Bhutan is one of the most spectacular countries, filled with the exotic beauty of nature and varied natural vegetation. The forest land in the country covers over 72 percent, out of which 60 percent is under protection. The forest comprises different varieties of flora and fauna found in the kingdom. The conservation efforts of Bhutan have helped to protect some of the rarest animals on Earth.
We can identify around 500 species of medicinal plants, ranging from magnolias, junipers, and orchids to gentian, Daphne, and giant rhubarb, in various hues. The most commonly found trees include fir, pine, and oaks. Likewise, the Kingdom hosts 46 different species of rhododendrons, 5400 kinds of vascular plants, and 360 species of orchids. The Himalayan blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan, which can be seen blossoming all over the landscape during the spring.
The dense forests in the country shelter a wide range of rare and endangered animals. The animals that are found in the dense forests of high mountains are snow leopards, Bengal tigers, red pandas, gorals, langurs, Himalayan black bears, sambars, wild pigs, barking deer, blue sheep, musk deer, etc. Takin, a goat-antelope, is the national animal of Bhutan and is found throughout the country.
The southern part of Bhutan is filled with tropical forests that provide habitats for animals like clouded leopards, one-horned rhinos, elephants, water buffaloes, and swamp deer. Likewise, it is also home to different species of monkeys, including the rare golden langur. While trekking in the southern part of the country, you may spot these animals. Different species of endangered birds also inhabit Bhutan. There are 221 global endemic bird areas in the country.
Above 670 species of birds are found in Bhutan, and the count is still rising every year as many new birds migrate from other parts of the world in search of food and an adaptable environment. The protected forest of the country plays a significant role in saving these birds. The commonly found birds in the country are buntings, waders, ducks, thrushes, cuckoos, bee-eaters, flycatchers and warblers.
Bhutan is a resident of around 16 different endangered bird species that include white-bellied heron, pallas fish eagle, and blyth’s kingfisher. The national bird of Bhutan is the raven, which can be commonly spotted in the southern regions. The featured bird of the country is the endangered Black-Necked Crane. This bird is found in the northern region, which is home to highly endangered birds. Anyone found guilty of killing or injuring the sacred bird could be sentenced to life imprisonment as per the law of Bhutan.
A remarkable percentage of the entire country is designated and protected as national Parks and Sanctuaries. Some of the renowned national parks and sanctuaries in the country are listed below:
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
- TrumshingLa National Park
- Royal Manas National Park
- Jigme Dorji National Park
- Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary