General Introduction

Bhutan is part of the eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot region with rich diversity of flora and fauna, and also offers an abundance of ecosystem services. Today, about 11,248 species belonging to different categories of Animalia, Plantae, Chromista, Eubacteria, Fungi, and Protista are known to occur in Bhutan. The iconic species such as Tiger (Panthera tigris), Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) and the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) are found in the country. In addition, some rare animals such as Chinese and Indian Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla and M. crassicaudata), Mountain Weasel (Mustela altaica), Chinese Ferret Badger (Melogale moschata), Bearcat (Arctictis binturong), Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus), Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista nobilis) and White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) are also found in Bhutan. Many of these species are protected under the Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan (FNCA 2023).

Similarly, for the ecosystem services, Bhutanese rely on biodiversity for various purposes, including fuel, food, fibre, shelter, water, medicine, household implements, religious and cultural ceremonies, and handicrafts. However, due to the escalating development activities, climate change and other human activities, the threats associated with the natural environment are increasing, exposing biodiversity integrity to high risks. These threats will result in the loss of many species, including some of the globally threatened and rare species found in the eastern Himalayan biodiversity region and disrupt the ecosystem services.

RSPN's efforts to conserve the species began in the mid-1980s with the conservation of the Black-necked Crane. Today, RSPN is prioritising the conservation of two flagship species, the Black-necked Crane and the White-bellied Heron. Besides these species, the conservation extends to other associated species found along the crane and heron landscape. The conservation work includes intensification of scientific research, monitoring, habitat management and community management through ecosystem-based solutions. For the White-bellied Heron, ex-situ conservation measures are also adopted.