Ever since Bhutan was formed by Indian sub-continental drift, a unique flora and fauna has evolved, leaving a land full of interesting plants and creatures including endangered species. Bhutan is one of the last remaining biodiversity hotspots in the world, forest cover has now increased to over 70% of the country, with 60% of the country to remain under protection at all times.
Our Fauna
Plants
Bhutan's high rainfall and many sunshine hours give the country a lush and diverse flora with 70.46 percent of the total area under forest cover. Almost 60% of the plant species found in the eastern Himalayan region of Asia are present in Bhutan. It is also the habitat of the famous Chinese caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), and a haven for wild fauna, such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, and takin.
Trees and shrubs
You'll be awed by the our majestic forests that include the sub-tropical and tropical vegetation of the Subtropical Zone between 150 m to 2000 m, temperature conifer and broad leaf forest in the temperature zone lying between 2000 m to 4000m and rich species of grasses and herbs with over 200 medicinal plants in the alpine forest above 4000 m. Mixed conifer and broad leaf forests are the two dominant forest types, constituting 32.43 and 22.69 percent of the total forest cover respectively.
Colorful splashes
Red, pink, whitish pink, and yellowish white flowers of the various Rhododendron bushes are some of the prettiest you'll ever see, and if you visit Bhutan during Spring and Autumn seasons, you won't be far from the beautiful flowering trees such as peach, apple and plum, and numerous flowering plants.
Rare and Endangered Species
If you are an enthusiast to witness a wide range of rare and endangered species that are on the verge of extinction, you have come to the right destination. Due to the government's conservation efforts and its unspoiled natural environment, Bhutan supports thriving populations of some of the rarest animals on earth and has thus been classified as one of the last biodiversity hotspots in the world. Some high altitude species are the snow leopards, Bengal tigers that are found at altitude ranging 3000 to 4000 meters, the red panda, the gorals and the langurs, the Himalayan black bear, sambars, wild pigs, barking deer, blue sheep, and musk deer.
If you visit the tropical forests of Southern Bhutan, you can come across clouded leopards, the one horned rhinoceros, elephants, water buffaloes, swamp deer and you can even find the Golden Langur, a species of monkey that is unique to Bhutan. About 16 bird species that are endangered worldwide are found in Bhutan including the White bellied heron, Pallas Fish eagle and Blyth’s King fisher. Phobjikha valley in Wangdue Phodrang and Bomdeling in Trashi Yangtse are two important locations where you will find endangered Black Necked Cranes.
Granting Birdwatchers' Wish
Bhutan is a home to a great variety of bird species and she will definitely grant all your wishes to witness them. It is recognized as an area of high biological diversity and is known as the East Himalayan ‘hot spot’, the hub of 221 global endemic bird areas. The recorded number of bird species is over 670 and is expected to rise as new birds are discovered.
Aquatic Life
We have different forms of aquatic habitats scattered through out the country, ranging from rivers, lakes, marshlands to hot springs. Rafting and Kayaking are one of our most highly recommended experiences. A whole host of fish thriving in Bhutan's fertile marine environment will allow you to witness magnificent marine life and go fishing with a permit in some of the roaring rivers.
Agricultural Ecosystem
If you are an agriculturist and an ecologist visiting us would make your dream come true, as the country has six major agro-ecological zones corresponding with altitude range and climatic conditions. The ecosystem in the country extends from as low as 600m to about 4500m above sea level.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
If you like a wildlife adventure and National Parks visits, you have chosen us for the right thrilling experience. Each of Bhutan’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are an essential part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex – a system of national parks, protected areas and forest corridors covering 60% of the country. These parks and sanctuaries has its own special character and are home to endangered animals, birds and plants.
