, snowcock and blood pheasant.


Gaurishankar Conservation Area – 2,179 km2 (841 sq mi)

Gaurishankar Conservation Area is a protected area in the Himalayas of Nepal that has been established in January 2010, covering 2,179 km2 (841 sq mi) in the Ramechhap, Dolakha and Sindhupalchok districts and encompassing 22 Village Development Committees. It is contiguous with Tibet in the north.The protected area connects the Langtang and Sagarmatha National Parks.The Government of Nepal handed over the management of Gaurishankar Conservation Area to National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) for 20 years in 2010. Following the models of Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation Areas, NTNC has been managing the area through its Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project.It is a part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape.The headquarters is in Charikot.

History
In April 2006, the Dolakha Chamber of Commerce and Industries has requested the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board to declare the Rolwaling area as a national park.

In January 2010, the Federation of Community Forest Users, Nepal expressed its disagreement against the decision to establish a conservation area and formed a National Struggle Committee to launch a campaign against the declaration, demanding that the community people should obtain management responsibility of the protected area.

Conservation Area Boundary
The Gaurishankar Conservation Area encompasses 22 VDCs,covering three districts. In Ramechhap, it includes the Chuchure and Gumdel VDCs.The Shyama, Suri,Chankhu, Marbu, Khare, Orang, Bulung, Laduk, Chilankha, Aalampu, Bigu,Kalinchok,Lamabagar and Gaurishankar VDCs of Dolakha also fall within its boundaries. And six VDCs of the Sindhupalchok District - Ghorthali, Marming, Listikot, Tatopani, Fulpingkatti and Gumba - are now part of the conservation area.

Flora and Fauna
The Gaurishankar Conservation Area is rich in bio-diversity. A total of 16 varieties of vegetation have been identified in the area, including forests of Pinus roxburghii, Schima-Castanopsis, Alnus, Pinus wallichiana, Pinus patula, Rhododendron, Quercus lanata and Temperate mountain oak forest.

Mammals
The Gaurishankar Conservation Area's mammalian population totals 34 species of mammals.One of the most rare animals in the area is the Red panda.

Birds
A total of 235 species of birds have been recorded from the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.

Others
The conservation area also has 14 snake species,16 species of fish,10 types of amphibians and 8 lizard species.

Kalinchowk Bhagwati Shrine

There is a famous shrine of the Kalinchowk Bhagwati in Kuri village in the Kalinchowk VDC. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus.