National Flowers of the SAARC Nations

Distinct nations of the planet choose their endemic plants or flowers to represent their geographical location. A flower was utilized primarily by Canada and Australia as the national symbol and later it was followed in several nations of the world. Some countries have followed their centuries old historic or religious significance of any specific flower of plant and adopted that officially. The SAARC ( South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ) nations such as Pakistan, India , Afghanistan, Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , Nepal , Bhutan and Maldives have also declared their National Flowers. Following is the respective detail of the National Flowers of SAARC countries of the planet

1- National Flower of Pakistan ( Typical Jasmine )

Jasmine ( Chameli ) The National Flower of Pakistan

In Pakistan, this flower is named as ‘ Yasmin ‘ which is a Persian word which means ” A Present of Nature”. In the local language, Jasmine is also identified as ‘Chanbeli‘ . Pakistan has perfect warm and tropical climate foe the development of all of the species of Jasmine. The exotic color of Jasmine is deemed as the symbol of peace. With the wonderful fragrance and different petals collectively, Jasmine symbolizes the unity of the folks of different cultures and languages in Pakistan.

2- National Flower of India ( Lotus )

Lotus : National Flower of India

Lotus is considered a really sacred flower in India and the evidence for their affiliation with the Indian culture and Hinduism can be identified from their history and ancient Indian mythology. According to the Hindu beliefs, the Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, understanding and  enlightenment. Although Lotus is generally recognized as “Water Lily”, but in India it is identified as Lotus. This aquatic plant is grown in tiny water bodies throughout in India and the flower floats on broad leaves.

3- National Flower of Sri Lanka ( Blue Water Lily )

Blue Water Lily or Purple Water Lily was declared as the National Flower of Sri Lanka on February 26, 1986. In the nearby language, this flower is recognized as Nil Mahanel and the scientific name of this flower is ‘Nympheae Stelleta’. Blue Water Lily symbolizes truth, purity and discipline and it has tremendous significance in Buddhism. Usually this magnificent flower is grown in shallow waters and it is located in all parts of Sri Lanka.

4- National Flower of Bangladesh (White Water Lily)

White Water Lily : The National flower of Bangladesh

The national flower of Bangladesh represents peace and beautiful nature. This is identified as “Shalpa” in the regional Bengali language. Bangladesh is a land of rivers, lakes and streams. So the Whitle Water Lily is discovered everywhere in the country. White Water Lily or Shalpa includes quite a few petals which represent several rivers of Bangladesh. Shapla is also a favourite meals tem for the people of Bangladesh specially the stem and fruit of this plant are liked a lot for eating.

5- National Flower of Nepal (Rhododendron arboreum )

National Flower of Nepal ( Image by Kea660 on flickr )

This vibrant and red flower is made by a small tree which is endemic to South Asia. This is the national flower of Nepal. The name denotes “tending to be woody or expanding in a tree-like form”. These shrubs like trees are scattered in the hilly location of Nepal and the beautiful flowers blossom in the Spring Season. This plant is appropriate for woodland gardens. The Mountains of Nepal become colorful like red, white or pink throughout the blooming season of Rhododendron. ‘This flower is identified as ‘Lali Gurans’ in the Nepali language.

6- National Flower of Bhutan (Blue Poppy)

Blue Poppy : The National Flower of Bhutan ( By: Dhillan Chandramowli)

The National Flower of Bhutan is locally knows as “Euitgeal Metog Hoem” but scientifically it named as Meconopsis grandis. Generally this splendid flower is known as “Blue Poppy” which is grown on greater altitude. The plant of Blue Poppy is a uncommon species and its development has been severely depleted. Blue Poppy is a hardy perennial flowering plant. It is herbaceous and blooms in summer season. The flowers are huge and are about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.  Despite its quite and delicate look the blue poppy has the power to endure harsh climate, specifically winter, and blooms to its full beauty in spring.

7- The National Flower of Maldives (Pink Rose)

Pink Rose "National Flower of Maldives" ( Image : Sally Nelson )

The folks of Maldives give a high regard to Finifenmaa which is identified as Pink Rose in common. From far more than one hundred species of the family Rosaceae the Pink Rose is also a member and the climate of Maldives is highly suitable for its growth. The Pink Rose is botanically identified as Rose polyantha and it was declared as the National Flower of Maldives on 25th July 1985.

