Shresta, Tirtha B.

It is widely acknowledged that Nepal is one of the rich biological treasure chests of South Asia. There are several "hotspots" of biodiversity - areas of high species richness and species diversity, as well as high levels of rare, endangered and endemic species of plants and animals. Efforts towards developing sustainability generally demand an in-depth understanding of the diverse life-forms in nature and their inter-dependence for survival and growth.

Of interest for all those involved in the conservation and sustainable use of Nepal's rich biological heritage. This report covers the present status of knowledge on Nepal's biodiversity, the relevant socio-economic factors, and the current capacity for conservation.