Ecosystem of Nepal according to Geographical regions 

Nepal is situated between India and China. Nepal is a geographically diverse nation. Nepal is small country covering only 0.3 percent of south Asia and 0.03 percent of the world. It is a landlocked country with an area of 1,47,181 sq.km. Nepal is divided into three geographical regions. Geographical regions are categorized on the basis of land structure and its topography. It is rich in geographical diversity. It consists of mountains, hills, and the Terai. The ecology of a place directly depends upon the geography or physical features and structure of land and its environment there is similar division of ecological regions, too. 

Ecosystem is the delicate, self-sustaining and dynamic relationship between the biotic and abiotic components of the environment. Environmental status differs in different geographical or ecological regions due to the differences in the physical, biological, and socio-economic aspects of these regions. These aspects affect and have remarkable influence on the ecosystem of each ecological region. 

The physical aspect of an environment includes the factors like altitude, temperature, climate, land division, land topography, nature of humidity, area and such other physical components constituting the environment. 

The biological aspect of an environment includes the factors like flora and fauna, ecosystem, habit and habitat of all living things, biodiversity, food chain and such other factors related to the biotic components pertaining to the environment. 

The socio-economic aspect of an environment includes the factors like social norms and values, traditions, customs, religions, beliefs, trades and business, income generating activities and such other social and economic characteristics of the people.

The above-mentioned environmental aspects of the three geographical regions are elaborated below: 

Ecosystem of Mountain Region 

a) Physical aspects of mountain region 

1. It lies in the norther part of the country. 
2. It includes about 35% of the total land of the country. 
3. Its altitude ranges from 4,877-8,848 meters from the sea level. 
4. It has the highest mountain Mt. Everest, in Solukhumbu district, and many other mountains, including kanchanjunga, Makalu, Kumbhakarna, Mahalangur, Ganesh, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Api, Nampa, Saipal etc. 
5. It has many mountains covered with snow in its northern part. The snow line is at an altitude of 4,000 meters in the west and 5,000 meters in the east. 
6. It has a very steep and rocky land structure that causes problems in transportation. 
7. The temperature is very cold. 
8. It includes 16 districts including Solukhumbu, Taplejung, Mustang, Dolpa, Dolakha and Darchula. Other districts situated in this region are Rasuwa, Humla, Mananag, Mugu, Sankhuwasabha, Sindhupalchok, Jumla, Kalikot, Bajura and Bajhang. 
9. The land structure contains comparatively more rocks. 
10. The mountain region is divided into three sub regions: Inner Himalayan, main Himalayan and outer Himalayan regions. 
11. This region contains a number of deep and narrow gorges, plains and valleys that are slightly less cold. 

b) Biological aspects of mountain region 

1. The diversity of vegetation and animals is comparatively less due to the cold temperature. 
2. There is a presence of more living things in the lower region. 
3. This region is not favourable for agriculture due to the cold temperature, less fertility and frequent climatic hazards like snowfall, dew, cold waves, etc. Agricultural production is less in this region. Only two percent of its total land is suitable for agriculture. 
4. Fertility of soil is less in this region. Less biodiversity is found. 
5. Main crops cultivated in this region are barley, buckwheat, wheat, uwa, maize, potato and others which grow in a cold climate. 
6. There are alpine forests with coniferous forest, which grow and adapt well in cold temperature. 
7. Main vegetations in the forests include: Fir (Thigursalla), Spruce (jhuslesalla), Gobresalla, dhupi, Deodar, Bhojpatra, etc. 
8. Upper region contains several grasslands with small shrubs and herbs. 
9. Some rare species of medicinal plants like Cordyceps (Yarchagumba), are found in this region. These plants are listed as a rare vegetation in Nepal. 
10. Apples, oranges, peach, etc. are the main fruits cultivated in this region. 
11. Main wildlife in this region include: Himalayan black bear (Himali Kali valu), snow leopard (Him chituwa), bluesheep (jharal), Pheasnts (Danphe), Crimson-horned pheasants (Munal), Black pheasants (Kaliz), musk deer (kasturi), etc. 
12. There are some narrow and deep gorges and plains with temperate climate in this region, with comparatively high biodiversity and presence of some temperate zone vegetations and agricultural crops like rice. 

