| Bird Watching Bhutan |
While most of Asia 's bird habitats (forests)
are being and have been decimated, Bhutan is a very special
because of its lack of deforestation and the government's
commitment to preserve wildlife. Few developing countries have
the cultural and environmental interconnectedness that Bhutan
has always promoted. Sixty percent of Bhutan is now forested and
by law, will remain forested. Bhutan has the highest percentage
of ecological preserves in the world; over 26 percent of Bhutan
is designated for environmental conservation. While all of this
makes economic sustainability tougher but a more needed policy,
it provides the bird lover with the world's best viewing
opportunity.
Birds in Bhutan can be found from the glacial alpine regions of
the north to the sweltering tropics of the south. The geography
and altitude is also the most diverse areas of bird habitats
ever found in a single country. Endangered Black Necked Cranes
winter in the temperate Phobjikha Valley highland marshes while
the Rufous-Necked Hornbill hides out in the lush tropical rain
forests of the south. With an area the same as Switzerland,
Bhutan seems much bigger because of its remoteness and extremely
rugged terrain. |
