Khaptad National Park
| Khaptad National Park | |
|---|---|
|
IUCN category II (national park) | |
|
Location in Nepal | |
| Location | Nepal |
| Coordinates | 29°16′12″N 80°59′24″E / 29.27000°N 80.99000°ECoordinates: 29°16′12″N 80°59′24″E / 29.27000°N 80.99000°E |
| Area | 225 km2 (87 sq mi) |
| Established | 1984 |
| Governing body | Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation |
The Khaptad National Park is a protected area in the Far-Western Region, Nepal that was established in 1984. Stretching over the four districts of Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti it covers an area of 225 km2 (87 sq mi) and ranges in elevation from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 3,300 m (10,800 ft).[1][2]
History
Khaptad National Park was established in 1984 on the advice of the region’s holy man Khaptad Baba. The renowned Khaptad Baba Ashram, a religious site where Hindu pilgrims come to worship Shiva on the full moon of July–August each year, is located near the park headquarters. A buffer zone of 216 km2 (83 sq mi) was declared in 2006.[1]
Khaptad Baba moved to the area in the 1940s to meditate and worship. He spent about 50 years as a hermit and became a renowned spiritual saint.[3]
Vegetation
The landscape consists of moorland, steep slopes, and streams. 567 species of flora have been recorded in the protected area. Vegetation types include chir pine-rhododendron forest, oak forest and Himalayan fir-hemlock-oak forest and alder forest in riverine areas.[1]
Fauna
Current checklists include 23 mammals, 287 birds, and 23 amphibians and reptiles. Mammal species symbolic of the park are leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild dog, and musk deer. Bird species symbolic of the park include the impeyan pheasant, peregrine falcon, and white-rumped vulture.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Bhuju, U. R., Shakya, P. R., Basnet, T. B., Shrestha, S. (2007). Nepal Biodiversity Resource Book. Protected Areas, Ramsar Sites, and World Heritage Sites. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, in cooperation with United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Kathmandu, ISBN 978-92-9115-033-5
- ↑ GoN/MoFSC (2014). Nepal Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Kathmandu, Nepal
- ↑ Joshi, L. R. (2011). "Eco-tourism Planning and Management on Eco-tourism Destinations of Bajhang District, Nepal" (PDF). Forestry Nepal, Term Paper.
External links
- Information of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal
- Welcome to Khaptad !
- Bisht, K. 2012: Sound O.K., Silence Better. Khaptad is a solitude-seeker’s dream come true.