Bird watching in Bhutan is a popular tourist activity. Zhemgang in central Bhutan is considered a birders’ paradise with over 70 percent of the total species of birds found here. Of the roughly 700 species of birds, 26 are endangered. The White Bellied Heron is one of the most critically endangered species of bird found in Bhutan. It is considered one of the 50 rarest bird species in the world. While there are only 60 herons in the world, 28 are believed to be in Bhutan. Bhutan has also been identified as one of the world’s top 10 biodiversity hotspots.
While the constitution of Bhutan mandates 60 percent forest coverage at all times, the country boasts more than 70 percent forest coverage as of now. 52 percent of the country is marked as protected areas and 20 percent as biological corridors. Bhutan is eco-friendly, and the world’s first carbon negative, striving to preserve its natural environment and successfully preserving 70% of its total land area under forest coverage. Though Bhutan is a tiny kingdom, it boasts of being a home to about 770 known species of birds and around 19 endangered species (such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Black-necked crane, White-bellied Heron, Chestnut-breasted Partridge, etc.)
Environmental conservation is Bhutan’s national priority and the country is well known in the world for its rich biodiversity and a strong commitment on its preservation. Due to Bhutan’s strong conservation efforts, the country received the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award in 2005 instituted by the United Nation’s Environment program.
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