Big Five Animals of Nepal

Big Five Animals of Nepal

The “Big Five” game refers to a group of five mammals that are popular among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts in various parts of the world, including Africa. However, in Nepal, the Big Five animals refer to the Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, One-Horned Rhino, and Asian Elephant. These species are native to Nepal and are protected by the government and various conservation organizations due to their endangered status.

 

Royal Bengal Tiger

The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a subspecies of the Bengal tiger and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the largest big cat species and is characterized by its distinctive orange fur with black stripes. The Royal Bengal Tiger is a top predator and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is also found in Nepal and is considered a national symbol of the country. In Nepal, the tiger is found in the Terai region, specifically in protected areas such as Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. The Nepalese government and various conservation organizations are working to conserve the tiger population in the country through measures such as anti-poaching patrols, habitat preservation, and community outreach programs.

Despite these efforts, the tiger population in Nepal remains endangered due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Nevertheless, Nepal has made significant progress in tiger conservation and has seen an increase in its tiger population in recent years, due in part to successful conservation efforts.

Outline Itinerary of Tiger Tracking:

Day o1:	Fly to Nepaljung and Drive to Bardia National Park
Day 02:	Tiger Tracking in Bardia national park
Day o3:	Tiger Tracking in Bardia national park
Day 04:	Tiger Tracking & Tour
Day o5:	Fly back to Kathmandu

More details about Bengal Tiger, simply visit “Private Tiger Encounter tour in Bardia National Park”

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Snow Leopard

©️Tashi R Ghale

The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is a large cat native to the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas in Nepal. Snow Leopard is found in the high mountain ranges of Nepal, specifically in protected areas such as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, Api Namba Conservation Park, Manaslu Conservation Area, Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, and Shey Phokshundo National Park. 350–600 snow leopards are often expected in Nepal.

The Nepalese government and various conservation organizations are working to conserve the Snow Leopard population in the country through measures such as habitat preservation, community outreach programs, and anti-poaching efforts. In addition, there are also programs in place to reduce human-wildlife conflict and support local communities in finding alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on the Snow Leopard’s habitat.

Despite these efforts, the Snow Leopard population in Nepal remains threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. However, Nepal has made significant progress in Snow Leopard conservation and is considered one of the best places in the world to observe these elusive cats.

We are focusing on Snow Leopard Encounter in the Manang Region of Annapurna Conservation Area as snow leopards are mostly sighted and documented in this area as per our previous experience. The snow leopards are visible during the cold months of December to March. The best time to encounter the snow leopard is February to mid- March because these months are their mating period. During the mating period, male snow leopard yowls attract females and their paw marks are visible in the snow during the winter which make it easier to track them.

Outline Itinerary of Snow Leopard Expedition:

Day 01:	Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar – 830 m
Day 02:	Drive from Besi Sahar to Chame – 2,725 m
Day 03:	Drive from Chame to Manang – 3,500 m (Rest Day)
Day 04 – 09:	Trek and track Snow Leopard in different locations
Day 10:	Drive back to Besi Sahar
Day 11:	Drive to Kathmandu

More details about Snow trek plan, simply visit “Snow Leopard Encounter Expedition”

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Red Panda

The Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small, arboreal mammal native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas and surrounding regions, including Nepal. Red Panda is found in the temperate forests of Nepal, specifically in protected areas such as Langtang National Park and the Annapurna Conservation Area. In Nepal, the Red Panda is considered a protected species due to its endangered status; and is subject to conservation efforts by the government and various organizations.

Living in 36 different mountain districts, there are around 1000 red pandas in Nepal. It is one of the most endangered species in the country as well as the whole world. The majority of the red pandas of Nepal are protected inside the national park. Also, there are some communities of red pandas in Eastern Nepal in the districts like Ilam, Panchthar, and Taplejung where there are not any national parks or wildlife reserves yet is home to one-fourth of pandas. There are some non-profit organizations that are working to save the pandas of this region.

Facts about red panda:

• The Red Panda is a small, arboreal mammal native to the temperate forests of the Himalayas and surrounding regions.
• It is known for its distinctive appearance, with a rusty red fur, black legs, and a bushy tail.
• The Red Panda is primarily an herbivore and feeds mainly on bamboo leaves, but also consumes fruit, flowers, and small insects.
• It is considered an endangered species, with a declining population due to habitat loss and poaching.
• The Red Panda is solitary and nocturnal, spending most of the day sleeping in trees.
• It has semi-retractable claws and a thick, bushy tail that it uses for balance and insulation.
• Red Pandas are territorial animals and mark their territory with urine, feces, and scent marking.
• The species is considered a national symbol in Nepal and is protected by the government and various conservation organisations.
• Red Pandas have a low reproductive rate, with females usually giving birth to one or two cubs per year.
• In addition to habitat loss and hunting, the Red Panda is threatened by climate change, which is affecting the availability of its primary food source, bamboo.

