Biodiversity And Climate Change

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a treasure trove of biodiversity. The country’s unique geographic position and varied altitudinal gradients contribute to its rich array of flora and fauna. Nepal is home to over 22,000 species, representing about 1.3% of the global biodiversity. This includes a remarkable variety of plants, mammals, birds, and other wildlife, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

The ecosystems in Nepal range from tropical forests in the Terai to alpine meadows in the high Himalayas. These diverse habitats support iconic species such as the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the elusive snow leopard. Additionally, Nepal’s wetlands, which cover about 2.6% of the country’s area, are rich in biodiversity, supporting numerous species of plants, birds, and freshwater fishes.

Care For Nature plays a pivotal role in conserving this biodiversity by linking communities, conservation, and livelihoods. By engaging local communities in conservation efforts, Care For Nature ensures that these initiatives are sustainable and beneficial to both the environment and the people. This approach not only helps protect endangered species and their habitats but also supports the livelihoods of local communities, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards nature.

Through various programs and initiatives, Care For Nature promotes sustainable practices that balance ecological health with economic development. These efforts include habitat restoration, community-based conservation projects, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity. By integrating conservation with community development, Care For Nature helps create a harmonious relationship between people and nature, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Nepal’s rich biodiversity.

Climate change plays a major role in the decline of biodiversity, as increasing temperatures have negatively altered both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Changing climatic patterns and rising global heat have resulted in the loss of many species, increased diseases, and mass mortality of plants and animals. CFN conducts research to understand how climate change impacts wildlife and their habitats, including crocodiles.

The rise in temperature due to climate change can be challenging for the reproduction of crocodiles. The rising temperature might impact the nesting time, incubation period, and sex ratio of crocodiles. Crocodiles have temperature-dependent sex determination, where the incubation temperature is a major environmental factor. Therefore, CFN regularly monitors the nesting ecology, hatching success, and temperature and rainfall events to understand their interlinkages.