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10. Flora and Fauna In Nepal
Ranging from the subtropical forests of the Terai to the great
peaks of the Himalayas in the north, Nepal abounds with some of
the most spectacular sceneries in the whole of Asia, with a
variety of fauna and flora also unparalleled elsewhere in the
region. Between Nepal's geographical extremes, one may find
every vegetational type, from the treeless steppes of the
Trans-Himalayan region in the extreme north and the birch,
silver fir, larch and hemlock of the higher valleys to the oak,
pine and rhododendron of the intermediate altitudes and the
great sal and sissau forests of the south.
The rolling densely forested hills and broad Dun valleys of the
Terai along with other parts of the country, were formerly,
renowned for their abundance and variety of wildlife. Though
somewhat depleted as a result of agricultural settlements,
deforestation, poaching and other causes, Nepal can still boast
richer and more varied flora and fauna than any other area in
Asia. For practical purposes, Nepal's flora and fauna can be
divided into four regions:-
1. Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest : This includes the Terai
plains and the broad flat valleys or Duns found between
successive hill ranges. The dominant tree species of this area
are Sal (Shorea Robusta), sometimes associated with Semal (Bombax
malabricum), Asna (Terminalia termentosa), Dalbergia spp and
other species, and Pinus rosburghi occurring on the higher
ridges of the Churia hills, which in places reach an altitude of
1800 m. Tall coarse two-meter high elephant grass originally
covered much of the Dun valleys but has now been largely
replaced by agricultural settelements. The papal (ficus
religiosa) and the Obanyan' (ficus bengalensis) are to be
inticed with their specific natural characteristics. This
tropical zone is Nepal's richest area for wildlife, with gaurs,
buffaloes, four species of deer, tigers, leopards and other
animals found in the forest areas rhinoceros, swamp deer and hot
deer found in the valley grasslands and two species of crocodile
and the Gangetic dolphin inhabiting the rivers. The principal
birds are the peacock, jungle fowl and black partridge, while
migratory duck and geese swarm on the ponds and lakes and big
rivers of Terai. Terai forests are full of jasmine, mimosa,
accecia reeds and bamboo.
2. Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest :This includes the
Mahabharat Lekh, which rises to a height of about 2400m and
comprises the outer wall of the Himalayan range. Great rivers
such as the Karnali, Narayani, and Sapta Koshi flow through this
area into the broad plains of the Terai. This zone also includes
the so-called middle hills which extend northwards in a somewhat
confused maze of ridges and valleys to the foot of the great
Himalayas. Among the tree species characteristic of this region
are Castenopsis indica in association with Schima wallichii, and
other species such as Alnus nepalensis, Acer oblongum and
various species of oak and rhododendron which cover the higher
slopes where deforestation has not yet taken place. Orchids
clothe the stems of trees and gigantic climbers smother their
heads. The variety and abundance of the flora and fauna increase
progressively with decreasing altitude and increasing luxurance
of the vegetation. This zone is generally poor in wildlife. The
only mammals, which are at all widely distributed, are wild
boar, barking deer, serow, ghoral and bears. Different varieties
of birds are also found in this zone. Different varieties of
birds are also found in this zone.
3. Temperate Evergreen Forest: Northward, on the lower slopes
and spurs of the great Himalayas, oaks and pines are the
dominant species up to an altitude of about 2400m above which
are found dense conifer forests including Picea, Tusga, Larix
and Abies spp. The latter is usually confined to higher
elevations with Betula typically marking the upper limit of the
tree line. At about 3600 to 3900m, rhododendron, bamboo and
maples are commonly associated with the coniferous zone.
Composition of he forest varies considerably with coniferous
predominating in the west and eracaceous in the east. The
wildlife of this region includes the Himalayan bear, serow,
ghoral, barking deer and wildboar, with Himalayan tahr sometimes
being seen on steep rocky faces above 2400m. The red panda is
among the more interesting of the mammals found in this zone; it
appears to be fairly distributed in suitable areas of the forest
above 1800m. The rich and varied avifauna of this region
includes several spectacular and beautiful pheasants, including
the Danfe pheasant, Nepal's national bird.
4. Sub alpine and Alpine Zone : Above the tree line,
rhododendron, juniper scrub and other procumbent woody
vegetation may extend to about 4200m where it is then succeeded
by t a tundra-like association of short grasses, sedge mosses
and alpine plants wherever there is sufficient soil. This
continues up to the lower limit of perpetual snow and ice at
about 5100m. The mammalian faun is sparse and unlikely to
include any species other than Himalayan marmots, mouse hare,
tahr, musk deer, snow leopard and occasionally blue sheep. In
former times, the wild Yak and great Tibetan sheep could also be
sighted in this region and it is possible that a few may still
be surviving in areas such as Dolpa and Humla. The bird life at
such as lammergeyer, snowcock, snowpatridge, choughs and
bunting, with redstarts and dippers often seen along the streams
and rivulets. Yaks are the only livestock, which thrive at high
altitude. They serve both back and draught animals. The cheeses
prepared out of the milk are edible for months. The female Yak
provides milk to the Sherpas.
