Nepal Wildlife: Most Popular 14 Wildlife, National Parks, Wildlife Reserve, Conservation Areas, and Hunting Reserve

Nepal wildlife is amazingly beautified from the vibrant chorus of tigers, pandas, birds, and serpents to the protected reserves steeped in ancient wisdom. Trek through emerald valleys and witness the dance of endangered jewels. Nepal awaits your exploration.

Diversity of Nepal Wildlife:

High Biodiversity:

Nepal boasts a stunning variety of plants and animals due to its diverse climate, ranging from tropical to arctic. This makes it a biodiversity hotspot with unique ecoregions.

Protected Areas:

To preserve this rich fauna, Nepal has established numerous national parks and reserves, categorized into four levels of protection. These cover over 893,200 hectares of land.

Mammals:

Over 208 mammal species thrive in Nepal, including iconic Bengal tigers, snow leopards, and Asiatic elephants. Sadly, some, like the snow leopard, face endangerment.

Reptiles:

From pit vipers to monitor lizards, Nepal shelters many reptiles, with some unique species like the Sitana fusca and the Cyrtodactylus nepalensis.

Birds:

The country boasts over 900 bird species, including the national bird, the danphe (a pheasant). The spiny babbler is endemic to Nepal.

Additional Fauna:

Aquatic species like catfish and minnows, diverse insects, and invertebrates like spiders and scorpions contribute to the vibrant animal kingdom.

Nepal’s Crimson Crown (Rhododendron):

Deep within the emerald tapestry of Nepal, nature paints with fiery strokes. The undisputed jewel of this verdant canvas is the lali guras, the crimson rhododendron, beloved as Nepal’s national flower.

From 1,400 to 3,600 meters, these blooms weave a vibrant chorus against the snow-kissed peaks, symbolizing the land’s spirit.

More than just a breathtaking sight, the lali gurus embodies the soul of Nepal. It whispers tales of unity and sovereignty, its petals echoing the “Lok tantra” spirit of inclusivity and equality.

Woven into the very fabric of the national emblem, it surrounds the flag, Everest’s majesty, and fertile plains, with joined hands embracing gender parity.

This ancient mantra, “Mother and motherland are greater than heaven,” etched below, reminds us of the profound connection between people and their land.

Yet, the lali gurus whisper not just of national pride but of ancient wisdom. Its petals have been woven into traditional medicine for centuries, offering solace and healing.

This timeless bond between nature and man speaks volumes, a testament to Nepali culture’s deep respect for the vibrant symphony of life that thrives within its borders.

Most popular Wildlife of Nepal:

Bengal tiger:

Tigers in Nepal are found in the Terai Arc Landscape area, which includes five protected areas. The Bengal tiger is protected under CITES Appendix I and Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973.

Nepal has implemented conservation efforts since the 1970s, resulting in a significant population increase. However, doubling the global tiger population by 2022 may be challenging.

Effective conservation requires transboundary cooperation and joint actions across borders. Currently, only around 2,670 Bengal tigers exist in the wild.

Elephants:

The Asian Elephant, a large mammal across Asia, prefers mixed forests, bamboo jungles, and grasslands.

In Nepal, they primarily inhabit the Terai region and are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.

Nepal protects them under Appendix I of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and CITES law.

Snow leopard:

The snow leopard (Uncia uncia) is a large cat native to the high mountains of Central and South Asia.

It is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List due to several threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-snow leopard conflict.

Bear:

The Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) is a large mammal in Asia, Europe, and North America.

It is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN and is protected by law in Nepal.

The bear is traded in national and international markets for its bile, used in traditional medicine.

One-Horned Rhino:

The rhino population has shown a noticeable increase of 16.6% between 2015 and 2021.

However, the census faced several challenges, including COVID-related issues and unfortunate incidents, such as a fatal tiger attack.

The distribution details are provided by location, gender, and age categories, which offers a comprehensive overview of the rhino population in each area.

National Rhino Count 2021

Rhino Population Distribution by Location (2021)

Crocodile

Gharial and Mugger crocodiles reside in the rivers of Nepal. The Gharial Breeding Center in Chitwan National Park has released over 1,200 gharials back into the wild since 1984.

Nepal has two crocodile species: marsh mugger and gharial. Unfortunately, gharials were almost extinct in 1974. Conservation efforts include protected areas, breeding centers, and community engagement.

Deer:

Nepal has multiple deer species, including barking deer, southern red muntjac, and hog deer.

Their conservation is crucial, and protected areas like Chitwan and Bardia National Parks play a vital role.

Habitat management, anti-poaching, and community engagement are necessary. Some, like the sambar and barasingha, are vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss, while the chital and Indian muntjac are more widespread.

Monkeys:

Nepal has four monkey species: Rhesus Macaques, Assam Macaques, Himalayan Gray Langurs, and Northern Plains Grey Langurs.

Each has unique characteristics and plays an essential ecological role. Respecting them in their natural habitat is crucial.

Red panda

The Red Panda is a mammal found in the Himalayas. They have reddish-brown fur, short legs, and a long tail.

They eat bamboo and help with seed dispersal and pest control. Red Pandas are vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect them.

Bengal foxes

The Bengal Fox is a small fox found in the Indian subcontinent. Their sandy brown fur, black-tipped tail, and ears make them distinct.

They play a vital role in ecosystem balance by controlling rodents. However, habitat loss, poisoning, and hunting pose potential threats.

Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival.

Birds

Nepal has various bird species in different habitats, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and urban areas.

The data shows the most common orders are Passeriformes, Anseriformes, Ciconiiformes, Columbiformes, and Coraciiformes.

Blue Sheep

Blue Sheep hunting in Nepal is a top-tier experience the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve offers. The hunt is regulated to ensure sustainable and conservation efforts.

It includes trekking, camping, and guided stalking of Blue Sheep found at high altitudes (3,000-5,500m) in mountainous terrain. Only limited permits are issued, making it an exclusive and thrilling challenge.

Himalayan Monal

The national bird of Nepal is polygamous, shy, terrestrial, and vocal during flight. Its habitat includes alpine and sub-alpine slopes and rhododendron forests (seasonal).

It feeds on tubers, insects, grubs, grassroots, seeds, berries, and mosses. The bird lays 4-6 eggs in ground nests during May/June, with a 28-day incubation period.

Its distribution includes Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. In Nepal, the bird is a widespread resident (3300-4750m in summer, 2500m in winter) and faces threats of hunting and trapping (local consumption, feathers).

The global population is unknown, but 3500-5000 birds are estimated to live in Nepal. The bird is protected under Appendix I and is categorized as IUCN Least Concern and IUCN Nepal Near Threatened.

Himalayan tahr

The Himalayan tahr is a large mammal with even-toed hooves native to the Himalayas in southern Tibet, northern India, western Bhutan, and Nepal.

Unfortunately, the population of this animal is declining due to hunting and loss of habitat, which is why it is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List.

National Park in Nepal:

Note:

• Shey Phoksundo National Park: Biggest National Park in Nepal
• Sagarmatha National Park: World Heritage Site since 1979 AD
• Chitwan National Park: First National Park of Nepal and World Heritage site since 1984 AD
• Rara National Park: Small National Park of Nepal

Wildlife reserve in Nepal:

Conservation Areas in Nepal:

Hunting Reserve in Nepal:

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

• Only legal hunting reserve in Nepal
• Located in the western part of Nepal
• Established to promote sustainable and controlled hunting activities
• Biodiversity includes Himalayan tahr, blue sheep (bharal), goral, and other species
• Aims to generate revenue for local communities while supporting conservation efforts