New Delhi: The Valley of Flowers, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is breathtaking. This renowned trekking destination is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its claim to fame lies in the vibrant array of flowers that burst into bloom between June and September, a spectacle that earned it the status of a National World Heritage Site in 1982. The Valley is a sanctuary for over 300 rare and endangered flower species, such as Calendulas, Daisies, Poppies, Orchids and Primulas, and a haven for Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and blue sheep.
Fauna of Valley of Flowers
Species diversity
The animal population in the Valley is not very high, but all the animals found there are rare or endangered. Before 2004, 13 mammals were recorded in the park and its vicinity. Among these, only nine species were directly sighted, including the northern plains grey langur, red giant flying squirrel, Himalayan black bear, red fox, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, Himalayan goral, Himalayan musk deer, Indian spotted chevrotain, Himalayan tahr and serow. The tahr is common, while the serow, goral, musk deer and blue sheep are rare.
Snow leopards, leopards and bears
In October 2004, a faunal survey confirmed the presence of snow leopards in the national park. The common leopard is reported in the lower parts of the Valle, which are close to the villages. Local people have also reported evidence of brown bears and blue sheep.
Reptiles
The high-altitude lizard, Himalayan ground skink, and Himalayan pit viper are among the reptiles frequently seen in the area. Wild bees and many species of butterflies are also present, but more research is needed to understand them better.
Birds
The area is part of the West Himalayan Endemic Bird Area, but no specific surveys have been conducted in the Valley. In 1993, 114 bird species were seen in Nanda Devi Park. Some species frequently observed in the Valley include lammergeier, Himalayan vulture, Yellow-billed and Red-billed choughs, koklass pheasant, Himalayan monal pheasant, scaly-bellied and yellownape woodpeckers, great and blue-throated barbets, snow pigeon and spotted dove.
The Valley of Flowers is famous for its meadows of unique mountain flowers and diverse plant life. It is also home to rare and endangered animals like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Additionally, the park is a habitat for high-altitude birds, such as the Himalayan monal pheasant. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
