Wildlife of Nepal

Nepal's Ecological Zones

Nepal's dramatic elevation changes from 60m to 8,848m create diverse habitats supporting over 200 mammal species and 900 bird species across three main ecological zones:

  • Terai Lowlands (60-300m): Tropical forests with tigers, rhinos, and elephants
  • Mid-Hills (300-3,000m): Subtropical forests with leopards and deer
  • Himalayan Region (3,000m+): Alpine zones with snow leopards and blue sheep

Flagship Mammals of Nepal

Bengal Tiger

Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

Endangered

Found at: Chitwan, Bardia, Parsa, Banke NPs
Population: ~235 individuals

One-Horned Rhinoceros

One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

Vulnerable

Found at: Chitwan, Bardia, Parsa, Shuklaphanta
Population: ~752

Asian Elephant

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Endangered

Found at: Chitwan, Bardia, Shuklaphanta
Population: ~100-150

Snow Leopard

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Vulnerable

Found at: Shey Phoksundo, Sagarmatha, Kanchenjunga
Population: ~300-500

Red Panda

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

Endangered

Found at: Langtang, Kanchenjunga, Makalu-Barun
Population: ~300-500

Himalayan Black Bear

Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)

Vulnerable

Found at: Mid-hills, Langtang, Annapurna, Makalu-Barun
Population: Rare (unknown)

Himalayan Tahr

Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)

Vulnerable

Found at: Mid-hills, Langtang, Annapurna, Makalu-Barun
Population: Rare (unknown)

Wild Water Buffalo

Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee)

Endangered

Found at: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Population: ~440

Ganges River Dolphin

Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Endangered

Found at: Karnali, Sapta Koshi, Narayani Rivers
Population: less than 30

Clouded Leopard

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Vulnerable

Found at: Mid-hill forests (eastern Nepal)
Population: Rare (no solid estimate)

Red Fox

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Least Concern

Found at: High Himalayas - Mustang, Dolpa, Widespread
Population: unknown

Spotted Linsang

Spotted Linsang (Prionodon pardicolor)

Least Concern

Found at: Eastern & Central mid-hill forests
Population: Rare (no reliable data)

Himalayan Musk Deer

Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster)

Endangered

Found at: Alpine zones - Langtang, Sagarmatha, Annapurna
Population: Rare (heavily poached)

Indian Pangolin

Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)

Endangered

Found at: Terai lowlands and forest edges
Population: Extremely rare

Arun Valley Langur

Arun Valley Langur (Semnopithecus schistaceus)

Least Concern

Found at: Eastern mid-hills (Makalu-Barun)
Population: Rare (locally found)

Conservation Success Stories

Rhino Recovery

From fewer than 100 in 1960s to ~650 today in Chitwan National Park through anti-poaching efforts.

Tiger Population Growth

Increased from 121 (2009) to 235 (2022) through habitat protection and community engagement.

Community-Based Conservation

Annapurna Conservation Area model successfully protects snow leopards while supporting local livelihoods.

Best Wildlife Viewing Locations

  • Chitwan National Park
    Best for: Rhinos, tigers, gharials, and elephants
  • Bardia National Park
    Best for: Wild elephants and Bengal tigers
  • Sagarmatha National Park
    Best for: Snow leopards and Himalayan tahr
  • Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
    Best for: Birds (485+ species) and wild water buffalo

Endangered Species Protection

Nepal has made significant strides in wildlife conservation through:

  • Army patrols in national parks
  • Community anti-poaching units
  • Habitat corridors between protected areas
  • Transboundary cooperation with India and China
  • Ecotourism initiatives funding conservation