Sanctuary of the Northernmost Surviving Herd

Established in March 2009 to conserve the endangered blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), the Blackbuck Conservation Area is located in the Bardiya District of Lumbini Province (formerly Mid-Western Region) in Nepal. Spanning an area of 16.95 square kilometers (6.54 square miles), this protected area houses the northernmost surviving wild population of blackbucks in the world.

Quick Facts and Key Information

Location Bardiya District, Lumbini Province (Mid-Western Region), Nepal

Establishment Date March 2009

Protected Area 16.95 km² (6.54 sq mi)

Governing Body Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC)

Historical Milestone Discovery of the Khairapur herd in 1975

Recorded Herd Composition (2009) 202 individuals (73 males, 111 females, and 18 calves)

Conservation History & Milestone Discovery

Efforts to protect the blackbuck in Nepal began in 1975 after a small, fragile herd was discovered in Khairapur (Ward No. 3, Gulariya Municipality) of the Bardiya District. Recognizing the critical vulnerability of this population, the government took swift action by deploying five staff members—equipping four of them with arms—and establishing a dedicated guard post that same year.

To further secure the natural habitat of these endangered antelopes, the Government of Nepal acquired private land for blackbuck conservation between 1995 and 1997. By 2009, when the formal conservation area was established, the protected herd had grown to 202 individuals, consisting of 73 males, 111 females, and 18 calves.

Major Highlights and Ecological Significance

The World’s Northernmost Herd

The Khairapur population represents the northernmost surviving wild herd of blackbucks anywhere on earth.

Dedicated Protected Habitat

Managed under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) to safeguard endangered grassland species.

Historic Land Acquisition

Reflects pioneering state-led land management initiatives between 1995 and 1997 to expand grazing and protection zones.

Grassland Biodiversity

Preserves critical Terai lowland plains and grassland ecosystems vital for specialized ungulate survival.

Notable Nearby Destinations in Bardiya

Nearby Destination	Location / Connection	Key Features
Gulariya Municipality	Bardiya District Headquarters	Administrative center encompassing the Khairapur core habitat area.
Bardiya National Park	Greater Bardiya Region	Nepal’s largest lowland national park, famous for Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and one-horned rhinoceros.

Travel Tips – Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Coordinate with local DNPWC wardens and post guards before entering observation zones.
Maintain a respectful distance from the blackbuck herds to prevent stress or habitat disturbance.
Combine your visit with a broader wildlife exploration trip across the Bardiya region.

Don’ts

Do not attempt unauthorized entry into fenced core sanctuary sectors without proper permits.
Do not make loud noises or use flash photography that could frighten the endangered antelopes.
Do not litter waste or plastic materials within the protected grassland ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Blackbuck Conservation Area established?

The conservation area was established in March 2009 to protect the endangered blackbuck population.

What is the total area of the conservation area?

The protected area covers 16.95 square kilometers (6.54 square miles) in the Bardiya District.

When were blackbucks first spotted in Khairapur?

A small herd was first spotted in Khairapur ward no. 3, Gulariya Municipality in 1975, initiating government conservation efforts.

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