Nepal is rich in diverse wildlife. It’s varied topography and climatic conditions has resulted in the diversification of biodiversity.
Some of the most fascinating wildlife of Nepal are;
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Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_tiger
Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the most iconic and the majestic big cats in the entire world. These cats are found in the lowland areas along the southern border, they live in the tropical regions in Nepal and are preserved in Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park. They are solitary animal with each individual maintaining a large territory. They have distinctive orange coating with black strips. They have white belly and long tail. These cats are nocturnal hunters with very keen eye sense of sight and hearing. The male weight 180kg to 260 kg whereas, the female weight 100kg to 160kg.
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Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_leopard
They are elusive and majestic big cats which have an ability to thrive the harsh environment on the Earth. They have thick fur with black rosettes and spots. They are greyish white in color having long and thick tails which keep them balanced in the steep hills. They usually live in the altitude of 3,000m to 5,500m in the high Himalayas of Nepal. They are solitary animal with large home that cover hundreds of square kilometers for incredible leaping ability. They are usually found in Manang valley, Langtang National Park and Sagarmatha National Park.
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Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_panda
Red Pandas are reddish brown colored, small arboreal mammal which is usually found in the Eastern Himalayas, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, National Park, Makalu Barun National Park. They have reddish brown fur and have long and bushy tail with rings. They have shorter front legs and their body usually appear like bear. They have their face marked with white patches. They are found in temperate zone from 2,200m to 4,800m. They usually reside in mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with dense understory of Bamboo trees. They are mostly solitary except at their breeding season.
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One Horn Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_rhinoceros
These species are significantly iconic wildlife which are mostly found in Terai region. They are preserved in Chitwan National Park. They have single black horn which is made up of Keratin that grows up to 60cm in length. The adult weight between 1,800 kg to 2,700kg. They are generally solitary mammals except the mothers with their calves or males during their mating season.
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Gharial Crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus)
These endangered crocodile species have long, narrow snout with many sharp teeth. They are usually found in the Narayani and Rapti rivers of Terai region. The males have a bulbous growth in the tip of their snout which is known as ‘ghara’, which is used to produce sound and bubbles during mating season. The adult male grows up to 5/6 m whereas, the females are usually smaller.
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Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)
These elephant species usually have smaller ears and rounded back. They are usually smaller than their African Counterparts. They are found in the lowland of Terai region of Nepal. They have twin -domed head rather than a rounded head. The females usually lack tusks which makes them less vulnerable to the ivory poachers.
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Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster)
They are usually solitary animal which are known for their distinctive scent glands. They are usually found in the sub- alpine and alpine regions of Nepal. They are nocturnal and very elusive in nature which make it difficult to spot in the wild. They are usually small, weighing between 7kg to 17kg having long, hind legs which are best suited for leaping in the rough and tough terrains of the Himalayas.
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Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
These are the medium sized wild cats which usually live in the forests of Eastern Nepal. They are known for their distinctive cloud like spots on their coat with large and irregular shape. The males usually are larger than the females weighing from 11.5 kg to 23kg. These cats have long and bushy tails which help them in balancing while navigating the trees. These cats are skilled climbers which often hunt in the trees as well as on the ground.
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Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur)
Blue sheep is also known as Bharal. Even though they are named as Blue Sheep, neither they are Blue in color nor true Sheep but they have a unique -features. They have grayish blue coat that help them to blend in the rocky terrain. They are found in the high mountain regions in an altitude between 3,000m to 5,500m. They mostly reside in Annapurna, Langtang and Dolpa regions of Nepal. The males usually weigh between 60-75kg and females slightly smaller. The males usually have distinctive curved horns that grow up to 80 cm long whereas, the females have shorter and more slender horns.
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Birds Species
Nepal boats over 850 different species of birds. There are wide variety of rare bird species. Some of them are: The Himalayan Monal (National Bird of Nepal), Endangered Bengal Florican, Spiny Babbler, Red Headed Vulture and so on. They usually have unique characteristics and behaviors that set them apart from the common species of birds. There is the diversity and uniqueness in the rare birds. They play the vital roles in biodiversity, ecosystem, cultural, significance. They provide incredible opportunities for scientific researches. These birds help in conservation education about protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
Nepal’s rich biodiversity is protected by National Parks, Conservation Areas and Wildlife Reserves. Jungle Safaris in Nepal offer you an opportunity to experience these country’s rich biodiversity and wildlife in their own natural habitats. The National Parks, Conservation Areas and Wildlife Reserves offers you thrilling adventures that gives you the stunning natural landscapes and diverse range of wildlife. The Wildlife and Jungle Safari offers you unforgettable memories.
Article by Suju.