Overview

Chitwan National Park is a protected area in the lowland Terai of southern Nepal. Its name in Nepali is noted as चितवन राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज. Established as the country's first national park in 1973, it lies within the state of Nepal. The park originally covered approximately 932 km² of riverine forest, grassland and wetlands and is recognized internationally as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Geography and habitats

Chitwan occupies a mosaic of habitats shaped by the Narayani and Rapti rivers. Floodplain grasslands, sal (Shorea robusta) forests, oxbow lakes and marshes create a rich ecological matrix. Seasonal flooding and monsoon dynamics sustain the park's wetlands and grasslands, which provide feeding and breeding grounds for both resident and migratory species.

Wildlife and conservation

The park supports many species of fauna and flora. About 68 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds have been recorded; a commonly cited bird count is approximately 543 species. Notable large mammals include the greater one‑horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, sloth bear and swamp deer. Aquatic species such as gharial and mugger crocodiles inhabit riverine stretches.

  • Key mammals: greater one‑horned rhino, tiger, elephant, gaur, sloth bear
  • Birdlife: a mix of resident and migratory waterbirds, raptors and forest species

History and protected status

The park was created to halt habitat loss and protect large herbivores and predators in the Terai. Since its establishment in the 1970s, Chitwan has been a focal point for anti‑poaching efforts, species recovery programs and community‑based conservation. Its inscription as a World Heritage Site in 1984 highlighted its global significance for biodiversity conservation.

Tourism, research and local communities

Chitwan is a major destination for nature tourism and scientific study. Visitors can experience guided safaris, birdwatching, village homestays and river trips while researchers study wildlife ecology, habitat restoration and human–wildlife interactions. Local livelihoods and park management increasingly emphasize collaborative approaches that balance conservation with sustainable use: see links on tourism and research for more information.

Management challenges and notable facts

Ongoing challenges include human–wildlife conflict, pressure from development and the need for continued anti‑poaching vigilance. Despite these pressures, Chitwan remains one of South Asia's best examples of successful large‑mammal conservation, with measurable recoveries of iconic species. Its combination of protected habitats, conservation programs and community engagement continues to make it a vital area for both biodiversity and cultural connections to the Terai landscape.