A new threat to bio-diversity in Nepal

The history of wildlife trade runs back several centuries. But illegal trade in wildlife, particularly those of the endangered species has increased in the recent past. In addition to traditional animals, trading in plant species, medicinal plant, and gene piracy has emerged as new sectors for the bio-pirates, mainly in bio-diversity rich tropical and sub-tropical regions like Sri-Lanka, Nepal, India, Latin America and Costa-Rica. In the case on Nepal, most of the highlands areas and some part of the lowland areas are highly diverse in bio-resources.


The number of flowering species in the world is over 250000 while in Nepal, there is almost 10000 species of plants. Nepal is home to over 4.37 % of mammals and 8.5 % of bird species in proportion with the total world species.

The value of Nepali wildlife for agriculture, scientific experimentation, ornaments, medicine industry has also enhanced the country’s image. Besides, Nepal has identified at least 1463 flowering species for medical purposes. For the above-mentioned reasons, Nepal has become a major target of animal and plant hunters around the world. It has been revealed that commercial exploitation is the second biggest threat to survival of wild species.