Itahari, Nepal – 25 July 2025
In the serene floodplains of eastern Nepal, a remarkable conservation success story is unfolding. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal’s first Ramsar-listed wetland, has emerged as a stronghold for one of South Asia’s most endangered species-the wild water buffalo, locally known as Arna (अर्ना).
Once on the brink of extinction with just 63 individuals in 1976, the Arna population has now surged to 498, according to the latest census. This 13% increase from the previous count in 2018 is a powerful testament to decades of collaborative conservation efforts by Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and local communities.
🌾 A Unique Wetland Habitat
Spanning 176 square kilometers along the Koshi River, the reserve’s marshes, grasslands, and riverine forests provide a rich and diverse habitat not only for Arnas but also for over 500 species of birds, endangered fish, Gangetic dolphins, and swamp deer. The ecosystem’s complexity is vital for maintaining balance in this biodiverse region.
🐃 The Symbol of Strength and Survival
Known for their massive horns, muscular build, and cautious nature, wild Arnas are genetically distinct from domestic buffalo. The current population includes 221 adult males, 162 females, 48 sub-adults, and 67 calves-a promising sign for future growth.
However, their survival hasn’t been without hurdles. Seasonal flooding, hybridization with domestic buffalo, disease risks, and rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict continue to pose serious threats.
🛑 Challenges at the Crossroads
Flood Risk: Annual monsoon floods, especially like the devastating 2008 Koshi embankment breach, repeatedly threaten wildlife habitats and local livelihoods.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Crop destruction, infrastructure damage, and occasional injuries have led to tensions. Reports confirm several Arnas have died due to electrocution and retaliatory attacks.
Genetic Dilution: Interbreeding with domestic buffalo is a looming concern, which could impact the genetic purity of the species.
🐃 New Horizons: The Chitwan Experiment
To reduce the risk of a single-site population collapse, 15 Arnas were translocated to an enclosure in Chitwan National Park in 2017. While some calves were born and hope soared, the project faced setbacks from predation, disease, and habitat mismatch. Still, the attempt provided crucial lessons for future rewilding and relocation plans.
🌏 What’s Next for Arna Conservation?
Strengthening community-based conflict mitigation and compensation programs
Ensuring strict protection against hybridization and poaching
Promoting scientific research and eco-tourism to support conservation funding
Identifying alternative, climate-resilient habitats for establishing additional populations
🌱 Why It Matters
Globally, there are fewer than 3,400 wild water buffaloes, with Nepal’s Arna population being the second largest in the world, after India’s Kaziranga. The continued rise of Arnas in Koshi Tappu is not just a national victory but a global beacon of hope for endangered megafauna.
The story of the Arna is more than numbers-it’s about resilience, coexistence, and the power of collective action in protecting nature’s legacy for future generations.
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