Kathmandu, October 6: The recent spell of heavy rainfall across Nepal has not only caused loss of human lives and infrastructure damage but has also taken a serious toll on the country’s wildlife and natural habitats. Continuous floods and landslides have destroyed forests, displaced wild animals, and disrupted food and water sources inside several protected areas and community forests.
According to conservation officials, many rivers in the Terai region- including the Rapti, Babai, and Karnali, have crossed danger levels, flooding nearby forests and grasslands. In Bardiya National Park and Chitwan National Park, floodwaters have submerged major wildlife zones, forcing animals such as rhinos, deer, and elephants to move to higher grounds or human settlements. Several incidents of wildlife entering villages have been reported, raising the risk of human-wildlife conflict.
Landslides in the hilly and mountainous regions have damaged habitats of endangered species like red pandas, musk deer, and Himalayan monals. Forest corridors that connect wildlife movement routes have been cut off, making it difficult for animals to migrate or find food. Conservationists warn that prolonged flooding could also lead to an outbreak of diseases among wild animals due to contaminated water sources.
Officials from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation said that park staff and security forces are on high alert, monitoring animal movement and helping rescue stranded wildlife. “Our teams are closely observing flood-prone zones and working with local communities to prevent conflict and ensure safety,” an official stated.
Environmental experts say the extreme weather is a reminder of how climate change is worsening Nepal’s monsoon patterns, putting both people and wildlife at increasing risk. They stress the need for improved disaster preparedness and wildlife rescue mechanisms to minimize future losses.
