|
flora & fauna
| Because of the altitude that vary right from sea level to summits that touch the skies ,the flora and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum. Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent . No wonder Sikkim has been a dream of naturalists. Dr. J. Hooker during the middle of the last century surveyed in the detail the botanical wealth in Sikkim and his findings were embodied in the publication 'Himalayan Journal' that is still considered as an authoritative document. Dr. Salim Ali an ornithologist has given a detailed account on birds in his book 'The birds of Sikkim'. Besides these there are many books available on the flora & fauna of sikkim. |
Plants:
The lowlands in the south, 800'to 5000', experience a tropical climate; lush vegetation such as figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos have been cleared in some areas for farming. The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5000; and 13000. Above 13000, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and rhododendrons grow. The perpetual snowline lies at 16000'. Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land, more than 4000 species of plant have been recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim, Epiphytal and terresterial types, in the tropical and temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August colours hillsides. |
Animals:
Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep.
Birdlife is abundant with Giant Lammergeier, Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Pheasants among the 550 species to be seen in Sikkim. |
| DETAILS OF FLORA, FAUNA AND ENDANGERED SPECIES IN SIKKIM |
|
SL.NO.
|
PARTICULARS OF FLORA AND FAUNA
|
NO. OF SPECIES / SUB-SPECIES
|
NAME OF PRINCIPAL ENDANGERED SPECIES
|
|
1
|
Mammals
|
144
|
Bharal, Cloudedleopard, Fishing Cat, Golden Cat, Himalayan Tahr, Leopard Cat, Lesser or Red Panda, Marbled Cat, Musk Deer, Nayan or Great Tibetan Sheep, Pangolin, Snow leopard, Spotted Lingsang, Tibetan Fox, Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Wild Ass, Tiger, Tibetan Wolf. |
|
2
|
Birds
|
Over 450
|
Blacknecked Crane (Migratory), Blood Pheasant Lammergeier, Large Falcon, Monal Pheasant, Peafowl, Tibetan Show Cock, Tragopan Pheasant, Snow Partridge. |
|
3
|
Butterflies & Moth
|
Over 400
|
Most of the butterflies and moths found in Sikkim are endangered species |
|
4
|
Orchids
|
Over 450
|
N.A |
|
5
|
Rhododendrons
|
Over 40
|
N.A |
|
6
|
Flowering Plant
|
Over 4000
|
N.A |
|
7
|
Ferns & Its Allies
|
300
|
N.A |
| INFORMATION ON NATIONAL PARKS, SANCTUARIES AND BIOSPHERE RESERVES |
|
SL.NO.
|
NAME OF NATIONAL PARK/ SANCTUARIES AND FOREST PARKS
|
LOCATION/ DISTRICT
|
YEAR OF INITIATION
|
AREA IN HECTARES
|
% OF TOTAL STATE AREA
|
|
1
|
Kanchendzonga National Park
|
North
|
August,77 |
1,78,400 |
25.1409 |
|
2
|
FabongLho Wildlife Sanctuary
|
East
|
April,84 |
5,176 |
0.7000 |
|
3
|
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
|
North
|
August,84 |
4,300 |
0.6060 |
|
4
|
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
|
East
|
August,84 |
3,100 |
0.4369 |
|
5
|
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
|
South
|
March,87 |
3,534 |
0.4800 |
|
6
|
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
|
West
|
------ |
10,400 |
1.46656 |
|
7
|
Biosphere Reserve
|
S/W/N
|
April,91 |
2,00,000 |
27.3972 |
|
|
