Animals of Nepal

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Do you want to travel to Nepal on your next vacation? Are you interested in experiencing the amazing nature and animals of Nepal? If yes, keep reading this article to learn every detail about animals of Nepal, where to see these animals and more.

Nepal is an incredibly beautiful Himalayan country, home to a wide range of fascinating and unique animal species. From the elusive snow leopard, one horned rhino to the majestic Bengal tiger, there are numerous other exotic animals living in the country’s diverse landscape. The animals in Nepal are spread across alpine meadows, tropical jungles and high-altitude regions of the country. 

Nepal’s conservation reserve and national park are home to several rare and endangered animals, such as red pandas, elephants and one-horned rhinoceros. Also, the country is home to more than 850 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

The main aim of the article is to provide you with a detailed insight on animals of Nepal. Before you book your flight to Nepal, we highly recommend you the best trekking companies in Nepal and top rated Nepalese travel agencies, which ensures a convenient travel experience in Nepal. 

Rare Animals of Nepal

Nepal is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Here are some of the rare animals of Nepal:

Snow leopard

The snow leopard, or “Panthera uncia,” is an elusive and endangered species of animals of Nepal found in the high-altitude Himalayan region of Nepal. The snow leopard is a magnificent predator featuring thick fur, which helps it to adapt to the extremely cold temperature of its habitat.

The stealthy animal is found in the Sagarmatha National Park of Nepal, which is also home to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. The rugged terrain of the Himalayan region of Nepal provides the perfect hunting and survival habitat for the snow leopard. They mainly prey on ibex, marmots, pikas and blue sheep. As a result, the population of the snow leopard has been declining steadily, and it is currently listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN).

Red Panda

Scientifically referred to as Ailurus fulgens, the red panda is a small arboreal mammal that is native to the temperate Himalayan forests of Nepal. The unique and adorable species is known for its distinct bushy tail and reddish-brown fur.

The red panda is found in the high alpine forests of the Himalayan region of Nepal. It mainly feeds on leaves, bamboo shoots and fruits. The red panda is a solitary animal that is active during the day and spends most of its time high up in the trees.

It is an integral part of Nepal’s ecosystem as it helps spread seed dispersal of bamboo and other plants in the region. Despite its importance, the respective animal is under threat due to illegal trade and poaching.

Bengal Tiger

The Bengal tiger is the largest feline animal in Nepal. The Bengal tiger is an iconic symbol of Nepal’s wildlife. These majestic creatures feature a distinct orange coat with black stripes. It offers them perfect camouflage in the dense vegetation of their natural habitat.

The Bengal tiger lives in the dense forest of Bardia National Park and Chitwan National park of the Terai region. This lowland belt on the southern border of Nepal is a perfect habitat for the elusive apex predator. They mostly feed on herbivore animals, including water buffalo, wild boar and deer.

Himalayan Black Bear

Ursus thibetanus, or the Himalayan black bear, is a medium-sized animal found in the Himalayan regions of Nepal. These animals have thick black fur, which blends in perfectly with the dense forest and rugged landscape of the high-altitude mountain ranges.

Besides these animals can also be found in the alpine meadows of the hilly region and lowland forests of the country. The Himalayan black bear is an omnivorous animal that feeds on berries, insects, and small mammals. Also, they are known to scavenge and occasionally prey on small domestic animals.

One Horned Rhinoceros

One-horned rhinoceros is a large mammal species with a prominent horn on their snout. These animals are found in the grasslands of the terai region in Nepal, particularly in the Chitwan National Park.

Despite their formidable appearance and large size, the one-horned rhinoceros are considered to be peaceful animals in Nepal and avoid any conflict. Their horn is regarded as a status symbol and traditional medicine in several parts of the world. So, they face threats of poaching and hunting.

Other Rare Animals Include:

Clouded Leopard: The Clouded Leopard is a medium-sized cat that is found in the forested areas of Nepal.

Asiatic Elephant: The Asiatic Elephant is found in the Terai region of Nepal and is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

Himalayan Musk Deer: The Himalayan Musk Deer is a small deer species that is found in the high-altitude regions of Nepal.

Himalayan Tahr: The Himalayan Tahr is a large animal that is found in the high-altitude regions of Nepal.

Gharial: The Gharial is a critically endangered species of crocodile that is found in the rivers of Nepal.

Indian Pangolin: The Indian Pangolin is a small mammal that is found in the forested areas of Nepal.

National Animal of Nepal

Image Credit: https://www.sourcenepal.com/nepal-national-animal/

The national animal of Nepal is the Cow. Cow is considered as a sacred animal in Hinduism and is a vital part of Nepali culture. It is illegal to harm or kill cows in Nepal due to their religious significance. For Nepali Hindus, the cow represents an embodiment of mother Earth and is worshipped as a holy animal. The country celebrates a festival dedicated to cows called Tihar, although cows are adored throughout the year.

