Page 143 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

species of fish in Nepal. Nepal is also the habitat of the bird only found in Nepal called
Spiny babbler. Similarly, many endangered animals like Bengal tiger, One- horned rhino,
Snow- leopard, and Red panda are also found in Nepal. Gharial, python, and different
species of snakes are also found in Nepal. Wildlife and plants are of great importance
in ecosystem. Each creature has played vital role to maintain balance in ecological
environment. So, wildlife should be protected.

Importance of Wildlife

Enrich biodiversity
Wildlife and their protection helps to enrich
biodiversity which is an important natural wealth
of the nation.

Balance in ecosystem Fig: 19
Wild animals, birds, insects and plants have their own important role to maintain balance
in ecosystem.

Wildlife tourism
Biodiversity found in the country is one of the attractions for the tourists. Many tourists
from all over the world come to visit Nepal to see different endangered animals.

Raw materials
The products of some wild animals are used as raw materials to make various leather
items and items for decoration purposes.

Studies and researches
Zoologists and Ornithologists can study about or carry out various types of researches on
animals and birds.
Minerals
Minerals are substances that are formed naturally and are found in the earth. Mineral is
one of the main natural resources found in Nepal. The geological survey in a scientific
way and excavation of mineral in Nepal started from the year 2024 BS. At present, there
are various mineral based industries run in Nepal. Cement factory, marble factory, and
industries to manufacture metallic products are run in different places of Nepal. The
following minerals are found in different places of Nepal.

Iron
Iron is one of the main minerals found in Nepal.
According to survey for minerals, Phulchoki
hill of Lalitpur is famous for iron. Ramechhap,
Chitwan, Makwanpur, Nuwakot and Pyuthan
are some of the places in Nepal where iron is said
to be found.
Fig: 20
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 143