Banke National Park(BaNP) is the newest protected area of Nepal established in 12th July 2010. BaNP extends over 550 square kilometers in Banke district and its buffer zone, 343 square kilometres, encompasses parts of Banke, Dang and Salyan districts. The Park is adjoining to Kamdi corridor that joins Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary in India through national and community forests towards south. It is connected with Bardia National Park (BNP) towards west which further links with Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India via Khata corridor, national forest and community forests. BaNP is an important component of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) which provides additional habitat for tigers. In fact, establishment of this park for the conservation of wild tigers, an endangered wildlife species, reflects the commitment of the Government of Nepal towards biodiversity conservation at landscape level.
Banke National Park contains an array of eight ecosystem types such as Sal forest, deciduous Riverine forest, savannahs and grasslands, mixed hardwood forest, flood plain community, Bhabar and foot hills of Chure range. It is a home to 124 plants, 34 mammals, more than 300 birds, 24 reptiles, 7 amphibians and 58 fish species. 90% natural forest coverage composed of mainly Sal, Karma, Khair and Sissoo.
Three species of mammals (tiger, striped hyaena, four-horned antelope), four species of birds (giant hornbill, black stork, Bengal florican, and lesser florican) and two species of reptiles (gharial crocodile and python) residing in the Park are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.
The habitat of flood plain, foot hill and Churia hill are of prime concern to conserve major focus species such as royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic wild elephant and four-horned antelope. Furthermore, the Rapti River on the south and Babai River on the north forms the life line of the Park.
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