The Eastern Himalayas New Species Discoveries

July 21, 2009
FOREWORD
Discoveries of over 350 new species in the Himalayas in the last decade illustrate the vast natural treasure that the Himalayas hold.
Few places on Earth can match the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayas. It’s towering peaks and secluded valleys have inspired
naturalists, adventure seekers and spiritualists for centuries. The Himalayan ecosystem is vital to the ecological security of not only Nepal but
also South Asia. It provides forest cover; feeds perennial rivers that are the sources of drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower; conserves
biodiversity; provides a rich base for high value agriculture, and is a source of spectacular landscapes for sustainable ecotourism.
However, climate change is adversely impacting the Himalayan ecosystem through increased temperature, altered precipitation patterns,
receding glaciers, threat from GLOF and episodes of drought. It is accordingly, necessary to continue and enhance monitoring of the
Himalayan ecosystem, in particular the state of its glaciers, and the impacts of change in glacial mass on river fl ows.
The Himalayan ecosystem is shared by several countries in South Asia, therefore in order to preserve this natural heritage there is a need
for countries in the region to come together with appropriate forms of systematic collaboration and exchange of information leading towards
conservation of a shared natural heritage – the Himalayas.
The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation express support for WWF and their sincere efforts towards conserving biodiversity and natural
resources of the Eastern Himalayas.
Deepak Bohara