Flora

The habitat inside the Lumbini Garden is mainly composed of grassland (58.8%), forest plantation (40%) and open water bodies (1.5%). The dominant grass species includes Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum munja, phragmites and Vetiver. Along the two major fivers, Harhawa and Telar, there are many water bodies (ponds) in the depressed land. The major wetland plants include Vallisneria, Hydrilla,Potemogeton (submerged), Nymphea, Trapa , Eichornia (floating species) and Scirpus, Eleochris, Zizania,Typha, Polygonum, Leersia, Ipomea, Oryza rufipogon as emergent species. Eichhornia is a problem species in the wetland of Lumbini.

Fauna

With the recreation of the wetlands and of the natural habitats inside the Lumbini development area, birds and animals have been attracted to the Lumbini garden, where nesting sites have been identified. The sites are being monitored and managed by the Lumbini Crane Conservation Center, and are located in the following areas:

Swamp areas beside the Vietnam monastery and the Great Lotus Stupa

North of the World Peace Stupa ( Lumbini Crane Sanctuary)

East of the World Peace Stupa ( Lumbini Crane Sanctuary)

Circular pond in between Hokke Hotel and Sirlanka Pilgrims Rest House

The monitoring of Sarus was initiated in 1988. There are about 300 individuals in and around 10 km. radius of Lumbini garden. A high count of 88 individuals during the non-breeding season, along with 25 nesting pairs was recorded in 2005.

Blue bull antelopes have been colonizing the Lumbini garden since the Nineties. Within few years the number rose to around 200 in 1995.

Two pairs of Eurasian Eagle Owls regularly nest in the groves inside the garden. Similarly Gray Hornbills reside and nest inside the garden. The sick and old cattle that die inside the garden are cleaned by the endangered vulture, chiefly the White- rumped and Slender- billed.

Due to presence of garbage, the number of crows is increasing, and this constitutes a threat to order songbirds. They raid the nest and eat eggs and chicks. They also mob other birds, occasionally bigger than them, including the Eurasian Eagle Owl.