Banke National Parkबाँके राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Banke National Park is a national park in Lumbini, Nepal, covering 550 km². Established in 2010, it is known for Bengal tiger, Four-horned antelope, Ruddy mongoose.
A 'Gift to the Earth' tiger-recovery park contiguous with Bardiya
Area
550 km²
+ 344 km² buffer zone
Established
2010
Province
Lumbini
Managed by
DNPWC
Districts
Banke, Salyan, Dang
Establishment
Established 12 July 2010 — Nepal's tenth national park, designated after being recognised as a 'Gift to the Earth'.
Key species
- Bengal tiger
- Four-horned antelope
- Ruddy mongoose
- Wild elephant
About the area
Banke, established on 12 July 2010, was Nepal's tenth national park, created after the landscape was recognised internationally as a 'Gift to the Earth'. Covering 550 km² of mostly Siwalik (Churia) hills and sal forest in Banke, Salyan and Dang, with a 344 km² buffer zone, it was conceived less as a standalone reserve than as the missing piece of a larger tiger landscape.
Contiguous with Bardiya, Banke completes the Bardia-Banke Tiger Conservation Unit, one of Nepal's key tiger-recovery landscapes. It held 25 tigers in the 2022 count and shelters four-horned antelope, ruddy mongoose, wild elephant and more than 113 tree species in a predominantly sal-dominated forest.
Its real significance is connectivity: by protecting the forest between Bardiya and the hills, Banke gives tigers, elephants and other wide-ranging animals room to move, turning two parks into a single functioning habitat far larger than either alone.
Where it sits
The highlighted pin is this protected area; the others show Nepal's full network of 20.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Banke National Park?+
Banke National Park covers 550 km², plus a 344 km² buffer zone. It lies in Banke, Salyan, Dang (Lumbini province).
When was Banke National Park established?+
Banke National Park was established in 2010 as a national park. Established 12 July 2010 — Nepal's tenth national park, designated after being recognised as a 'Gift to the Earth'.
What type of protected area is Banke National Park?+
Banke National Park is a national park, managed by DNPWC.
What animals live in Banke National Park?+
Banke National Park is known for Bengal tiger, Four-horned antelope, Ruddy mongoose, Wild elephant. A 'Gift to the Earth' tiger-recovery park contiguous with Bardiya.
Sources & data note
Figures for Banke National Park as documented by the listed sources. Where reputable sources disagree the discrepancy is stated in the establishment note. Map coordinates are an approximate centre point, not a surveyed centroid.