Nepal is a biodiverse Himalayan nation rich in a variety of species of flora and fauna. However, over the decades several species of flora as well as fauna such as rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, leopards, primates, birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians and countless invertebrates have either become vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. yarshaghumba (Cordyceps sinensis) and the one-horned rhino are the most valuable flora and fauna found in Nepal, among others.Some have even become extinct. There are several anthropogenic factors that are responsible for the slow but steady decline of different species of local flora and fauna across Nepal. One of the foremost factors impacting species diversity in Nepal is the challenge of ecological degradation and environmental pollution, global warming and climate change, unplanned growth of villages, towns and cities along with exponential rise of human population beyond the carrying capacity of the local ecosystems. Lack of proper environmental impact assessments while allowing the successful completion of several infrastructural projects across the nation has damaged local forests and wildlife seriously.

Unrestricted application of synthetic chemicals and fertilisers in agriculture has caused local water bodies poisoning which run deep impacting several terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, poaching, illegal trade and trafficking of local wildlife and forest products, severe dependence of local communities on the vulnerable forest resources for daily sustenance, lack of education and awareness, poor management of natural resources and unrestricted occasional forest fires have all contributed to the serious loss of forests and wildlife across Nepal.
It is important to develop a comprehensive forest and wildlife conservation plan for the whole nation involving all stakeholders like governmental departments, NGOs, lawyers, ecologists, conservators, students, indigenous communities in the nationwide effort for protecting forests and vulnerable wildlife.