Meaning of Bio-diversity

Bio-diversity

The Variation in all living things such as plants, animal life and microorganism is called biodiversity. The mountains, deep gorges, river valleys and the flat lands of Nepal provide a unique assemblage of very different habitats and a great biodiversity within a small geographical area. Nepal contains a large diversity of plants and animals. The country’s 118 ecosystems harbour over 2% of the flowering plants, and 6% of the bryophytes in the world’s flora. Similarly, the country harbours 3.9% of the mammals, 8.9% of the birds and 3.7% of the world’s fauna of butterflies. Nepal’s rich biodiversity reflects its unique geographic position and variation in altitude and climate.

Diversity in Flora

Nepal’s great biodiversity is attributed to its very variable topography and climate. The flat lowland of the Terai region is covered with a mosaic of Sal and riverine forests with large patches of tall grassland. Sal extends into the mid-hills along river gorges and valleys throughout the country. However, the vegetation on the mountain slopes in the Mahabharat and mid-hills of eastern and western Nepal is very different. In eastern Nepal, there is comparatively dense forest dominated by several species of oaks and rhododendrons, depending on the altitude. In contrast, western Nepal is relatively dry and with large areas of pine forest. The Himalayan region has a similar type of vegetation except in western Nepal where conifers dominate. In the eastern part, moist climatic conditions favor oak and other broadleaved species over conifers. The composition of the vegetation in the alpine zone differs in eastern and western Nepal, especially in terms of rhododendron species.

• Flowering tree : 6500
• Non-flowering tree : 248
• Rhododendron: 32
• Herbs: 750
• Grass: 320
• Local flora: 318 etc

Faunal diversity: numbers of species in Nepal

Importance of Biodiversity

• Animal and plant production
• Helps to agricultural production
• Production of domestic materials
• Conservation of soil
• Tourism development
• Balance in the environment
• Conservation of water shed 

Causes of Biodiversity Decrease

• Deforestation and lack of residence to animals
• Population explosion
• Poverty
• Maximum utilization of forest resources
• Illegal hunting
• Maximum utilization of chemical fertilization of poison in agriculture

Remedies of Biodiversity protection

Government of Nepal has adopted different policies and strategies to preserving the biodiversity of Nepal. Especially government of Nepal is adopting the protection policy by implementing different laws. Establishment of different national Parks, wildlife reserve area, and conservation area are the major remedies to protect the biodiversity of Nepal.