Bhutan is one of the most spectacular country filled with 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 is comprised of different varieties of floras and faunas found in the kingdom. The conservation efforts of Bhutan has helped to protect some of the rarest animal on the earth.
We can find around 500 species of medicinal plant raging from magnolias, junipers, orchids and varied hues, gentian, Daphne, and giant rhubarb. The most commonly found trees include fir, pine and oaks. Likewise, 46 different species of rhododendrons, 5400 kinds of vascular plants, 360 species of orchids are found throughout the Kingdom. The Himalayan blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan which can be seen blossoming all over the [lace 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 panda, gorals, langurs, Himalayan black bear, sambars, wild pigs, barking bear, 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 the filled with tropical forests that in habitats the animals like clouded leopards, one horned rhinos, elephants, water buffaloes and swamp deer. Likewise it is also the home for different species of monkeys that includes rare gold langur. These animals may be spotted while trekking in the southern part of the country. Bhutan is also a habitat for different species of endangered birds. There are 221 global endemic bird area 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 adaptable environment. The protected forest of the country plays a significance role in saving these birds. The commonly found birds in the country are buntings, waders, ducks, thrushes, cuckoos, bee-eaters, fly catchers and warblers. Bhutan is a resident of around 16 different endangered bird species that include white bellied heron, pallas fish eagle and blyth’s king fisher. The national bird of Bhutan is Raven and can be commonly spotted in southern regions. The featured bird of the country is endangered Black Necked Crane. This bird is found in the northern region which is a home for highly endangered birds. Anyone found guilty of killing or injuring the sacred bird could be sentenced to a life imprisonment as per the law of Bhutan.
A remarkable percent of the entire country is designated and protected as national Parks and Sanctuaries. Some of the renowned national park 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