We have been constantly advocating the fact that Nepal is a traveler’s paradise. The variety of activities to do and see are solid proof of that statement. I mean, there are colossal mountains, serene lakes, and gushing rivers. Likewise, the flora and fauna in Nepal are also one of the key attractions of why people visit Nepal. Let’s take a look at the plethora of flora and fauna and learn in brief about them.
Initially, we shall take a look at the different types of plants that inhabit the plains and hills of Nepal. In terms of practicality and better understanding, we shall divide the availability of plants in four categories. They are:
A. FLORA IN NEPAL
1. The Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest
The Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest covers an elevation till 1000 meters. It covers the Terai plains and the leveled valleys. As you explore these humid plains, you will find trees like Sal, Semal, and Asna consistent. These plants not only accentuate the beauty of Terai but provide people their livelihood as well. It is a place where you will find abundant flora and fauna in Nepal.
In places, you can observe the lengthy elephant grass. However, most of them are now replaced by agriculture farms. Pipal and Banyan are also fairly common in these parts.
2. Sub-Tropical Mixed Evergreen Forest
This region lasts till 2400 meters. It encompasses the Mahabharat range and lasts until the external wall of the Himalayan range. The Sub-Tropical Mixed Evergreen Forest comprises of the green hills and stops at the foot of the Himalayas. Also, this region houses rivers like the Sapta Koshi, Karnali, and Narayani. This region contains a variety of plants that are limited to this region only.
You can find flora like castenopsis indica, Alnus nepalensis, oaks, and rhododendrons. As you gradually increase altitude, the vegetation starts to bloom. In the past, deforestation was a major problem but now, people have commenced the conservation process. Take the treks like Ghorepani Poonhill trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek to explore this region and to get an idea about flora and fauna in Nepal.
3. Temperate Evergreen Forest
We are now moving towards higher elevations. The Temperate Evergreen Forest commences from 2400 meters and lasts till 4000 meters. This region is home to tall coniferous trees like Larix, Tsuga, and Pieca. Right below the 4000 meters mark, you can find bamboo, rhododendrons, and maple trees in abundant quantity. This region is comparatively colder so there aren’t many plants here.
4. The sub-alpine and alpine zone
The sub-alpine and alpine zone commence from 4000 meters. The vegetation here is very low in comparison to other regions. However, there is vegetation like silver fir forests, birch, and rhododendron forests. Although the vegetation is comparatively lower, they are delightful and give you an understanding of the flora and fauna in Nepal. When you cross the 4100 meters mark, then you can find small alpine meadows and juniper meadows. It might be appalling for some, but for researchers, it is a goldmine.
Let us now take a look at the different animal species that are found in Nepal. Some animals are limited to Nepal only. So, without any delay, let’s take a look at them.
B. FAUNA IN NEPAL
1. Mammals
There are more than 200 species of mammals that inhabit different parts of Nepal. Most of them reside in national parks and wildlife reserves. Some of the noticeable animals that reside in Nepal are the snow leopard, Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, red panda, one-horned rhinoceros, and pangolins. With the increase in deforestation and human activities, these animals face extinction so, conservation activities are going on.
2. Reptiles
Various species of reptiles reside in different natural reserves and forests of Nepal. These animals provide meaning to the flora and fauna in Nepal. Some prevalent reptiles that are found in Nepal are yellow monitor, geckos, lidless skink, Tibetan pit viper, and the Bamboo pit viper. Different species of crocodiles are also found in Nepal.
3. Birds
There are over 850 species of birds in Nepal. Some of them are known to exist in Nepal only. Some common birds that are found in Nepal are stork, pheasant, danphe, and peacock. Also, there are different migratory birds too which are visible during certain seasons. There are different bird areas too which are separated for bird watching only.
We hope that this blog has given you a thorough idea about the different flora and fauna in Nepal. We hope to see you visit Nepal shortly.