Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country, located on the eastern ridge of the Himalayas in South Central Asia. This mountainous country is known locally as "Druk Yul" or "Land of the Thundering Dragon", a name that reflects the country's cultural heritage. The country's southern, lush subalpine Himalayas rise from the country's southern subtropical plains. In the Bhutanese Himalaya, there are peaks that are more than 7000 meters above sea level. Bhutan is renowned for the diversity of its wildlife. The country is rich in primates, including rare species such as the Golden Langur. An Assamese variety of macaque has been recorded, which some authorities consider to be a new species, Macaca Munzala. The Bengal Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Hispid Hare and Sloth Bear are found in the southern tropical lowland and hardwood forests. The Grey Langur, tiger, goral and serow live in mixed coniferous, broadleaf and pine forests in temperate regions. The fruit trees and bamboo offer habitat for the Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, squirrel, Sambar, Sus and Barking Deer. The northern high Himalayan alpine habitats are home to the Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Marmot, Tibetan Wolf, antelope, Himalayan Musk Deer and the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The endangered Wild Water Buffalo can be found in southern Bhutan, though in small numbers. In addition, more than 770 species of birds have been recorded in Bhutan, and more than 5400 plant species.