With the diversity of varying vegetation in the country and the intent on the part of the Royal Government to maintain a minimum of 60% of the vegetation under protection, Bhutan can be considered as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. The current statistics of the country highlights that the country has about 70% of the country as forest cover. The forest types present are fir forests, mixed conifer forest, blue pine forest, chirpine forests, broadleaf mixed with conifer and tropical forests. Bhutan is also blessed with almost 300 species of medicinal plants and about 46 species of rhododendrons. Some of the common species which can be sighted are magnolias, daphne, gentians, orchids and junipers.
Bhutan is also home to a variety of endangered animals which can be spotted in the dense forests and the high mountains. Bhutan’s concerted efforts in the field of conservation of flora and fauna has contributed in preserving these endangered species. Some of the endangered animals like snow leopards, red panda, Bengal tigers, langurs, Himalayan black bears, barking deer and musk deer can be found in the higher altitude zone of the country. In the southern part, clouded leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, water buffaloes and swamp deer are some of the endangered species which can be spotted. Bhutan is also considered as the East Himalayan ‘hot spot’ with a hub of 221 global endemic bird areas. A great variety of bird species with a recorded number of 670 bird species, is expected to rise in the coming years as new species are discovered. Some of the 16 bird species which are endangered worldwide are also found in the beautiful valleys of Bhutan. The valley of Phobjikha and Bomdeling are home to one of the endangered and migrating species of Black Necked Cranes. The other species are White bellied heron, Pallas fish eagle and Bluth’s King.
The presence of such endangered species and variety of flora species can be mainly attributed to the strong commitment of the government and the environment organizations to preserve the pristine environment and diversity of flora and fauna.