Nepal is a mountainous country that consists of one-third of the entire length of the Himalayan mountain range. .  Nepal consists of 4 cultivation ecosystems, 1 snow ecosystem, 1 water body ecosystem, and 112 ecosystems. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on earth. Biodiversity is also defined as a diversity of genes (between species), diversity of taxa among living organisms, and diversity of ecosystems. Biodiversity plays a major role in an ecosystem which includes conservation of livelihood, the supplement of essential material to livelihood, maintenance of genetic diversity, and pollinator.

Genetic diversity: Variation of the gene among populations or living organisms is genetic diversity.  Knowledge of the Genetic diversity of wild species is inadequate so it is necessary to perform further study and research to learn more about genetic diversity.

Species diversity; includes various types of species which is found in a certain area. Any group of individuals that differs from other individuals in terms of morphology, geography, physiography, and biochemistry is referred to as a species.

Importance of biodiversity in Nepal

Biodiversity increases agricultural productivity and ensures food security. It also provides building materials, natural resources, aesthetic values, and medicinal value. Agrobiodiversity is one of the important backbones of the sustainable development of our country. Rural people generate income by selling valuable plants such as Swertia chirata, Nardostachys Grandiflora, Cordyceps Sinensis, etc.

Biodiversity conservation become one of the major concerns and global responsibility to secure a safe future. Biodiversity conservation is also taken as prime importance in the earth summit which is held in Rio-de Jenerio, organized by United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Nepal is rich in flora and fauna due to its unique and diverse geography, which comprises subtropical, tropical, subalpine, alpine, and snow-capped peaks.

Biodiversity conservation has been started with the establishment of the central zoo in the Rana Regime. Biodiversity conservation is two types i.e in-situ conservation and ex-situ conservation.

Insitu Biodiversity conservation

Conservation of Biodiversity in its original place is called in situ biodiversity conservation. It includes protected areas and different categories of forests.  Under the forest act 1993, the Forest of Nepal is divided into different categories(Government managed forest, community forest, protected forest, leasehold forest, community forest, and religious forest ) for in-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Protected areas of Nepal

Due to the wide habitat, different timber species, threatened species, and medicinal and wild species are preserved inside the protected area. For example Rhododendron species, Tetracentron sinense and Gnetum montanum in Makalu-Barun National Park, the threatened Larix himalaica in Langtang National Park, and Manaslu Conservation Area, the highly valuable medicinal plant Pterocarpus marsupium in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Nepal government establishes ten national parks, three wildlife reserves, six conservation areas, and one hunting reserve.

1) National park

It is a certain area in which conservation of flora and fauna, landscape, and historic object is carried out. Activities like Haunting of animals, grazing, and cultivation are strictly restricted in the area of the national park.

2) Wildlife reserve

It is mainly established for the conservation and management of animals and plants.

 3) Conservation area

Preservation of the natural environment along with sustainable use of the natural resource is practiced within a conservation area.

4) Hunting reserve

Hunting reserves allow legal hunting and preserve wildlife.

5) Buffer zone

It is an area around a national park that allows the collection of forest products for local people.

Ex-situ conservation; Conservation of biodiversity outside their habitat is called ex-situ conservation. It includes a gene bank and botanical gardens. the national botanical garden at the Godavari is the largest among the 12 botanical gardens. Collection of different indigenous rhododendrons, lilies, orchids, ferns, and many exotic plants including daisy, chrysanthemums, cactus, pansy, petunia, mesembrenthemum, etc are available in Godavari botanical garden. NARC establish a gene bank to preserve genetic resources to ensure food security and livelihood.  The central zoo is one the important exsitu conservation for animals. 854 individual animals, 34 species of mammals, 58 species of birds, 10 species of reptiles, and 10 species of fish are found in central zoo.