c) Socio-economic aspects of mountain region 

1. This region is not suitable for agriculture, and the main occupation of people in this region is animal husbandry or livestock farming. 
2. Tourism has been gradually occupying a place among the man professions in this region as worldwide famous mountains and mountain ranges lie in this region. 
3. It includes 6.73% share of the total population of Nepal according to the census of Nepal 2068 BS. It shows a low density of 34.64 per sq.km. These data were 7.3% and 33 per sq.km. respectively in 2058  BS. Chharkabhot of Humla district is the village located at the highest altitude of Nepal. 
4. Main domestic animals raised at this region include sheep, goat, yak, etc. 
5. Majority of the people are Buddhists. Main castes include Sherpa, Thakali, Lhomi, Mugali, Ghale, Manangi, etc. 
6. Cottage industries based on animal products like wool, milk, leather etc. are found in this region. 
7. There is a remarkable influence of northern culture, which comes from Khasa, Lhasa, Vote and other southern marginal territory of China. Major border crossing places between Nepal and China are Olangchungola, Kodari, Rasuwagadhi, Korala, Hilsa, etc. across which many trade commodities are imported and exported. 
8. There are less source of livelihood. Transportation, education, communication, electricity and other life-supporting facilities are not adequate in this region. 
9. People are found to live up to an altitude of 4572 meters from the sea level. They have a tradition of temporary migration towards the southern region every year during the winter season from some places where the temperature falls very low. They again migrate back after the winter is over. 
10. Dress includes especial items made up of wool and leather (Bakkhu, Docha, etc.) designed to protect from the cold. 
11. The houses are constructed with stones and cultural places like Pathivara, Chandannath, Dudhkunda, Gosaikunda, se monastry, Tangboche Monastry, and Muktichhetra lie in this region. 

Ecosystem of Hilly Region 

a) Physical aspects of hilly region

1. It lies in the middle  between the northern and southern parts of country.
2. It includes 41.7% of the total land of the country. It occupies the maximum land area among the geographical regions of Nepal.
3. Its altitude ranges from 610-4,877 meters from the sea level.
4. It has a number of beautiful hills, hillocks, valleys, terraced land, small valleys, gorges and     meadows. The capital city Kathmandu and beautiful Pokhara are situated in this region. Wide tars like Tumlintrar ,Kalleritar, Gwaltal, Battar, Salyantar, Chaurajaharitar are located  in this region.
5. There are abundant rivers flowing from the northern part to the southern parts towards the Terai region.
6. It has moderate to  very steep land structure with hills and hillocks.
7. The   hilly region has moderate temperature.
8. It includes districts including Illam, Panchthar, Gorkha, Pyuthan, Achham, Salyan and Khotang.
9. The land structure contains moderately fertile soil with more uneven distribution of rocks.
10. The hill region is divided into three sub regions: Mahabharat range, Mid-hill range and Churia or Siwalik range.

b) Biological aspects of hilly region

1. Biodiversity in this region is high due to more area and diversity in climate and ecosystem. The region above 4,500 meters is not suitable for living things.
2. This region has average fertility, with more agricultural diversity.
3. Only 10% of its total land is cultivable.
4. Main crops cultivated in this region are rice, maize, wheat, millet, barley, buckwheat, potato, oilseeds, soybeans, sugarcane and others which grow in a moderate climate.
5. Some rare vegetations like Serpentina (vern:sarpagandha, Panch Aule, Spike Nard (vern:Jatamai) , Himalayan Yew (vern:Lauth Salla) and golden michelia  (vern: chaanp). which are listed as rare plants of Nepal, are also found in this region.
6. There are thick deciduous and evergreen forests, with small and big trees and numerous shrubs. It also includes a few alpine and sub-tropical forests.
7. Main vegetations in the forest includes the Sal, Sissau, Katus, Chilaune, Lapsi, Bamboo, Simal, Khayar, Deodar, Rhododendron, etc.
8. Main wild animals in this region include the leopard, bear, deer, monkey, hare, etc.
9. Main wild birds include black pheasant, crow, sparrow, cuckoo, dove, etc.
10. It has many rivers, which provide a habitat for numerous species of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and a wide range of aquatic plants and animals.
11. The forests of the hilly  region in Nepal are regarded as a storehouse of medicinal herbs.
12. Ecosystem diversity is wider in this region. It includes pond ecosystems, land ecosystems, grassland ecosystems, etc.