 

Red Panda Tour in Nepal, itinerary focuses on Dobate Village of Ilam district for seeing the lesser panda. Red Pandas are skillful climbers that spend most of their time in the trees curled up with their long, bushy tails wrapped around their heads. Their thick reddish-brown fur offers additional protection from the cold, often harsh, mountain weather. We’ll give you a guide while you’re on this itinerary. You can also experience the day-to-day activities of the typical rural village in the Ilam district of Nepal.

Outline Itinerary of Red Panda Tour:

More details about Red Panda Tour, simply visit “Red Panda Tour in Nepal”

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One-Horned Rhino

The One-Horned Rhino, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is a large, herbivorous mammal found primarily in the grasslands and forests of Nepal, north-eastern India and Bhutan. It is recognised by its single horn and tough, armor-like skin. The species is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching, with its population estimated at around 3,500 individuals. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat protection, are being implemented to save the species from extinction.

Every year, September 22 is celebrated as World Rhino Day worldwide to raise awareness about the five Rhino Species namely Greater One-horned Rhino, Sumatran Rhino, Javan Rhino, Black Rhino, and White Rhino. This day is the day to unite all the NGOs and INGO, wildlife organizations, conservation, and research centers, zoos, and environmentalists to discuss ways to protect the majestic creatures and educate the people about their importance in the ecosystem.

The total number of One-Horned Rhinos has increased in Nepal to 752 from 645 (2015 AD); according to the latest survey 2021. There are 694 Rhinos in Chitwan National Park, 3 in Parsa National Park, 38 in Bardia National Park, and 17 in Shuklaphanta National Park. Compared to the last census in 2015 this is an increase of 107 rhinos. “With no more than 3500 one-horned rhinos estimated in the wild, Chitwan National Park holds the second largest one-horned rhino population in the world.”

One-Horned Rhino tour in Nepal is possible in Chitwan and Bardia National Park. Chitwan national park is located in the inner lowland plains of south-central Nepal. It is connected with Parsa, Nawalpur, Chitwan, and Makwanpur districts. The park lies in an altitude range of 100 m to 815 m in the Sivalik Hills. The park is also home to 68 species of mammals including the Royal Bengal Tiger and greater one-horned rhinos.

Outline Itinerary of One-Horned Rhino:

Day o1:	Fly to Nepaljung and Drive to Chitwan National Park
Day 02:	Rhino Tracking in Chitwan national park
Day o3:	Rhino Tracking in Chitwan national park
Day 04:	Tiger Tracking & Tour
Day o5:	Fly back to Kathmandu

More details about Rhino, simply visit “One-Horned Rhino Tour”

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Asian Elephant

The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is a species of elephant native to Asia. It is primarily found in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and some other Southeast Asian countries. They are slightly smaller in size compared to their African elephant cousins and have unique physical characteristics, such as smaller ears and a more convex and vertical forehead.

Asian elephants are social animals, living in herds led by a matriarch, and play a significant cultural and religious role in many parts of their range. They are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, as well as being hunted for their ivory tusks and skin. Conservation efforts are underway in range countries, including protection of wild populations, captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

Asian elephants are the largest land animal in Asia. They have distinctive wrinkled skin and large ears. These majestic creatures live in herds led by a female called a matriarch. However, they are an endangered species due to habitat loss. In Nepal, you can see elephants, particularly in national parks such as Bardia, Chitwan National Park. The current estimated total number of elephants in Nepal is between 255 and 265 (plus 150 domestic Asian Elephants).

The elephant breeding center in Chitwan is a conservation center located in the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. It was established in 1985 with the aim of increasing the population of captive Asian elephants through breeding and providing a safe habitat for them. The center is also involved in research and education about elephants and their conservation.

Here are a few facts about Asian elephants:

• They are native to Asia and found in 13 countries, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• They are the largest land animal in Asia and can weigh up to 11,000 pounds.
• They have unique features such as a long trunk, large ears, and a raised ridge on their back.
• They are herbivores and feed on grasses, leaves, bamboo, and fruits.
• Asian elephants are social animals and live in herds led by a matriarch.
• They have good memory and problem-solving skills, and are consider to be intelligent.
• Asian elephants are listed as endangered, with an estimated 40,000-50,000 remaining in the wild.
• Threats to their population include habitat loss, poaching, and poaching, and poaching.
• Elephants are highly valued in Asian cultures and are used in festivals, ceremonies, and as working animals.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve the Asian elephant population.

 

Outline Itinerary of Elephant Safari:

Day o1:	Fly to Nepaljung and Drive to Chitwan National Park
Day 02:	Elephant Tracking in Chitwan national park
Day o3:	Elephant Tracking in Chitwan national park
Day 04:	Tiger Tracking & Tour
Day o5:	Fly back to Kathmandu

More details about Asian Elephant, simply visit “Wildlife Safari in Chitwan”

All the private trip itineraries is customisable; according to your choice & the number of days you want to stay. Simply, Contact Us

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