subject: Nepal-The Asian Safari Destination [print this page] Nepal-The Asian Safari Destination Nepal-The Asian Safari Destination
Nepal can be said to be an Asian Wild Life Safari destination. Although it occupies only 0.1 % of the earth's surface, it supports globally, 4.2% of the butterfly population consisting of about 650 species. This of course should be a point of focus for promoting tourism directed at butterfly lovers. As far as the popular sport of fishing is concerned, the Mahasheer', found in Nepali rivers, is a prized specimen for sports fishing and could be another focal point in efforts towards promoting endemic tourism.
Shivpuri, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and Koshi Tappu are prime locations where many of the more than 870 species of birds recorded in the country can be viewed. Koshi Tappu is the first Ramsar (wetland) site to be developed in the country and there are plans to develop three more sites in Ghoraghodi, Jagdishpur and Beesbazar. The Sapta Koshi River, along with such wetlands, provides refuge for many migratory birds and waterfowls such as the graceful White Ibis. The rarer Ibis Bill of upper Mustang has also been spotted in the wetlands.
There are around 20 globally endangered bird species in Nepal, including the Lesser Adjutant Storshoi. The Barn Owl, which is in imminent danger in many countries due to indiscriminate use of harmful chemicals, is comparatively safe here, as is the Eurasian Large Owl. Almost 300 species of birds can be viewed during a two-week tour. The white rumped vultures in the Terai are now in the critically endangered list of birds. The pain-killer Diclofenac Sodium, and its toxic effects on the kidneys, is blamed for the deaths of many vultures.
The Eurasian Griffon (seen over open forests), Black Kite (of Mustang) and the Lammergeuer (a magnificent eagle having a 3 meter wing span) that soars over the Himalayan valley and is called the protector of the Himalayas, are especially interesting specimens found in Nepal. Among the large variety of cranes, the Sarus Crane of Lumbini, (tallest of flying birds) is said to be the harbinger of bumper harvests as well as a happy conjugal life. The Demoiselle Crane (locally known as Karyang Kurung') are popular migratory birds that can be seen during the 2nd week of October. They travel from Dar E Salaam over the Himalayas and on to Gujarat and Rajasthan in India.
The Suklaphanta Reserve supports the largest herd of Swamp Deer (local name: Bara Singhe). Other deer like Chital and Hog Deer are found in plenty all over the country. The largest antelope of the sub continent, the Blue Bull, can also be seen in Nepal. Ancestors of the domestic buffaloes, the fierce Arna, number about 150 in the country. The world's biggest wild Cattle, the Gaur Bison, is found in the Churiya hills, although a large number have been killed by foot and mouth disease. But there has been significant progress in the conservation and revival of the rhino population, although during the 1950's and 1960's, the scenario was pretty dismal in this regard. The presence of Rhinos, along with Tigers, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Wild Boar, Common Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Red Pandas, Jharal (Himalayan Mountain Goat), Bharal (Blue Sheep), besides other wildlife, certainly justifies Nepal as an Asian Safari destination. The Lo Man Thang region is as an attractive new destination for nature tourism, as the scenery is breathtaking and also due to the presence of Brown Bear and Snow Leopards.
The physiography of Nepal ranges from as low as 67 meters in the lowlands to a high of 8848 meters in the Himalayas and this extreme variation within a comparatively short distance has crucial effect on flora and fauna. The Tophe Lake (3860 meters) in Taplejung District, around which Rhododendrons bloom in all their splendor, Phoksundo Lake (3600meters), Glacial Lake in Manaslu, and the Rara Lake (2800 meters), are especially beautiful tourist destinations. The deep river gorges such as the Tamur Valley and the Arun Valley, both around 2000 meters deep, demand to be seen and appreciated.
The Terai forests have interesting features like the seven feet high elephant grass while the southern face of the Himalayas that receives the full force of the monsoons has Deciduous, Lithocarpus pachyphylla (Baante' or Pig Oak) and Deodar forests. Fir forests are found in the Eswa Valley, and the sub alpine pastures are happy grounds for different flowers such as the Anemone (Marigold) Field in Tiwa Gairi (3730 meters). The northern face of the Himalayas has Blue Pine forests (Chumle-2750 meters) and Steppe Vegetation (above Ekla Bhatti at 2780 meters).
There are 32 species of Rhododendrons in Nepal, which is 6% of the world's species. Two species are endemic to Nepal. Rhododendrons are especially abundant in Eastern Nepal and grow in regions from 1500 to 5300 meters in elevation. Rhododendron arboreum (the National flower) is found in three-color variations. Rh. cowanianium is found at 3700 meters (in Annapurna Sanctuary), Rh. campanulatum is found at a height of 3600 meters as is Rh. Hoghodgonsii. Rhododendron falconcrii is found at 3000 meters and Rh. dalhousie in Hongong (2120 meters).
Out of about 365 orchid species found in Nepal, including the popular Sungava' (Dendrobium densiflorum), five are endemic to the country. There are 14 Poppy species in Nepal, which is 36% of the world's species. In Eastern Nepal, at heights above 3000 meters, there are four species endemic to Nepal, including the Meconpsis dhowjii and M. napoulensis. The Blue Poppy (M. horidula) is found in Jaljale (3000 to 5800 meters). Mention was also made of the Silk Cotton Tree (Bombex ceiba) found in Kushi (1300 meters) and the Aconite spicatum, (commonly called, Bikha' because of its poisonous nature) found in Yangle (3580 meters). The Cotton Ball plant (Samssurea gossypiphora) is found at 3500 to 5600 meters while the Himalayan Rhubarb, which has a six month's life activity, is found at heights of 3900 to 4300 meters.
