Nepal is the world's most biologically diverse country, although it is tiny in extent. Its diverse geography, ranging from the lowlands of Terai to the great Himalayas, supports a variety of plants and animals. Nepal has over 118 ecosystems, 35 forest types, and 11 bioclimatic zones, making it a world biodiversity hotspot.
Biodiversity in Nepal
- The biodiversity of Nepal includes:
- Wildlife: In Nepal, there are 181 species of mammals, 887 bird species, 208 types of fish, 651 butterfly species, and more than 8,000 species of flowering plants.
- Endangered species: Endangered species such as the globally threatened Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, red panda, snow leopard, Asian elephant, gharial crocodile, and Himalayan musk deer are present in Nepal.
- Protected Areas: 20 protected areas covering about 23.39% of national land, including 12 national parks, 1 wildlife reserve, 6 conservation areas, and 1 hunting reserve.
Conservation of Wildlife in Nepal
Nepal has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, implementing several steps to protect its high biodiversity. Some of the key initiatives are:
1. Protected Area Network
Nepal has declared national parks and conservation areas such as:
- Chitwan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Famous for one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.
- Bardia National Park – Home of wild elephants, gharials, and tigers.
- Sagarmatha National Park – Protects Himalayan plants and animals, like snow leopards and red pandas.
2. Community-Based Conservation
- Nepal pioneered community forestry programs where the forests are managed and protected by local people.
- Conservation in Annapurna and Manaslu Conservation Areas takes place with local participation.
- Buffer Zone Programs earn local communities tourist revenues, hence supporting conservation.
3. Anti-poaching and Law Enforcement
- Nepal has recorded no poaching in some years for rhinos and tigers.
- The nation has strict anti-poaching legislation. It collaborates with NGOs such as WWF, NTNC, and USAID.
- Reconnaissance patrols are carried out by the Nepal Army and special ranger units around national parks to neutralize illegal wildlife trading.
4. Human-Wildlife Conflict Management
- Compensation schemes for farmers for loss of crops or livestock due to wildlife.
- Construction of wildlife corridors to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- Electric fencing and insurance coverage to protect human habitations from large carnivores.
5. Climate Change and Conservation
- Nepal is actively combating climate change through reforestation and afforestation.
- Programs like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) promote sustainable forest management.
- Conservation for the protection of snow leopards and glaciers helps in preserving species affected by global warming.
6. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
- Nepal promotes eco-tourism to generate funds to be used in conservation.
- Thousand tourists visit national parks like Chitwan and Bardia, supporting conservation initiatives.
- Some sustainable trekking routes and eco-lodges maintain minimal environmental impact.
Challenges in Wildlife Conservation
Conservation in Nepal does not come without challenges:
- Forest cutting, construction, and encroachment cause loss of habitats.
- Illegal wildlife trade poses a threat to endangered species.
- Human-wildlife conflict as wildlife moves into human settlements.
- Climate change affects biodiversity, especially in the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Nepal has achieved a lot in biodiversity conservation through people's involvement, strong laws, and international support. With continued efforts, Nepal can remain a global leader in wildlife conservation while ensuring the sustainable coexistence of humans and nature.