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Environment
The people of Bhutan have treasured the natural
environment, and have lived in harmony with its
elements respecting the sanctity of life and
revering the mountains, forest and rivers as abodes
of gods and spirits. The Buddhist faith being
predominant, it has inculcated deeply in the people,
the value that all forms of sentient being being ,
not just human life are precious and sacred.
Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10
bio-diversity hot spot in the world and as one of
the 221 global endemic bird areas. Almost three
fourth of land area is covered with forests of
temperate and sub-tropical species that are natural
habitual for a diversity of flora and fauna. Its
various eco-systems harbor some of the most exotic
species of the Himalayas. An estimated 770 species
of birds and over50 species of rhododendron, along
with an astonishing variety of medicinal plants
(over 300 species) and orchids are endemic to this
region.
National Parks & Nature
Reserves
National parks and wild life sanctuaries are home to
some of the rare and most significant animals in the
world. This has become possible as a result of the
combined efforts of the Government and the people to
keep the country's flora and Fauna undisturbed. The
exact number of the mammalian species is unknown but
over 165 have been reported. rare animals like the
golden Langur, takin and snow leopard are found
distributed widely. Tiger, leopard, elephant, red
panda, gaur, serow, Himalayan black bear, brown
bear, wild pig, musk deer are some large mammals
found in many parts of Bhutan. The Phobjikha valley
in Wangdue Dzongkhag and Bumdiling in Trashi
Yangtshe are two of the three wintering grounds for
the rare black-necked cranes.
Twenty six percent of the country's total area has
been declared as nature parks and reserves. These
form the heaven for a number of the world's rare and
endangered species. Very recently, another 9 percent
of the country has been set aside as biological
corridors connecting protected areas. The corridors
form a " Gift to the Earth" from the people of
Bhutan. Bhutan is one of the few developing
countries where much of the natural resources
remains intact. A Royal Society for Protection of
Nature has been established which works with forest
department and the World Wide Fund for Nature. (WWF)
Namely the National Parks
are:
1) Jigme Dorji National Park
2) Royal Manas National Park
3) Black Mountain National Park
4) Thrumshingla National Park
5) Bomdeling wild life Sanctuary
6) Sakten Wild Life Santuary
7) Khaling Wild Life Sanctuary
8) Torsa Nature Reserve.
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