Natural History Museum of Nepal
Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu near the Swayambhunath Hill is the Natural History Museum of Nepal. The museum has a stable partnership with the Institute of Science and Technology and together they coordinate projects and programs to aid research and preservation of rare and threatened fauna and flora species. The museum has many rare birds and insects in exhibition although it is one of the less visited museums in the valley. The popularity of the museum has increased over the years after the opening of the museum and improving its importance in Nepal. The major attractions of the museum are the various species of flora and fauna.
Although Nepal is a small, it has half the amount of flowering plants that is found in other countries. Because of this, Nepal has always been of interest to botanists. This wide range of diversity can be seen in the exhibition hall of the museum. There are around 9000 plant specimens of both flowering and flowering plants in the museum. Not only that but it also offers a spectacular collection of approximately 40,000 invertebrates and vertebrates along with interesting fossils, prehistoric shells, butterfly collections, snakes and a 100 skeletal remains. There are also many other stuffed crocodiles, birds and various animals that makes the place more interesting.
There are various sections for different species of animals, insects, birds, amphibians and mammals and the display is organized according to their evolution. There is also a separate section for plants as well which contains various species of herbs and grasses that grow in the Himalayas and Terai region. Although it is not as wide as the animal section, it is quite interesting. This heaven for biologist is also one of the must-visit places for students, researchers, scholars and botanists. This museum educates people about the life cycles of birds, animals and plants that can survive at high altitudes.
The Natural History Museum of Nepal and the institute works together to keep the record of the biodiversity and also for the conservation and protection of the flora and fauna of Nepal. The museum holds significant place in preserving the information and educating people regarding the flora and fauna of Nepal. The museum stays open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm except on Saturdays.