Makalu Barun National Park Facts for Kids

Land structures of Makalu Barun National Park

The Makalu Barun National Park is a very special place in the Himalayas of Nepal. It's a huge area set aside to protect nature. This park was officially created in 1992. It covers about 1,500 square kilometers (579 square miles) of land. It is the only park in the world that goes from tropical forests all the way up to icy mountain peaks. This makes it home to many different kinds of plants and animals.

Makalu Barun National Park: A Natural Treasure
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Makalu Barun National Park: A Natural Treasure

Makalu Barun National Park is a protected area. This means its main goal is to keep its natural environment safe. It helps protect the unique plants and animals that live there. The park is located in the eastern part of Nepal. It is next to the Sagarmatha National Park. Together, these parks form a huge protected area. This helps animals move freely and keeps their homes safe.

Why is Makalu Barun National Park Important?

This park is important for many reasons. It protects a wide range of ecosystems. These include dense forests, high-altitude grasslands, and even glaciers. It also helps local communities. They often work with the park to manage resources. The park helps keep the air and water clean. It also protects important water sources for people living nearby.

Amazing Animals in the Park

Makalu Barun National Park is full of wildlife. Scientists have found many different types of creatures here.

There are 315 different species of butterflies.
You can find 43 kinds of reptiles.
There are 16 types of amphibians.
The rivers and streams are home to 78 kinds of fishes.
Bird watchers love this park, with 440 different bird species.
There are also 88 different kinds of mammals.

Some of the famous mammals include the rare red panda. The red panda is a shy animal that lives in trees. Other animals you might find are the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. The park's diverse habitats allow so many animals to thrive.

Wonderful Plants of the Park

The park's plants are just as amazing as its animals. Because the park goes from low to high altitudes, it has many different plant zones. At lower levels, you find subtropical forests. Higher up, there are temperate forests with oak and rhododendron trees. Even higher, you'll see alpine meadows with colorful wildflowers. The park is home to many rare and endangered plant species. It also has many types of orchids. The Rhododendron arboreum is especially important. It is the national flower of Nepal.

Protecting This Special Place

Protecting Makalu Barun National Park is a big job. The park staff and local communities work together. They try to stop illegal hunting and logging. They also educate people about why conservation is important. By protecting this park, we help keep the Earth's biodiversity safe. This ensures that future generations can also enjoy its natural beauty.