First, some amazing statistics! Nepal - occupying only 0.1% of the earth - is home to: 2% of all the flowering plants in the world, 8% of the world's population of birds (more than 848 species), 4% of mammals on earth, 11 of the world's 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species), 600 indigenous plant families, 319 species of exotic orchids As these statistics indicate, Nepal has a remarkably wide range of flora and fauna, particularly given its small size. This species richness can in part be attributed to Nepal's very diverse climate and topography. The altitudinal variation is greater than in any other country, ranging from just above sea level to the loftiest point on this earth, the summit of Mount Everest. In the lowlands, such as in the Royal Chitwan National Park, there are tropical forests, which support the greatest number of species. Here may be found some... read more about Himalayan wildlife