8. The National Flower of Afghanistan ( Tulip )

Tulip is the National flower of Afghanistan

Tulip is deemed the national flower of Afghanistan. Though Tulip is really a lot related with Netherlands and other European countries but only handful of of us know that this magnificent flower was originated in the Pamir and Hindukush mountain ranges of Afghanistan and central Asia.  In the Persian empire Tulip was named as “Laleh” and it was grown  in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and other components of Central Asia.

 

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National Animals of the SAARC Countries

In an earlier post, we told you about the National Flowers of the SAARC countries. SAARC is the abbreviation of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. This Association comprising of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives was founded in 1963 with an aim of the improvement of the socio economics along with education and technologies in this region. SAARC has also defined the other places of functioning in its charter that contain agriculture and rural, biotechnology, culture, power, atmosphere, economy and trade, finance, funding mechanism, human resource improvement, poverty alleviation, folks to individuals get in touch with, safety aspects, social development, science and technologies, communications, and tourism.

Like several other nations of the globe, the SAARC nations have also classified their national animals. The motive behind this is to produce the awareness for the protection of the rare and endemic animal species in their respective places. The National Animals of the SAARC nations are as below

1- Markhor : The National Animal of Pakistan

Markhor: The National Animal of Pakistan ( Image :Mike McBride )

Markhor , the national animal of Pakistan, a big specie of wild goat is an indigenous mammal of Afghanistan , Pakistan ( Gilgit Baltistan , Hunza Nagar Valleys and Kashmir regions ) , some components of North India , Southern Tajikistan and Southern Uzbekistan. The Markhor is biologically recognized as Capra falconeri a noun which actually means “large Himalayan goat with large spiraled horns”.

2- Bengal Tiger : The National Animal of India and Bangladesh

The Royal Bengal Ttiger is the national animal of India & Bangladesh ( Image Siddhartha Lammata )

Bengal Tiger, the beautiful massive cat of South Asia is scientifically known as Panthera tigris tigris and it is famous for its exclusive light orange coat and dark brown stripes. Though it not the biggest large cat of the globe, yet it is a massive animal which may well weigh up to 600 pounds. Bengal Tiger has a very sophisticated body structure with the legs that are slender. Bengal Tiger is also identified as the ” Royal Bengal Tiger ” and it is the national animal of both India and Bangladesh.

three- COW: The National Animal of Nepal

The domesticated Cow is the national animal of Nepal ( Image : Philippe Tarbouriech )

Cow is the national animal of Nepal. This domesticated ungulate which is raised as livestock for meat and milk has so much significance in India and Nepal. Most of the Hindus living in Nepal think the Cow as the goddess of wealth (Goddess Laxmi). They worship the Cow and the killing of Cow is strongly prohibited in Nepal.  The Cow belongs to the class Mammalia and the family members Bovidae scientifically.

4- Takin : The National Animal of Bhutan

Takin is the National animal Bhutan ( Image : Juan Carlos Madrigal )

Takin is a massive goat like antelope which is the national animal of Bhutan. Takins are found from forested valleys to rocky, grass covered alpine zones, at altitudes of in between 1,000 and four,500 metres above sea level. The coat of Takin consists of thick golden wool and that’s why they are also deemed the relatives of sheep. Takin has also tiny horns which run parallel to the skull. The scientific name of Takin is Budorcas taxicolor. 

five- Snow Leopard: National Animal of Afghanistan

Snow Leopard: The national animal of Afghanistan (By Alejandro Pérez)

Snow Leopard (Panthera Uncia) is one particular of the rarest specie of massive cats current in the world. It is identified amongst three,000 and 5,500 meters  above sea level in the higher and snowy mountain ranges of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia,Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Snow Leopard is the national animal of Afghanistan.

* The other two countries from SAARC , Sri Lanka and Maldives have not officially declared any national animal ( Mammal ).

