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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. 60
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. |
