Wing Trip

environment & nature

Tapestry of Bhutanese Color

The raw and natural beauty of the earth characterizes much of Bhutan’s environment that has made it so stunning and captivating to visitors. From the tropical plains right up to the alpine highlands, Bhutan’s environment is as diverse as its culture. The Land of the Thunder Dragon is, today, one of the world’s top ten global hotspots, boasting a rich and varied biodiversity.

The country ranks amongst the top ten percent of highest species destiny (species richness per unit area) in the world., and it has the largest proportion of land under protected area with 26.23% of the country’s area designated as national perks. More than 35% of the country’s area is under the protection of some form of management. 

There are more than 5,500 species of vascular plants, more than 770 species of avifauna and more than 165 species of mammals, many of them endemic to Bhutan.

The large forested tracts of the country provide shelter to many plants and animals and in recent years, evidence is beginning to show that many animals have chosen Bhutan to be their home. The Royal Bangal Tiger, generally known to live in tropical and sub-tropical areas, has been found in Bhutan in the rich forest above 4,000m where they are known to breed.

Bhutan’s National Conservation Plan has records of 178 species of animals including 24 international threatened species. The national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is one of the unique animals that have become a symbol of he country. In a land of abundant natural life, Bhutan is also home to elephants, tigers and rhinoceros in the south, and snow leopards, bears and red pandas in the north.

Bhutan also enjoys a reputation as a bird watcher’s paradise. The country boasts 675 species of birds which includes the endangered Black-necked Crane that winters in Bhutan.The country’s flora offers much to delight botanists with more than 7,00plants,300 species of medicinal plants, 50 species of rhododendron, 600 species of orchid commonly found up to 2,100m, and some plants that also grow above 4000m.

The “Blue Poppy”, Bhutan’s national flower is now synonymous with a country that is known for its rare and special hybrids. Flowers such as edelweiss, primrose, anemone and lady-slippers bloom from late May to July and are major attractions for trekkers.