Parsa National Park is located in the south-central region of Nepal, and it is one of the most significant habitats for wildlife in the country. The park is spread across an area of 499 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of animals. Let's take a closer look at some of the animals that can be found in Parsa National Park.
Bengal Tiger: The Bengal tiger is the most iconic animal of the park, and it is the largest member of the cat family found in Nepal. These majestic creatures can weigh up to 220-250 kg (485-550 lbs) and have a distinctive orange coat with black stripes. They are known for their strength, agility, and hunting prowess.
One-Horned Rhino: The one-horned rhino is another critically endangered species found in Parsa National Park. These massive creatures can weigh up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) and have a thick, armored skin that protects them from predators. They are easily recognized by their characteristic single horn on their nose.
Wild Elephant: The wild elephant is the largest mammal found in the park and can weigh up to 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs). These magnificent creatures have a greyish-brown skin and long, curved tusks. They are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and their ability to communicate through a range of vocalizations.
Leopard: The leopard is a medium-sized carnivore found in the park and can weigh up to 90 kg (200 lbs). They are solitary creatures and are known for their excellent hunting skills. They have a distinctive spotted coat that helps them blend into their surroundings.
Sloth Bear: The sloth bear is a unique creature found in the park and can weigh up to 140 kg (310 lbs). They have a shaggy, black coat and a distinctive white V-shaped mark on their chest. They are known for their long, curved claws that they use to dig for food.
Gaur: The gaur is the largest wild cattle found in Parsa National Park and can weigh up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs). They have a dark brown coat and distinctive curving horns. They are known for their strength and their social behavior.
Sambar Deer: A large deer species that is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia. They have a dark brown coat and are known for their distinctive antlers, which can have up to three points on each side. Sambar deer can weigh up to 546 kg (1,200 lb) and are important prey for predators like tigers and leopards.
Spotted Deer: Also known as the Chital, the Spotted Deer is a medium-sized deer species found in the Indian subcontinent. They have a distinctive reddish-brown coat with white spots, and their antlers are shed annually. Males grow antlers up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length, while females do not have antlers. Spotted Deer are herbivores and mainly feed on grass, leaves, and fruits. They are a popular prey for tigers and leopards.
Striped Hyena: The striped hyena is a medium-sized carnivore found in the park and can weigh up to 55 kg (121 lbs). They have a distinctive striped coat and are known for their scavenging behavior.
Mugger Crocodile: The mugger crocodile is a species of crocodile found in the rivers of the Indian subcontinent. They can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) in length and are easily recognized by their broad, flattened snouts.
Leopard Cat: The Leopard Cat is a small wild cat species found in the Indian subcontinent. They have a yellow-brown coat with distinctive black spots, and a long tail with black rings. Leopard Cats are solitary animals and are mostly active at night. They are skilled climbers and swimmers, and feed on a variety of prey including rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are also known to occasionally prey on domestic poultry, which has made them a target of human persecution in some areas..
Indian Python: A large non-venomous snake species that is found in the Indian subcontinent. They can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) in length and are known for their ability to constrict their prey.
These are just some of the animals that can be found in Parsa National Park. The park is also home to a wide range of bird species, reptiles, and other mammals. It is an essential habitat for wildlife in Nepal and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.