Biodiversity Conservation, Ecological Corridors and Transportation Infrastructure in Nepal

Nepal is host to a rich biodiversity, with about 212 species of mammals, 887 species of birds, 177 species of herpeto-fauna, and 220 species of birds. About 45% of the land is still forested while about 24% is protected. Due to the government’s efforts in environmental protection and conservation, important mammals such as tigers and rhinoceros are observed to be increasing in population over the most recent years. However, loss/degradation of habitats and dispersal corridors due to infrastructure such as roads—projected to increase by 18,000 kilometers more by 2050—is slowly threatening the survival of these important creatures. The government is, therefore, taking appropriate measures to improve design and planning of linear infrastructure. At the heart is the endorsement of wildlife friendly infrastructure construction Directives by the government.