Rara National Park, located in the remote region of Mugu district in Nepal, boasts a unique blend of flora and fauna. The park is renowned for its pristine Rara Lake, which is the largest lake in Nepal, and is surrounded by beautiful forests and meadows.
The park's vegetation is diverse, with coniferous forests dominated by blue pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock. The forests also contain birch, rhododendron, and oak trees, along with several species of medicinal herbs such as yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis) and kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa).
Some of the notable plant species found in Rara National Park include:
Himalayan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa): A tall coniferous tree that is found in the park's sub-alpine and alpine zones. The Himalayan Cypress is an important source of timber for local communities and is also used for making incense.
Himalayan Spruce (Picea smithiana): A tall coniferous tree that is found in the sub-alpine and alpine zones of the park. The Himalayan Spruce is an important source of timber for local communities, and its needles are used for making tea.
Himalayan Rhubarb (Rheum australe): A medicinal plant that is found in the park's alpine zone. The root of the Himalayan Rhubarb is used in traditional medicine to treat digestive disorders.
Blue Poppy (Meconopsis spp.): A beautiful flowering plant that is found in the alpine meadows of the park. The Blue Poppy is the national flower of Bhutan and is a popular ornamental plant.
The diverse vegetation in Rara National Park provides important habitat for many bird and animal species, including the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and red panda. The park's unique plant communities and ecosystems also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
The conservation efforts in the area aim to protect the natural resources of the park while promoting sustainable development for local communities.