KATHMANDU; The population of the rare wild water buffaloes, locally known as Arna, in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) has increased to 219. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, KTWR and the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal (CSUWN) had jointly conducted the census of the wild water buffaloes from May 2-4. According to the census, among the total 219 wild water buffaloes, there are 101 mature female, 34 adult male, 39 sub-adults, 22 two-year old and 23 one-year old calves. Hari Krishna Uprety, wetland expert of the CSUWN, said the number of wild water buffalos has increased satisfactorily despite poaching and other hazards. A total of 159 wild water buffalos including 117 adults and 42 calves were found in the census conducted in 2004. The KTWR which is spread over an area of 175 sq km is also a habitat for 486 species of birds. In 1976, the total number of wild water buffalos in KTWR was only 63. The census based on direct count method was divided into four blocks.