Bhutan has about 72% of its area under forest cover with wide range of biodiversity, over 5000 species of plants, which include 300 species of medicinal plants, over 50 species of rhododendron and 600 species of orchids are recorded.
The great variety of fauna includes: Elephants, Tigers, Buffalo, rhinoceros, Leopards, Gaur, Red Pandas, Golden Langur, Macque, Wild boar, Deer, Himalayan Black Bears, Goral etc. Brown trout and local fishes are found in northern rivers and lakes, while in the south the rivers are full of masher.
The rare and exotic species found in Bhutan are: Golden langur (endemic to Bhutan), Pangolin, Pygmy Hog, Snow Leopard, Red Pandas, Wild Buffalo, Himalayan Monal, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Common Raven, Rufus-necked Hornbill, White-bellied kuntugyu(near extent), Common Shelduck, Ruddysheld Duck, Black-necked Crane, Spotted Deer, Common Leopard, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Serow, Snow Leopard, Takin, Musk Deer, Tiger, Blue Sheep etc.
About 675 species of birds have been recorded in Bhutan and more than 16 different species of birds are included in the lists of endangered species.
The Royal Manas National Park, bordering with India Manas is the home to wild Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Guar, Wild Boar, etc. in the alpine region we can see Yaks, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard etc. For birders Bhutan is a veritable paradise with around seven hundred spices have been recorded. As a matter of fact while driving across the country you are likely to come across small groups of bird watchers wandering into jungle armed with binoculars and cameras. The Black-necked Crane is most famous migratory visitors that you will see in places like Gangtey in the west and Tashiyangtshe in the east.
