Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Faces Genetic Erosion Threat to Wild Arna

Sunsari. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an important wetland and grassland spread across the Terai region of Nepal. This plain, formed by the Saptakoshi River, is known as the main habitat for wild elephants, nilgai, birds, and especially the rare wild arna. The threat of losing the unique gene of the wild arna has added challenges to this area. 

According to scientific studies, the problem of open livestock buffaloes in the Koshi Tappu area is not new. Various research mentions that the population of open livestock developed due to some domestic buffaloes being released or left open in the 1950s. Later, these buffaloes mixed with wild herds. Currently, thousands of domestic and feral cattle and buffaloes are found grazing in and around this area. This situation poses a big challenge to the genetic purity of the wild arna.

Due to open grazing and uncontrolled livestock entry, cross-breeding between wild arna and domestic buffaloes is increasing. This is causing "genetic erosion", i.e., the gradual erosion of unique genes. The risk of the wild arna's specific physical and genetic characteristics gradually disappearing is now the main concern for conservation.

Mixed characteristics can be clearly seen in some buffaloes found in the plains of Koshi Tappu. The body of pure wild arna is generally large, black, and powerful. Their horns are thick and semicircular, spreading outwards. However, in cross-bred buffaloes, differences are seen in body proportion, horn size, facial structure, and color. This change indicates that the wild lineage is gradually weakening.

The problem is not just genetic. Close contact with domestic livestock has also increased the risk of disease transmission. There is a danger that various infectious diseases from domestic cattle can spread to wild arna. If an epidemic occurs, it can cause great damage to the small population of wild arna.

Behind the peaceful scene in the grasslands of Koshi Tappu, a serious conservation struggle is actually hidden. If open grazing control, feral livestock management, and scientific monitoring are not effectively implemented, pure wild arna may be limited to the pages of history in the future.