Climate Threat To Nepal's Biodiversity

Covering only 0.1 per cent of the world's total landmass, Nepal, however, has far richer biodiversity than its size suggests. This unique diversity is attributed to its stunning variation in altitude and climate. Endowed with 118 distinct ecosystems, it possesses 75 types of forests. The lowest elevation at Kechana Kawal in Jhapa district is measured at around 60 metres above sea level, while the peak of Mount Sagarmatha at 8848.86 metres is the highest point in the world. If we look at the global share of biodiversity richness, Nepal boasts of harbouring more than 3 per cent of flowering plants, 3.9 per cent of mammals and almost 9 per cent of bird species. 

Nepal's total bird species has reached 902, which accounts for around 10 per cent of the avian species recorded across the world. Spiny Babbler, locally known as Kade Bhyakur, is a bird endemic to Nepal, which means this species lives in the natural condition found only in Nepal and is recorded nowhere else. In addition, this country is home to two mammals and dozens of frogs, fish and insects that are found nowhere else in the world. 

Bird sanctuaries 

Similarly, over 27 species of butterflies are considered to be endemic to Nepal. Nepal boasts wetland bird sanctuaries like Koshi Tappu that attract winter migratory birds from as far as Siberia. But the results of annual water bird counts show that the population of the winter visitors is declining over the years. Rising heat and longer droughts have resulted in the drying and shrinking of wetland areas, which are a source of food and habitat for the migratory birds.

Biodiversity, for which Nepal is significantly rich, is a sector facing a threat under the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change. Altitudinal variation, ecological diversity, wetlands, forests, soil formation, topographical features, climatic conditions and suitable habitats play their roles in enriching the status of biodiversity.