Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve lies in Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung Districts in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987. Management objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting and preserve a representative high altitude ecosystem in West Nepal. The reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq. km. and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the sports hunting needs of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game animals. The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m. to more than 7000 m. The flat meadows above tree line (4000 m.), locally known as Patan, are divided into six blocks for hunting management purposes.  Villages on all sides except the north surround the reserve. Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements for wood, fuelwood, fodder, and pasture. The refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve. The majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Magar. Thakali, and Gurung, Amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures. The reserve is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce; Pasturelands occupy more than 50% of the total area of the reserve at higher elevations.  The reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep, a highly coveted trophy. Other animals found are: leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bears, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque, languor, and mouse hare. Pheasants and partridge are common and their viable population in the reserve permits controlled hunting. A hunting license is issued by the Department of Natonal Parks and Wildlife conservation. Endangered Animals in the reserve include Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant, and Danphe. Dhorbaraha, a Hindu religious place on the banks or Uttarganga River near Dhorpatan, is in Fagune bloc. E very year on the day of "Janai Purnima" in August, a religious fair is held here which is attended by many local devotees. The magnificent view of Dhaulagiri Himal from Barse, Dogari and Gustung blocs are exceptional. Snag and Sundaha bloc are rich in wild animals. |