The yak cow like animal of Nepal can be found in the Himalayas. It is critical to the survival of Nepali people who live in the mountainous regions. These shaggy, cow-like animals survive at high altitudes and provide essential resources such as milk, butter, and dung. The resilient yak is an indispensable partner for local sherpas who need to navigate the perilous trails of the high Himalayas.

Reptiles of Nepal: A Look into the Country’s Herpetofauna

Reptiles are a diverse group of animals of Nepal distinguished by their cold-blooded features. These animals come in a wide range of shapes and sizes in Nepal, with some being small and elusive while others are formidable predators.

King Cobra

The highly venomous snake can be found in several habitats of Nepal, including agricultural fields, grasslands and dense forests. King Cobra is one of the world’s venomous snakes and can grow over 5.5 meters in length.

These snakes can be identified with the distinct hood when they are defensive against predators and humans. They are considered to be top predators among the reptiles in Nepal as they feed on prey, including lizards, snakes, rodents and other small mammals.

Humans should be aware of the dangers associated with King Cobras, as their bite can lead to paralysis and even death. However, despite their reputation, these snakes are elusive and shy and will generally avoid humans in most cases.

Indian Rock Python

It is one of the biggest non-venomous snakes found in Nepal. They are also among the largest in the world, with some of them growing over 6 meters in length. The Indian rock pythons have distinct features, unlike other pythons, as they have dark blotches and a lighter background on their skin.

These reptiles are opportunistic and feed on prey, including smaller mammals, birds and other reptiles. Indian rock pythons have a powerful constriction and will suffocate prays before swallowing them whole. These animals of Nepal are docile and spend most of their time in isolation, and avoid any contact with humans. Nonetheless, it is important that you should not threaten or irritate them in any form, as they can be aggressive.

Himalayan Pit Viper

 It is one of the most venomous snakes found in the Himalayan regions of Nepal. Unlike other snakes on the list, the Himalayan Pit Viper is relatively small, with a length of 80-90 cm. The venomous snake is characterized by its triangular-shaped head. It used its heat-sensing pits located between its eyes and nostrils to locate and strike its prey.

Golden Monitor Lizard

Commonly referred to as the Indian Monitor Lizard, the Golden Monitor Lizard is a large species of lizard native throughout South Asia. These lizards have distinctive sizes, as the adult golden monitor lizards can grow over 2 meters in length. Additionally, they have distinct patterns of black and yellow stripes on their body.

Birds of Nepal: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Nepal is a country full of diverse wildlife and natural vegetation; thousands of tourists visit the country to witness the magnificence of the animals of Nepal. The country is regarded by travelers as a birdwatcher’s paradise, and Nepal is home to over 850 species of birds. Learn here some of the amazing birds of Nepal are:

Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan Monal or commonly known as Danphe in the Nepali language, is revered as a symbol of grace and beauty and the national bird of Nepal. The magnificent Danphe bird species are found in the mountain regions of Nepal. The Himalayan Monal is considered to be a spectacular pheasant of its kind due to its strikingly beautiful plumage.

Himalayan Bluetail

The insectivorous bird species live in the mountain regions of Nepal and other parts of the Himalayas. They are renowned for their distinct brownish-gray upper body plumage and vibrant blue feathers. The female and male Himalayan Bluetail have similar color patterns and markings, but the male’s color is slightly more vibrant and brighter.

Red-billed Blue Magpie

Commonly referred to as the Himalayan Blue Magpie, the Red-billed Blue Magpie is a colorful species of bird found in Nepal’s mountainous region. The respective species has a large body with black and blue plumage, a distinctive red beak and a long tail.

Black Drongo

King Crow or Black Drongo is a species of bird commonly found in South and Southeast Asia. The Black Drongo is a medium-sized bird with a slender bill, a deeply forked tail and glossy black plumage.

Spiny Babbler

Another endemic bird species is the Spiny Babbler. The small, plump bird is found in the mid-hill regions of Nepal. It is characterized by its distinct spiky crest, scale on its head, and scaled feathers. This makes the bird elusive and difficult to spot in the wild.

Where to Find The Top Wildlife in Nepal?

Chitwan National Park: Located in the beautiful city of Chitwan, Chitwan National Park is one of the best places to spot the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and Asian elephant. The park is also home to over 500 species of birds and a wide range of other mammals and reptiles.

Bardia National Park: Situated in the far west of Nepal, Bardia National Park is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking to spot tigers, leopards, and rhinoceros, as well as other rare and endangered species such as the Gangetic dolphin and the gharial crocodile.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area: Located in the far east of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is a remote and pristine wilderness area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer.

Sagarmatha National Park: Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for being home to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. The park is also home to rare Himalayan animals of Nepal such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear.

Langtang National Park: Langtang National Park is a beautiful park located close to Kathmandu, making it a popular destination for those who want to experience the wildlife of Nepal without venturing too far from the capital city. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Himalayan black bear, red panda, and snow leopard.

Annapurna Conservation Area: The Annapurna Conservation Area is a trekker’s paradise, with some of the best hiking trails in Nepal. The area is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Himalayan thar, Himalayan black bear, and many species of birds.

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