Nepal is home to a diverse range of mammal species, adapted to the varied ecosystems found throughout the country. Here are some of the notable mammals found in Nepal:
- Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris):
- The Bengal tiger is Nepal’s national animal and is found in protected areas such as Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, and Shuklaphanta National Park.
- One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis):
- Found primarily in the Terai region, one-horned rhinoceroses are protected in national parks like Chitwan and Bardia. They are one of the iconic species of Nepal.
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus):
- Asian elephants inhabit the lowland forests of Nepal, particularly in national parks like Chitwan and Bardia. They are highly revered in Nepalese culture.
- Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens):
- The red panda is a rare and elusive species found in the eastern Himalayas, including areas like Langtang National Park and Makalu Barun National Park.
- Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia):
- Endangered snow leopards inhabit the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, including protected areas such as Sagarmatha National Park and Shey Phoksundo National Park.
- Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus):
- Himalayan black bears are found in forested areas across the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are often encountered in parks like Langtang and Sagarmatha.
- Gaur (Bos gaurus):
- The gaur, or Indian bison, is the largest species of wild cattle and is found in the Terai region and lowland forests of Nepal, particularly in Chitwan and Bardia.
- Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus):
- Sloth bears are found in the lowland forests of Nepal, particularly in the Terai region. They can be spotted in parks like Chitwan and Bardia.
- Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa):
- Clouded leopards are elusive cats found in the forests of the Himalayan foothills, including areas like Bardia and Chitwan.
- Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster):
- Musk deer are found in the forests of the Himalayas, including protected areas like Langtang and Sagarmatha.
These are just a few examples of the diverse mammal species found in Nepal, highlighting the country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
