Biodiversity by Ecological Belts

There is diversity in the physical features of Nepal. Nepal has been divided into three ecological regions: - mountains, hills and the Terai. Each region has different natural environment and socio-cultural environment.

1. Mountain region

   

   Since the mountain region is wet, coniferous type of vegetations like Thinguresalla, Dhoopisalla, Gobresalla, rhododendron, Bhojpatra, etc. are found here. The plants are short and bent with thorns. Various kinds of important herbs like Timur, Chiraito, Panchaule, Padmachal, Jatamasi, etc. are available. Biodiversity of animals and birds is limited because of the cold climate. The wild animals available here are musk-deer, Thar, Ghoral, Siru, Habre, snow-leopard, etc. animals like wild boar, leopard and birds like Danphe, Munal, Chilme, Kolkras, Kalij, etc. live here. People rear sheep and yak in this region.

2. Hill region

   

   Hill region is very rich in biodiversity. Forests of Uttis, Katus and Chilaune are found here. Due to the altitude and topography, different types of plants like Sal, Simal, Peepal, Bar, Sallo, bamboo, etc. are found here. At higher altitude, the crops like maize, barley, buck-wheat, millet, etc. are cultivated. In lower part and the plain, the crops like paddy, maize, mas, wheat, etc. are produced. Mango, pear, orange, banana, lemon, etc. are main fruits of this region. Different sorts of animals and plants are found here due to topography and diverse climate. Bear, leopard, deer, monkey, chital, wild cat, etc. live in this region. Besides this, hilly region is rich in birds like kalij, eagle, hawk, dove, parrot, etc.

3. Terai region

   

   The Terai region is rich in vegetation. The plain has hot evergreen forest. There is deciduous forest in the lower part of Mahabharat, tar and valley. In different parts from west to east, plants like Sal, Sisau, Saj, Satisal, Khayar, Harro, Barro, etc. are found. Different types of animals and birds are found here. This region is the habitat of mammals like tiger, elephant, wild buffalo, leopard, deer, rhino, etc. are available here. Apart from these animals, there are bears, monkeys, boars, mugar, pythons, etc. plenty of peacocks, wild cocks, saras, hawks, giant hornbills, etc. also live here.

Methods of conservation of biodiversity

Considering the importance of biodiversity, it is essential to preserve the biodiversity of each geographical region. The methods of conservation of each region will be different.

The following methods can be adopted for conserving the biodiversity: -

1. Knowledge of biodiversity

   People should have knowledge on biodiversity of each on geographical region. The place, habitat and status of the creatures should be found out in order to plan the conservation programmes.

2. Information on biodiversity

   Local people on each region must get information on biodiversity. Their role on the conservation programme will be clear when they know the importance of biodiversity.

3. Public participation

   Local organization, VDC, municipality, community, civic society must participate in the conservation work jointly. They should prepare plans and implement them. Local people must participate in this work so that they could obey the rules on the conservation.

4. Religious value

   Various kinds of trees such as Peepal, banyan, basil, bel, lotus, etc. are considered very important in our religion and tradition. Animals like lion, elephant, tiger, peacock, monkey, rat, etc. are also religiously important. So, religious and cultural traditions should be utilized for the protection of biodiversity.

5. Rules and regulations

   Rules and regulations are very important for the conservation of biodiversity. People should be awared of such laws. The laws should encourage local agencies o conduct conservation programmes.

6. Income generation

   Local people must have knowledge on the importance of biodiversity and the methods of utilization. The raw materials from various plants and animals biodiversity can be used for income-generating activities without degrading them. The people should be trained properly to use them sustainably.

7. Change in consumption pattern

   While using natural resources, people must not forget sustainable consumption pattern. They have to reduce their use as far as applicable. If possible, we have to emphasize on re-use and re-cycle. We have to stop destroying the existence of biodiversity in order to fulfil our need selfishly.

8. Develop positive attitude

   It is essential for the people to take positive attitude on biodiversity. They should be friendly to the biodiversity and must not exploit it for personal gain and immediate need. They must keep in mind that there are many generations to come and use it for the fulfillment of their basic needs. The right of future generation must not be violated while using resources for present generation.