This episode is about Bhutan: carbon-negative, Buddhist and a pioneer in sustainable tourism. This tiny country, about the size of Switzerland contains 774 species. In comparison, neighbouring India— nearly ten times the size— has just 1200 species. Here we talk to Namgay Tshering a freelance birding guide about the birds of Bhutan. Specifically he mentions the Beautiful Nuthatch, the Blyth’s tragopan, the Himalayan Monal and others. He talks about how Eastern and Southern Bhutan are a haven for birdwatchers, perhaps because the main cities of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha are far from these locales. Watch this episode on Youtube for visuals of Bhutan.
Lastly, there is a photo mistake in the episode. I have mentioned Blyth’s Tragopan but the photo of Youtube that I sourced is of the Satyr Tragopan. A photo of the Blyth’s Tragopan is below. Namgay Tshering sent it to me and it is attributed to him.
Really enjoyed this episode. Bhutan’s biodiversity is truly remarkable, and it’s fascinating to hear how regions beyond Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha offer such rich habitats for birdlife. The mention of species like the Himalayan Monal and Beautiful Nuthatch makes it even more intriguing for nature and birdwatching enthusiasts. For anyone inspired to explore Bhutan’s landscapes and wildlife, this guide to Bhutan tours might also be helpful: https://northbengaltourism.com/bhutan-tour-packages/ .
What a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s incredible biodiversity! The focus on birdwatching in the quieter regions really highlights how peaceful and untouched the country is. For travellers exploring the eastern Himalayas, a stay in Gangtok can be a great base to experience similar natural beauty: https://rajniva.com/stay-in-gangtok.