Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is located in the north of Kathmandu Valley and is one of the most important protected areas in Nepal. The park is known for its rich and diverse vegetation, which includes a variety of forest types and alpine meadows.
The lower elevations of the park are covered by subtropical forests, dominated by species such as Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus ellipticus), and Schima wallichii. These forests provide habitat for many bird species such as the red-billed leiothrix and the spotted dove, as well as mammals such as the Himalayan black bear and the leopard.
As the elevation increases, the subtropical forests give way to temperate broadleaf forests, which are characterized by species such as oak (Quercus spp.), rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.), and maple (Acer spp.). The temperate forests provide important ecosystem services such as soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and water regulation, and also provide habitat for many bird species such as the fire-tailed sunbird and the spotted nutcracker.
At even higher elevations, the temperate forests give way to alpine meadows and scrublands, characterized by low-growing shrubs and grasses. These areas provide important habitats for high-altitude bird species such as the snow partridge and the Himalayan monal, as well as mammals such as the musk deer and the Himalayan tahr.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is also home to many valuable and medicinal plant species, which have been used by local communities for generations. Some of the notable plant species found in the park include:
Gucchi (Morchella esculenta): A type of edible mushroom that grows in the park's forests, gucchi is highly prized for its taste and is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa): A perennial herb that grows in the alpine meadows of the park, kutki is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as liver disorders and fever.
Bhutkesh (Aconitum ferox): A flowering plant that grows in the higher elevations of the park, bhutkesh is used in traditional medicine to treat pain and inflammation.
The rich and diverse vegetation in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park provides vital ecosystem services and habitats for many bird and animal species. It also plays an important role in supporting the livelihoods of local communities, who rely on the park's plant species for food, medicine, and other resources.
