Out of
four season, Monsoon starts in June when heavy rains of the south-west
monsoon arrive. The High Himalaya range blocks the northwards passage
of the moist airs, increasing rainfall in Nepal and keeping the areas
beyond in deep rain shadow. These same mountains also act as a barrier
to the cold fronts sweeping across from central Asia, protecting Nepal
and northern India and giving them warmer winters. The high mountains,
deep river valleys and lowland plains combine with the effects of the
summer monsoon and dry winter to form bewildering array of habitats in
what is a relatively small country like Nepal. The botanical
exploration has extended beyond the capital Kathmandu since the 1950's,
and botanical experts estimate that over 6600 species will be listed
for Nepal after exploring even the remotest part of Nepal.
The
Shivapuri National Park covers the area of 144 sq km which is the major
watershed supplying drinking water to the capital city of Kathmandu.
Lying in the transition zone between the subtropical and temperate
climatic zones, its diverse vegetation is composed of pine, oak,
rhododendron and others. The park is rich in wild mushrooms about 129
species in total. The wildlife habitats Himalayan black bear, leopard,
jungle cat and rhesus monkeys. The park is home to over 177 species of
birds including 9 threatened species and over 100 species of
butterflies including rare and threatened.
Godavari Botanical garden is located on the foot of
Pulchowki hill. It consists of mainly open parkland type habitats and
several fast flowing streams. Some of the special birds found here were
Spotted and Black-backed Forktails, Rufous-gorgetted, Slaty-backed and
Rusty-tailed Flycatchers, Hodgson's Redstart, White's Thrush,
Chestnut-headed and Grey-bellied Tesia, Grey Bushchat and Asian Barred
Owlet amongst others. It also homes the pink, white and red
rhododendrons and a variety of colorful orchids.