c) Socio-economic aspects of hilly region

1. The main occupation of the people in this region is agriculture and farming. Most of the people demand upon agriculture for their livelihood. The tendency to shift to business is increasing in the recent days.
2. This region is more suitable than the mountain region for agriculture including cereal crops cultivation, horticulture (i.e, growing flowers, fruits and vegetables ), and cultivation of other crops because of the presence of fertile soil.
3. It includes 43% share of the total population of Nepal, according to the census of 2068BS. It shows a population density of 186 per sq.km. These data were 44.3% and 167 per sq.km in 2068 BS. 
4. Main domestic animals raised in this region include cows, buffalo, goat, etc. 
5. Cottage industries based on local agricultural products like tea, milk, cotton and fibers are found here.
6. Majority of people are Hindus. Main castes include Bramhin, Chhetri, Rai, Tamang, Magar, Thakali, Kami, Damai, Sarki etc.
7. This region includes more and more indigenous cultures of Nepal, which developed in Nepalese society from ancient times.
8. The sources of the livelihood are less in some remote areas. Transportation, education, communication, electricity and other life-supporting facilities are adequate in some developed  cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, but most of the places are remote and lake such facilities.
9. Some people have land in the hill as well as in the Terai. They have a tradition of temporary migration towards the Terai region during winter season. They return to the hills after collecting their agricultural production. Major roads in this region are Araniko Highway , BP highway, Prithvi highway, Madan Bhandari Highway, Bhupi Sherchan Marga, Ratnamarga, Passang Lhamu Marga, etc. 
10. Dress up includes Nepali typical dresses like Daura- Suruwal, Sari-Cholo, blouse, Dhaka Topi, Waist coat, etc.
11. The house are constructed with stones , mud and wood. People keep animals on the ground floor, and they live on the first or upper floor.
12. Some remarkable religious and cultural places like Halesi Mahadevsthan (Khotang), Pashupatinath, Guheswari, Changunarayan, Swayambhunath, Boudaha (Kathmandu), Taal Barahi (Pokhara), Dupcheswar Mahadev, Sworgadwari, Ugratara, Deutibajai, Shaileshwari, Baglung Kalikasthan, Palanchowk Bhagawati, Manakamana temple, etc. lie in this region.

Ecosystem of Terai Region

The terai region extends from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west. It has very fertile soil. This region can be divided into two sub regions: inner Terai and main Terai.  There are 21 districts in this region. It is rich in biodiversity. Many national parks and conservation areas are situated in this region with a variety of rare plants and animals. The  tropical and sub tropical forests are rich in flora and fauna. Major plants include Sal, Sishau, Khayar, Banyan, Pipal, bamboo and fruits like mango, guava etc. Tiger, rhinoceros, bear, elephants, jackals, monkeys, hawk, common kite , sparrow, vulture, cockoo, dove, etc. are found in the forest. There are fish and other aquatic animals in the rivers , lakes, streams, ponds. etc. Soil is fertile and cultivable. So, the Terai region is the main agricultural region of Nepal.

The vegetation, animals,  birds and other living organisms differ with respect to the sub region. Besides, it consists of main industrial areas of Nepal. Many cottage industries to large-scale industries are established in this region. Along with agriculture , people are engaged in trade, industries, service, etc.

