Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Location: Nepal

District: Rukum, Myagdi, Baglung

Area: 1325 sq km

Established: 1987

Governing body: Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

Coordinates: 28°38’26”N 82°59’40”E

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1987. It lies in the Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung District. The Area extends over an Area of 1325 square kilometer. It is the Hunting Reserve in which altitudes vary from 3000 m to more than 7000 m. The Reserve is characterized by alpine, Sub Alpine, and high Temperature Vegetation.

It is in the Dhaulagiri Himal Range in West of Nepal. The Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the Northern Boundary of the Reserve. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was Gazetted in 1987. The Management objectives of the Reserve allow sports Hunting and preserve a representative high altitude, ecosystem in Western Nepal. The reserve extends over an area of 1325 square kilometer. Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements of Timber, Fuel wood, Fodder and Pasture.

The Tibetan Refugee Camp near the Reserve Headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock Grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the Reserve for Grazing. The Reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the North. Local people depend on the Reserve to meet their requirements for wood, fuel wood, fodder, and pasture. The Refugee Camp near the Reserve Headquarters has put more Human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock Grazing activities begin from February and last until October. The majority of people belong to the Mongolian Race including Magar, Thakali and Gurung. Amalgamation of different Ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures. A Hindu Religious place on the bank of River near Dhorpata also lies in the place. Every year on the day of “Janai Purnima” in August, a Religious fair is held here which is attended by many local Devotees. The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has thirty six Endemic Species. Faunal Species comprise eighteen Mammals including Snow Leopard, Musk Deer Ailurus Fulgens, Red Panda and Blue Sheep. The Reserves also have one hundred thirty seven Birds including Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant and Impeyan Pheasant of Species.