The forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and the Buxa Tiger Reserve,[1] and is rich in wildlife. New species continue to be found.[2] The forest used to be home to large Rhinoceros populations. In hunting expeditions in 1892-1904, in and around Chilapata Forest, the Maharajah of Cooch Behar recorded killing one rhino, injuring another, and sighting of over 14.[3] Rhinos now are extremely rare. Indian leopards are still common.[4]
It is hoped that eco-tourism will provide a new source of income for the indigenous Rabha people, who now depend on the forest mainly for firewood.[5]
Tourism
West Bengal State Forest Development Agency (WBSFDA) runs an eco-tourism resort at Kodalbasti, providing basic accommodation.
Nalraja GarhSouthern Boundary of Bhutan in blue before the Duar War of 1865
One of the main attractions is the ruined "Nalraja Garh", built by the Kingdom of Bhutan. Although poorly maintained, the site has considerable archaeological interest. Other activities include Tonga rides through Mathura tea garden, boating on the Bania river and angling on the confluence of the Kalchini, Bania and Buri Basra.[6]
^Contested Belonging: An Indigenous People's Struggle for Forest and Identity in Sub-Himalayan Bengal by B. G. Karlsson, 2000 ISBN0-7007-1179-1, ISBN978-0-7007-1179-6
