If you want to experience the actual flora and fauna
then there is no other place on this earth than the Himalayas. Due to
such varied topography Himalayas showcases some of the rare plants and
endangered species of animals. Different regions have different kinds of
forests and animals suited to the climatic condition of that region. In
Himalayan region forests such as Teak, Sal, and Shisham are mostly seen.
As the height increases the forest belts get changed. As you climb up
you come across rhododendron, birch and juniper, pine, oak, deodar and
fir. In higher altitudes the juniper becomes a bush. Where the tree line
ends the 'Buggyals' or alpine meadows began to grow. Rare flowers are
seen in plenty in the Himalayan region. In the Garhwal region lilies and
potentillas gives a different look to the Himalayan beauty. If we
categorize the type of vegetation found in the Himalayan region then
there are four main types: temperate, alpine, tropical, and subtropical.
In Outer Himalayas it is the dense tropical rain forest of oak, bamboo
and chestnut, which dominates the region. At about 12, 000 feet the
alpine zone begins.
The Himalayan forests are ideal for insects like bumblebees and crane
flies. As you climb higher the climate becomes cool so insects have dark
bodies to absorb as much heat as possible. Different types of
butterflies are found in higher altitudes like apollo's, blues,
vanessas, and papilios. Even at higher altitudes like above 14,000 ft
tiny insects are found. The great Tibetan sheep is found here, which is
world's largest sheep. They can resist temperature in scorching summer
and freezing winter. Different species of mountain goat are found here
like the markhor, the Ibex, and the wild goat. The yak is also found
here in large number. The Tibetan blue bear, the brown bear also lives
here. The wolf, the wild dog, and the hill fox are common here. Among
the other animals are tiger and leopard, as well as the jungle cat,
lynx, and Pallas cat. The musk deer is also found here but now it is
among the endangered species. In the Terai region the animals comprises
of tigers, elephants, pythons, deer, wild boar and crocodiles.
Some of the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks where you can
visit are:
