Khaptad National Park and Buffer Zone (14332)
Nepal, Asia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Khaptad National Park and Buffer Zone
Central coordinates: Latitude: 29.3667, Longitude: 81.1167
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 900 to 3300
Area of KBA (km2): 220.43022
Protected area coverage (%): 99.97
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Khaptad National Park lies south of the Himalayan range in far western Nepal in Seti Zone. Khaptad is the only protected area representative of Nepal’s western mid-mountain region (Inskipp 1992). It is an isolated massif with the highest point at 3300m.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: A total of 296 species of birds have been recorded in the IBA. 289 bird species was recorded by Chaudhary (2006). Seven additional species have been found making a total of 296 species (Halliday 1993, Khadka 1996, Lama 1995). No information is available on species in the Buffer Zone. <div>KNPBZ supports a significant population of the globally threatened Cheer Pheasant. Other globally threatened species recorded are Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus which were formerly fairly common but their current status is unknown and further fieldwork may show the KNP supports significant populations. White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis and Conmmon Pochard Aythya ferina are rare visitors.</div><div>Three restricted-range species have been recorded with significant populations in KNP: Cheer Pheasant from the Western Himalayas (EBA 128) and Spiny Babbler and Hoary-throated Barwing from the Central Himalayas (EBA 129) and so KNP qualifies as an IBA based on the restricted-range criterion. Two other species from the Western Himalayas (EBA 128) have been recorded: Tytler’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri which is a rare passage migrant and Spectacled Finch Callacanthis burtoni which is a very rare winter visitor or passage migrant.</div><div>Non-bird biodiversity: A total of 23 species of mammals has been recorded including the globally threatened Himalayan Black bear Ursus thibetanus, Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus chrysogaster, Wild Dog Cuon alpinus, Himalayan Goral Naemorhedus goral, and Red Panda Ailurus fulgens and near-threatened Himalayan Serow Capricornis thar. Other mammals include Northern Red Muntjac Muntiacus vaginalis, Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Grey Wolf Canis lupus, Common Leopard Panthera pardus, Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta, Northern Plains Gray Langur Semnopithecus entellus, and Jungle Cat Felis chaus. In addition, 23 species of reptile and six species of amphibian have been recorded (DNPWC 2014).</div>
Manageability of the site: Site identified based on BirdLife International's Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, under which manageability is strongly recommended but not explicitly documented
Delineation rationale: Protected IBAs extended to include designated Buffer Zones
Habitats
Summary of habitats in KBA: Khaptad is an isolated massif. The top is a rolling plateau of extensive grasslands interspersed with oak/coniferous forests of Quercus semecarpifolia/Abies spectabilis/Rhododendron barbatum/Tsuga dumosa, shrubberies of Rhododendron barbatum and berberis, and boggy areas. The slopes of the massif support broadleaved forests of Quercus lanata, Q. floribunda/Q. leucotricophora lower down. Higher up there is a mixed forest of Q. semecarpifolia/Q. floribunda, hemlock Tsuga dumosa, fir Abies pindrow and maple Acer, and on southern and western slopes Q. semecarpifolia/Rhododendron arboreum with some dense bamboo stands. Subtropical forest covers a small area of the park and comprises Chir Pine Pinus roxburghii and broadleaved forest. A small lake, Khaptad Daha, lies on the north-eastern slope (DNPWC 2014). <div>KNPBZ has: 63.66% forest cover, 14.67% grass and shrub cover, 20.96% under cultivation and 0.7% covered by sand (DNPWC 2014).</div>
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Overharvesting and unsustainable use of forest resources; Forest fires are common; Invasive species are a problem in some forests and grasslands; Poaching is widespread; siltation in Khaptad Daha and other wetland ecosystems due to overgrazing by livestock; Climate change
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Small-holder grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (agricultural use) | Only in the future |
| Biological resource use | Gathering terrestrial plants | Unintentional effects (species being assessed is not the target) | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Problematic native species/diseases | Unspecified species | Ongoing |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: <div>Chaudhary, CS (2006) A bird checklist of Khaptad National Park. Khaptad National Park, Bajura.</div>Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (2014) Khaptad National Park Management Plan (draft). Kathmandu.<div>Halliday, J (1993) Notes on birds recorded in Khaptad National Park, 28 March – 7 April 1993.Unpublished. pp. <br><div>Inskipp, C (1992) A visit to Khaptad. Nepal Bird Watching Club Bulletin 1 (1/2): 1-3.</div></div><div>Khadka, BB (1996) Bird checklist of Khaptad National Park. Unpublished.</div><div>Lama, S 1995. Additional sightings. Nepal Bird Watching Club Newsletter 4(2): 2.</div>
Contributors: Site identified based on Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas by the BirdLife International Partnership