Museum of National History Nepal
Location:
Outside Kathmandu near Sambhunath Hills, across the National
Museum
Attractions:
Various species of Fauna and Flora
Timing:
10:30 AM to 5 PM, except Saturday
The Natural History Museum of Nepal is located near the
Swayambhunath Hill and has a stable partnership with the Institute of Science
and Technology. Together, they coordinate projects and programs to aid in the
research and preservation of rare and threatened fauna and flora species.
Though it is among the least frequented museums in the Valley, a visit to the
museum will show you many rare birds and insect species Since the opening of
the Natural History Museum, the institute’s popularity has increased over the
years solidifying its importance amongst the museums of Nepal.
Many scientists around the world have a great fascination
with the fauna and flora of Nepal. Because Nepal has an extremely varied
landscape with high altitudes and diverse vegetation, it can be hard to believe
that Nepal would have many flowering plants. If that is what you think, you
would be wrong. The small country of Nepal has approximately half the amount of
flowering plants that would be found in other countries - such as the United
States of America. This alone makes Nepal extremely interesting to botanists.
This amazing diversity can be seen in the exhibition hall of the Natural
History Museum which boasts with more than 9 000 plant specimens, both
non-flowering and flowering.
Nature does not only consist of plants, trees and flowers,
but animals, insects and other earthly creatures. The Natural History Museum of
Nepal therefore offers visitors a spectacular collection of approximately 40
000 invertebrates and vertebrates. Interesting fossils, prehistoric shells,
butterfly collections, snakes and a 100 skeletal remains are also on display.
For those who are interested in seeing skeletons that have not lost their outer
layers, the Nepal Natural History Museum has many stuffed crocodiles, birds and
various animals in their exhibits.
There is a separate section for insects too that contains
various insects collected from the nook and corners of Himalayas. Many of these
species are now extinct. The same is true for various species of mammals and
other amphibians. All of these displays are organized as per their evolution.
It has a separate section for plants too. This section contains various herbs
and grasses that grow in Himalayas and Tarai region. This section is not as
comprehensive as the section on fauna but is equally interesting. The museum is
slowly picking up on the tourist map but is in dire straits because of the lack
of fund. If you are a biologist then this place is a boon for you. If you are
not, then also this place is worth visiting.
For students, researchers, scholars and botanists, the Nepal
Natural History Museum is the answer to all their questions. The museum is able
to educate the public, and others who are interested, in the life cycles of
birds, animals and plants that are able to survive at high altitudes. The
Institute of Science and Technology and the Natural History Museum work
together to record the plants and creatures found naturally in Nepal. They also
research better ways to conserve and protect this unique natural landscape.
Nepal is a land of wonder because of its fauna and flora, and the Natural
History Museum hopes to educate people to respect and protect their beautiful
natural surroundings.
| 