Of the wonderful flora and fauna must suffice to indicate what a
paradise Nepal is to the lovers of wild animal and bird life, to
the naturalists and to the foresters.
11. Nepalese Dance and Music
Culture is the very pride & soul of a Nation. It is just like a
mirror that reflects the beauty, nativity & the life pattern of
the people. Culture in essence always plays a crucial role to
promote harmonious relationship between country to country. NEC
Travels has Participated with different culture group in several
national & international social , Culture & tourism promotion
programs organised in different places sponsored by various
related organisations. The dances as : Arati dance, Bajrayogini
dance, Bhojpuri dance , Drum solo , Dhimey dance, Lakhe dance,
Maruni dance , Peacock dance, Shebru dance, Yak dance , Jhankri
dance ( Witch Docter ) Jhaure dance etc.
1. Arati dance: - This dance is dedicated to Nataraj, the
dancing form of Lord shiva. In this dance light will be put off
and dancer will come with candle light in their hand. This is
very interesting dance.
2. Bajrayogini dance: - This is an ancient classical dance of
Nepal which is based on Tantric Buddhism. The temple of goddess
bajrayogini is situated about three km from Kathmandu.
3. Bhairabkali dance: - This is a classical dance of Lord
shiva & goddess parvati.This dance shows the destructive mood of
goddess kali & Lord Shiva, who saved the world from destruction
by lying down on the path of Kali.
4. Chanchar dance: - This dance is popular in Tharu,s
community in the western region of Nepal.
5. Chutka dance: - This dance is performed during the
different festivel of eastern part of Nepal. Boys & girls sing &
dance in pairs during the festival.
6. Chyabrung dance: - This dance is mostly performed by young
boys & girls during the different festival on the Northern part
of the Nepal.
7. Dhimey dance: - This is the typical dance of Jyapu
community of Kathmandu, which is performed during the festival &
after they reap the good harvest.
8. Drum solo: - In Nepal there are several types of drums of
various size & shapes.Here an exponent on the drum plays 10 to
12 drumsat a time in a typical manner.
9. Horiya dance: - This is a very popular dance of tharu
community from southern part of Nepal. Holy is one of the great
festivals for this community, which observed in Feb / March. Everybody singing & dancing around with throwing color powder,
water upon each other.
10. Jhankri dance (witch doctor):- During the bygone days
when there were no medical facilities in the country, the sick
poeple used to be taken to the witch doctor to get cured. Even
now a day in the remote area of Nepal this practices is still
prevailing.One can see in this dance how witch doctor cures a
patient.
11. Jhyaure dance: - This dance is based on love song, which
is very popular all over Nepal among the teenagers.
12. Khyali dance:- This dance gives glimpses of western Nepal
in Magar & Gurung community. In this dance a couple view each
other with their talents, and it is a practice that if the boy
wins he can take as his wife to his home.
13. Khukuri dance: - Khukuri is famous weapon, by which the
Gorkha's have become very famous in every battlefield. In this
dance the dancer shows how it is used in killing the enemies.
14. Lakhe dance: - This is a traditional mask dance of
Kathmandu.It is performe durimg the festival of Indra jatra.
15. Bhojpuri dance: - This dance is very popular on southern
part of Nepal.
16. Manjushree dance :- Once open a time Kathmandu velly was
suppose to have beena big lake. The god Manjushree open up the
southeren side of the valley, so that the water could flow out &
the land become habitable.This dance depicts this legend & this
dance is generally performed by the Buddhist priest.
17. Maruni dance: - Maruni dance is a femail dance with two
boys.
18. Peacock dance: - Peacock is considered a holy bird of our
country. It is suppose to be the dancer of Indra's palace. This
bird gets thrilled , when the cloud starts gathering , with the
sound of thunder it starts dancing. In this dance the artists
try to copy the same in his own manner.
19. Shebru dance: - This dance is performed by Sherpa
communities in the Northern border area of Nepal. They are very
skilled in mountaineering.
20. Yak dance: - All knows the fact that Nepal is a land of
YAK & YETI. Unfortunately we are not in the possition to show
YETI dance. But Yak is a very lovable animal. People drink its
milk & also make use of it as a carrier of goods. This is the
only animal which can carry loads in high altitudes. They are
very skilled in Mountaineering
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