As one of the ten global hotspots, Bhutan is committed to preserve and protect its rich environment through its government and environmental organizations. This commitment is apparent in the fact that the kingdom has the distinct honor of being one of the only nations whose forest cover has actually grown over the years. We also have some proactive conservation agencies working actively in Bhutan, some of them are:
Bhutan's high rainfall and many sunshine hours give the country a lush and diverse flora with 70.46 percent of the total area under forest cover. Almost 60% of the plant species found in the eastern Himalayan region of Asia are present in Bhutan. It is also the habitat of the famous Chinese caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), and a haven for wild fauna, such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, and takin.
Trees and shrubs
You'll be awed by the our majestic forests that include the sub-tropical and tropical vegetation of the Subtropical Zone between 150 m to 2000 m, temperature conifer and broad leaf forest in the temperature zone lying between 2000 m to 4000m and rich species of grasses and herbs with over 200 medicinal plants in the alpine forest above 4000 m. Mixed conifer and broad leaf forests are the two dominant forest types, constituting 32.43 and 22.69 percent of the total forest cover respectively.
Colorful splashes
Red, pink, whitish pink, and yellowish white flowers of the various Rhododendron bushes are some of the prettiest you'll ever see, and if you visit Bhutan during Spring and Autumn seasons, you won't be far from the beautiful flowering trees such as peach, apple and plum, and numerous flowering plants.
Rare and Endangered Species
If you are an enthusiast to witness a wide range of rare and endangered species that are on the verge of extinction, you have come to the right destination. Due to the government's conservation efforts and its unspoiled natural environment, Bhutan supports thriving populations of some of the rarest animals on earth and has thus been classified as one of the last biodiversity hotspots in the world. Some high altitude species are the snow leopards, Bengal tigers that are found at altitude ranging 3000 to 4000 meters, the red panda, the gorals and the langurs, the Himalayan black bear, sambars, wild pigs, barking deer, blue sheep, and musk deer.
If you visit the tropical forests of Southern Bhutan, you can come across clouded leopards, the one horned rhinoceros, elephants, water buffaloes, swamp deer and you can even find the Golden Langur, a species of monkey that is unique to Bhutan. About 16 bird species that are endangered worldwide are found in Bhutan including the White bellied heron, Pallas Fish eagle and Blyth’s King fisher. Phobjikha valley in Wangdue Phodrang and Bomdeling in Trashi Yangtse are two important locations where you will find endangered Black Necked Cranes.
Granting Birdwatchers' Wish
Bhutan is a home to a great variety of bird species and she will definitely grant all your wishes to witness them. It is recognized as an area of high biological diversity and is known as the East Himalayan ‘hot spot’, the hub of 221 global endemic bird areas. The recorded number of bird species is over 670 and is expected to rise as new birds are discovered.
Aquatic Life
We have different forms of aquatic habitats scattered through out the country, ranging from rivers, lakes, marshlands to hot springs. Rafting and Kayaking are one of our most highly recommended experiences. A whole host of fish thriving in Bhutan's fertile marine environment will allow you to witness magnificent marine life and go fishing with a permit in some of the roaring rivers.
Agricultural Ecosystem
If you are an agriculturist and an ecologist visiting us would make your dream come true, as the country has six major agro-ecological zones corresponding with altitude range and climatic conditions. The ecosystem in the country extends from as low as 600m to about 4500m above sea level.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
If you like a wildlife adventure and National Parks visits, you have chosen us for the right thrilling experience. Each of Bhutan’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are an essential part of the Bhutan Biological Conservation Complex – a system of national parks, protected areas and forest corridors covering 60% of the country. These parks and sanctuaries has its own special character and are home to endangered animals, birds and plants.
As one of the ten global hotspots, Bhutan is committed to preserve and protect its rich environment through its government and environmental organizations. This commitment is apparent in the fact that the kingdom has the distinct honor of being one of the only nations whose forest cover has actually grown over the years. We also have some proactive conservation agencies working actively in Bhutan, some of them are:
- Royal society for protection of nature clubs throughout the country
- WWF
- Department of Forestry Services
- Nature Conservation Department
- Bhutan Trust Fund
- National Biodiversity Center
- Association of Bhutan Tour Operators
- Donor Organization
- National Environmental Commission