TAKING TOURISM TO THE TOP

Flora and Fauna

Bhutan’s floral diversity is rich and diverse. More than 70% of Bhutan’s land area is forested and it hosts a wide range of faunal habitat. Bhutan is home to the endangered White-bellied heron and the black necked crane, and many other exotic species of animals and birds. The Takin, which has a goat’s head and a cow’s body, is the national animal of Bhutan. There are legends surrounding this exotic animal. One legends has it that, Lam Drukpa Kuenley, famously known as the divine madman, created the animal by fixing a goat’s head to a cow’s carcass in a feast, where he was tasted of his magical powers. Bhutan is equally rich in floral diversity. It is a floral paradise, as botanists say. The country falls within the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, and is home to many breathtaking glory of the Himalayan floral diversity. Bhutan is also known as The Land of Medicinal Plants for its richness of medicinal herbs. In the past, traditional doctors and physicians came over to Bhutan from neighboring countries, most commonly Tibet, in search of medicinal herbs. Bhutan’s serene and virgin forests are home to over 6000 vascular plants (flowering plants) including 369 orchids, 46 rhodendrons and 111 ferns. The country also has over 100 endemic plants. Besides enjoying the splendor of culture and traditions, visitors are also enthralled by the rich and diverse floral and faunal beauty of the country. Bhutan has bagged many international awards for its conservation efforts.