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National Birds of the SAARC Nations

SAARC was established with an aim for improving the mutual harmony and peace in the South Asian region. SAARC ( South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ) consists of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan , Bangladesh, Sri Lanka , Bhutan , Nepal and Maldives. We’ll go over in this write-up about the officially declared National birds of the SAARC nations

1- Chakor or Chukar : The National Bird of Pakistan

Chakor or Chukar is the national bird of Pakistan ( Image : Wildxplorer )

Chakor (Alectoris Chukar) is a symbol of passionate but unreciprocated really like in Indian sub continent. Chakor or Chukar is a chunky 32-35 cm extended bird of amazing color scheme like brown back, grey breast, and sandy color belly. Whilst the face is white and legs are red. Its tail consists of 14 feathers. It is recognized to be bewitched by the moon and for its continuous gaze at moon. Chakor belongs to the pheasant family Phasianidae and is a native bird  of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Turkey and Kashmir range. Chakor has been declared as the national bird of Pakistan.

2- Indian Peafowl ( Peacock ) : The National Bird of India

Blue or the Indian Peafowl is the national bird of India ( Image : Mel Stoutsenberger )

Indian Peafowl or the blue Peafowl is a common species of the peacock loved ones which is recognized for its exotic colors and beauty. The Indian Peafowl has so much significance in the Hindu religion as well as the Indian culture. The Indian peafowl or Blue peafowl is scientifically known as Pavo cristatus and it is the endemic bird of South Asia. The male Indian Peafowl is a lot more graceful and sophisticated than the female and they have a really higher vocalization.  This bird was declared as the national bird of India in 1963 and in the Hindu mythology, many Hindu deities are linked with the Indian Peafowl.

3- Magpie Robin ( Doel ) : The National Bird of Bangladesh

Oriental Magpie Robin ( National Bird of Sri Lanka ) Image Courtesy : flickr

Doel is a marvelous bird endemic to the South East Asia. Doel is word of Bengali language as it is typically recognized as Magpie Robin. Magpie Robin or Doel is declared as the national bird of Bangladesh where it s very well-known for its singing vocalization and it is widespread all through the rural places of Bangladesh. They are distinctive black and white birds with a lengthy tail that is held upright as they forage on the ground or perch conspicuously. The scientific name of the Magpie Robin or Doel is Copsychus saularis and they are kept as favourite cagebird in this component of the globe.

4- Raven (Jarog) : The National Bird of Bhutan

Raven or Doel is the national bird of Bhutan ( Image: Johanna van de Woestijne )

Raven is regarded as a really modest bird in Bhutan which actually represents “Jarog Dongchen“, one particular of the most strong deities in the Bhutanese culture. The scientific name of Raven is “Corvus Corax Tibetanus” and it is really equivalent to the Crow or Corvus Macrorhynchos that is also common in Bhutan. Raven is considerably larger than a crow and it is about 28 inches extended. Ravens are really native to high altitudes of Tibet, Sikkim, Ladakh and Bhutan. Each the male and female Ravens are alike and they are in dark bluish black color. The Raven is referred to as “Jarog” in the Bhutanese language and is declared as the national bird of Bhutan.

five. Himalayan Monal ( Danphe ) : The National Bird of Nepal

The Himalayan Monal or Danphe is the national bird of Nepal ( Image : Ian MC1 flickr )

The Himalayan Monal is a spectacular and bright colored bird from the pheasant family members which is called as Danphe or Danfe in the local Nepali  language. The Himalayan Monal or Danphe turn out to be so much showy when they spread their exotic feathers although dancing and they are scientifically identified as Lophophorus impejanus. The approximate length of an adult Himalayan Monal is about 70 cm and the weight of males and females variety between 1980-2380g and 1800-2150g respectively. Himalayan Monal is also the national bird of  Nepal.

6- Sri Lankan Junglefowl : The National Bird of Sri Lanka

Srilankan Junglefowl is the National bird of Srilanka ( Image: Niluka De Silva )

Junglefowl is a big and beautiful ground bird which is endemic to India , Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Sri Lankan Junglefowl is a single of the four principal species of Junglefowl and it is biologically named as Gallus lafayetii. Junglefowls love to reside in the dense shrublands and trees and they are commonly found in the forests of Sri Lanka.  The most famous spot in Sri Lanka for the population of Junglefowls is Sinharaja.  The male Sri Lankan Junglefowl is significantly larger than the female, with much more vivid plumage and a hugely exaggerated wattle and comb. Sri Lankan Junglefowl is the national bird of Sri Lanka.

* Afghanistan and Maldives have not declared any national bird officially so far.

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