Biodiversity
Nepal lies at the crossroads of different climatic zones and boasts a wide variety of plant and animal species. Its climatic zones, which range from tropical and temperate to alpine, give rise to a wide variety of ecosystems. Species typical of Europe, North Asia, India and South-East Asia can be found here. More than 6,500 species of trees and flowers can be found here. The fauna is certainly diverse, but some species are endangered. The efforts of the Nepalese government have proved too timid to put an end to poaching, Reference WWF – Click HERE – particularly of tigers and rhinos.
But Nepal, which covers just 0.1% of the Earth’s surface, is home to many plant and animal species. The World Conservation Monitoring Centre estimates that its fauna includes at least 1,240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Nearly 3% of these species are endemic and cannot be found elsewhere. More than 850 species of birds, over 500 species of butterflies, 600 families of native plants and 320 species of exotic orchids testify to the particular diversity of Nepal’s flora and fauna. More Mountain EbA Projects -Click HERE-
Animal life
The wildlife is equally diverse. Asian elephants, macaque monkeys, Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, wild buffalo and gavials (swamp crocodiles) inhabit the lowlands of the Terai. At higher altitudes, you can encounter deer, wild boar, antelopes, snow leopards, bears, Himalayan (Thar) goats, Red Pandas, Red Panda Network ONG, ONG support –more info Click HERE– wolves and Himalayan foxes. Around 10 species of all known bird species have been recorded in Nepal. Herons, egrets, storks, peacocks, vultures, eagles, pheasants, cuckoos and ducks abound. The lophophora (danphe) is Nepal’s emblematic bird. It is common in low mountain areas at an altitude of around 4,000 metres.
However, some of these species are threatened in both the plains and the mountains. The sub-alpine and even alpine regions were the realm of musk deer and Tibetan sheep, where they are becoming increasingly rare. Tigers and leopards were hunted for their skins and bones. Rhinoceros horns are collected and used as an aphrodisiac powder in South-East Asia, which is highly prized. Tigers and rhinos in particular fall victim to unscrupulous poachers who act in collusion with the military, who are responsible for protecting national parks. The resale of various parts of these animals could reach 70,000 dollars in South-East Asia, they say.
Excessive Deforestation
Forests cover 25% of Nepal’s surface area. The nationalisation of forests in 1957 had devastating effects, leading to the disempowerment of the population and the resulting excessive deforestation. Forests were destroyed as a result of overpopulation and poor management of this resource. Between 1990 and 2005, the country lost around 25% of its forest cover. Since then, the government has changed its policy. Local communities will be responsible for future forest management. A reforestation programme has been set up. National parks and reserves have been created to protect them. The use of wood as fuel is strictly prohibited.
National parks and reserves
Nepal has created eight national parks –our trip Click HERE– and four major wildlife reserves.
-DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Click HERE-
Containing some of the highest ecosystems on the planet, these protected areas cover almost 19% of the country.
Chitwan National Park –our trip HERE– in Taray is home to the endangered Asian elephant, Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. In the vast jungle lands of the ancient maharajahs, well described by Rudyard Kipling, you can walk on the backs of elephants and, if you’re lucky, encounter tigers and rhinos.
However, the locals do not appreciate these protective measures. During the day, tourists ride elephants through the bush, while at night, rhinos ravage crops and tigers hunt cattle. How do you explain to a farmer who has lost part of his harvest that these animals need to be protected?
The domestic yak
A yak is to the Himalayas what a camel is to the desert and a reindeer is to the tundra. An animal living in the Himalayas. Wild yaks, once abundant, are becoming increasingly rare. Its main habitat is the Himalayan plateau, particularly Langtang…
