Wildlife In Sikkim
¤ The Main Attractions of The
Wild
Owing to Sikkim’s varying altitudes, the state supports a
phenomenal range of flora and fauna – from the alpine to the
tropical.
Sikkim boasts of over 4,000 species of plants and about 500 species
of birds – almost 30% of the birds found in the entire sub
continent.
Sikkim is known throughout the country as the home of the orchids,
because this region alone has more than 400 species of beautiful
flowers.
Over 600 species of butterflies are found at various altitudes of the
state. The cold reaches above the altitude of 10,000ft support over 30
species of rhododendrons, which vary in height from a few inches to
almost 40ft. The area is also home to the mysterious snow leopard and
the wild ass. Other fauna found in Sikkim are the leopard, red panda,
Himalayan black bear, musk deer and the flying squirrel to name only a
few.
¤ Wildlife National Parks
Kanchendzonga National Park
is spread across an area of 850sq km, and is the largest wildlife
reserve in Sikkim. The third highest peak on the planet – the
Kanchendzonga, straddles the western boundary of the park, from which
the reserve gets its name. The reserve also includes the vast Zemu
Glacier. Situated in such an inaccessible expanse, the region has
remained untouched to quite a large extent.
In fact it said that a large area of the park remains yet unexplored
by man! The reserve is home to the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear,
Tibetan antelope, wild ass, barking deer, musk deer, flying squirrel
and the red panda who live in blissful isolation amongst giant
magnolias, rhododendrons and pine forests. Entry to the park remains
restricted to mountaineers and to more serious expeditions. If
interested, contact a local travel agent in Gangtok for the permit and
other formalities.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Closer home, 15km from Gangtok lies the Fambong Lho Wildlife
Sanctuary. The reserve sprawls across an area of 5,200ha, and one of
its boundaries also fringes the Tashi Viewpoint. The sanctuary
supports a large variety of birds and butterflies along with a
population of leopards, red pandas, civet cats and the Himalayan black
bear.
North Sikkim has the little Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
This beautiful reserve covers a small area of 33ha, and is easily the
best place to see more than 20 different species of rhododendrons
endemic to Sikkim. The sanctuary also has a small population of
tigers, civets and some birds, including the beautiful blood pheasant
that is the state bird of Sikkim. The best time to visit the sanctuary
is from April to July, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom and
the sanctuary turns into a riot of colours.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Southern Sikkim has the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across
3,500ha of land. The temperate forest is home to the red panda,
leopard, black eagle and civet cat amongst other animals and birds
found in the region.
The 3,260ft high Maenam Peak also lies within the confines of the
reserve. Rabongla is the closest town to the Sanctuary.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Adjoining the Changu Lake, the 400ha Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is
at a distance of 36km from Gangtok. This highland sanctuary supports a
fascinating array of rhododendrons, primroses, poppies and a variety
of wild flowers. The reserve is home to the gravely endangered musk
deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear, serow (long-haired goat) and
some species of pheasants. Unrestrained development and construction
is taking a toll on the area, as landslides and deforestation become
more common than ever before. Sadly, the seemingly formidable alpine
region is most vulnerable to such mindless environmental degradation.
NGO: Eco Tourism Sikkim
One must mention the local NGO – Eco Tourism Sikkim. The
organisation has done a great deal to create awareness amongst the
locals on more sustainable measures of forest use.
They have done the mammoth task of cleaning up the entire
Kangchendzonga trail, which was shamefully littered by mountaineers.
Toilets have also been constructed by the organisation and measures
have been taken for proper channelling of waste. |
