Blackbuck Conservation Area
Nepal has developed various strong and progressive legal instruments. The Wildlife Protection Act, 2015 (1957) was the first to identify the importance of protecting wildlife in Nepal. Since then, almost all fi ve-year periodic development plans have emphasized on the need for conserving wildlife.
Khairapur is the only place in Nepal that shelters the almost extinct population of blackbucks locally known as Krishnasar. The Government of Nepal acquired 172 hectares of private land for Krishnasar, which is now known as Krishnasar Conservation Area.
The Blackbuck Conservation Area is located in the Mid-Western Region, Nepal. The area established in 2009 to conserve the endangered blackbuck. This protected area covers 16.95 km2 (6.54 sq mi) in the Bardiya District.
The government of Nepal has declared Blackbuck Conservation Area (Krishnasar Conservation Area) in 2009 in the Bardia district. This is the first organized effort to conserve the endangered Blackbuck. The is one of the protected species under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.
There had been a search if this animal is still there in Banke and Bardiya area. In 2032 BS, in the forest of Khairi Panditpur, 9 blackbucks were spotted. Then, by the year 2075, with joint efforts, the count has increased to 187. Thus, to further protect this animal, 10.25 kilometers of barbed wire surrounds the area.
Flora and Fauna of Krishnasar Conservation Area
There are fourteen species of mammal, twelve species of reptile, and sixty-four species of bird in the area.
Blackbuck Conservation Area Location
Krishnasar Conservation Area is located in the western lowlands of Nepal. It lies between 28º7’ and 28º39’N latitude and 81º3’ to 81º4’E longitude. KrCA lies in between the old and new river course of Babai River and the headquarters of the Conservation Area (CA) is at Khairapur. Bardiya district– approximately 500 m north of Bhurigaon- Gulariya road
Best time to visit Blackbuck Conservation Area
Being located in the low elevation it can be visited almost all the time of the year. Although monsoon season is not the favorable time to venture in the low lying area due to dazzling heat and immense precipitation. The main season for Blackbuck Conservation Area is October-April i.e. outwith the monsoon season.
Things to do in Krishnasar Conservation Area
Filming, Photography & Blackbuck sightseeing are major tourism activities. Bardia National Park is a popular wildlife destination in recent years holds unique natural and cultural heritage.
Krishnasar Conservation Area Entry Fee
Blackbuck Conservation Area entry fee of Rs. 2,000 (Foreigners), Rs. 500 (SAARC), Rs. 100 (Nepali).
How to get Blackbuck Conservation Area
Krishnasar Conservation Area is easily accessible by road from the nearest airport at Nepalgunj where there are several daily flights from Kathmandu. Bardiya is 528 kilometers away from Kathmandu. It can be accessed from the bus as well as from Air. Driving by private car takes around fifteen hours.
A regular flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is available. From Nepalgunj, it takes around three hours of drive to Bardiya.