There are dense populated residential areas in urban places. Rajbanshi, Tharu, Dhimal, Satar are main ethnic groups There are more physical facilities in comparison to the hill and mountain. This region has the maximum population density. Encroachment of natural resources and environmental components, production of harmful pollutants, rapid conversion of agricultural land into the concrete residential areas, and rapid destruction of forest areas have become serious problems to the ecosystem of this region. Physical , Biological and Socio-economic aspects of the Terai ecosystem are given below:

a) Physical aspects of Terai region

1. It lies in the southern part of Nepal.
2. It occupies 23% of total land of the country.
3. This region extends from east to west of Nepal with varying breadth of 25-30 kilometres.
4. Its altitude ranges up to 610 meters from the sea level. 
5. Small rivers and rivulets in hill region meet in this region and make wide and big rivers like Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, Mahakali,etc.
6. It has plain land structure with soft soil and minimum rocks.
7. This region has hot or tropical climate.
8. This region has high atmospheric humidity.
9. Underground water resource is easily accessible in this region. The source of underground water is found at a depth of about 30 feet below the land surface.
10. It includes districts altogether including Jhapa, Sunsari, Morang, Bara, Parsa, etc.
11. Terai region is divided into two sub regions: Inner Terai and Main Terai.

b) Biological aspects of Terai region

1. Diversity of vegetation and animals is very high due to high temperature fertile land, and abundant availability of water.
2. This region is favorable for agriculture due to the warm climate fertility of soil with humus , inorganic and organic substances. Agricultural production is high in this region.
3. Main crops cultivated in this region are rice, wheat, maize, oilseeds like mustard and sunflower, and others which grow in a hot climate.
4. It has the thick Charkose forest, which extends from Mechi to Mahakali.
5. Main vegetation in the forests includes the Sal, Sissau, Khayar, pipal, etc.
6. Some rare species of medical plants, which are listed in rare vegetations of Nepal  ,(for example: Serpentina, vern: Sarpagandha) are also found in this region. 
7. Main wild animals in this region include: tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, crocodile, deer, etc.
8. There are many birds that make their permanent residence in this region, and some of them fly all the way from Siberia in the winter season. The Spiny Babbler (Kade Vyakkur) is found only in Nepal. The Terai region provides a comfortable habitual for many other birds like the king vulture, finch, cuckoo, hawk, dove cane, peacock, giant-pied hornbill, etc. 
9. This region has important watershed areas with presence of rare vegetations and animals. Some of the listed areas in Terai region include the areas with Nanda Bhauju Taal, and Bishjari Taal of Chitwan, Jagdishpur lake of Kapilvastu and Ghodadghodi lake of Kailali. 
10. Many national parks and wildlife reserves have been established in this region for the conservation of the ecosystem along with the rare animals and plants. 

c) Socio-economic aspects of Terai region 

1. This region is most suitable for agriculture, and the main occupation of the people  in this region includes agriculture, animal husbandry, or livestock farming, business and trade, industry, etc. 
2. The main causes that live here are the Brahmin, Chhetri, Tharu, Teli, Satar, Rajput, Rajbansi, etc.,
3. It has 50.27% share of the total population of Nepal according to the census of 2068 BS census. It shows a high density of 392 person per sq.km. These data were 48.4%  and 330 per sq,km in 2058 BS. 
4. Main domestic animals raised in this region include cows, buffalos, pigs, poultry, fish, ducks and others. 
5. This region is comparatively developed and has many bi9g industries too. Many people are employed in these industries. A big share of the population is employed in business, education, transportation, entertainment and so on. 
6. There is a remarkable influence of the southern culture which comes from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Darjeeling and other northern marginal places of India. 
7. Transportation, education, communication, electricity and other life-supporting facilities are comparatively adequate in this region. 
8. Majority of the people are Hindus. Apart from Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains and followers of other religions are also found in this region. Religious diversity is distinctly seen in this region. 
9. Dress includes clothing modified according to the hot climate. These includes Dhoti, Kurta, shirt, pants, sari, etc. 
10. Most of the town areas lie in the Terai region. Some main town areas are Biratnagar, Rajbiraj, Dharan, Itahari, Kakadvitta, Birtamod, Janakpur, Birgunj, Siddharthanagar, Nepalgunj, Tikapur, etc. 
11. The houses are constructed either with concrete or with bamboo and straw. 
12. Some remarkable religious and cultural places like Lumbini, Janakpurdham- Dhanusha, Barahkshetra, Gadhimai temple, Pindeshower, etc. lie in this region.