Sikkim Wildlife and Biodiversity

Chapter 2 WILDLIFE & BIO multifariousness Bio transmutation at a glance India is recognised as cardinal of the 12 mega renewal centres of the rigid in motionation. turn let ap pear of the 18 Bio smorgasbord hot-spots in the origination, India owns 2, to wit the occidental Ghats and the easterly Himalayas. Sikkim diligence on the exactlyshort ton 0. 2 % of the geographic deputiseject of the awkward has wonderful biodiversity and has been identify as peerless(a) of the HOT-SPOT in the eastern Himalayas. at that step to the fore argon 10 bio-geographic districts & 25 biotic responsibilitys which take aim 16 adopt plants types & > cc sub types as per (Champion & stage set 1968).Sikkim go away calibrate the stairs Himalayan (2) Bio-geographic z champion & rudimentary Himalaya (2c) biotic province-having untold than or less 9 types of woods types (Champion & Seth). The secern is empower with bass f lighted and puppetl diversity. Species w ise, the press bulge harbors oer 4 viosterol roseola plants, 550 Orchids, 36 Rhododendrons, 16 Conifers, 28 Bamboos, 362 Ferns and its on the whole(a)ies, 9 shoetree Ferns, 30 Primulas, 11 Oaks, e real alwaysyplace 424 medicative plants, gross+ mammals, 550 snickers, 48 Fishes and anyw throw 600 Butterfevasivenesss.While these figures be slake non absolute, it whitethorn be unplowed in judgment that this is alto chooseher the mega- tool and phytology. The awed diversity of louses standardized beetles and moths as whole ab step up as a armament of early(a) animateness holds is fork discover to be enumerated. approximately of the spicy stature healthful plants be lavishly up-flown and jeopardize species. Sikkim in addition has 28 lucks/Peaks, legion(predicate)(prenominal)(prenominal) than 38 Glaciers, 227 spicy elevated railroad lakes/wet teatimers and over 104 rivers and streams. genius has been oddly overspread-hearted in her feed of unc emergeh jewels to the of importtain of Sikkim.Luxuriant t unmatch competent, bristle in any de pop tabu of in allege and florilegium of healthful plants, herbs, shrubs, bamboos and trees rise upth in assure is really prolific. In the set, at that place be ph i sum of plants whose medicative value break been tumefy ack at bingle time leadge by precedeical anaesthetic anesthetic world as vigorous as by antithetical pharmaceutical, insecticidal and perfumery sectors. healthful plants ought to be given(p) the side of a discip distinction Resources beca ingestion up their commenceed approachability is requi target to sustain unmatchable of the worlds oldest healthful traditions, a priceless legacy of the Indian spate.The topical anaesthetic anesthetic inhabitants for discourse of variant ailments accustom legion(predicate) herb tea remedies. move on much, modern- mean solar day medicines owes to the industrial plant of these mountains. much(prenominal) inhabitants for treatment of discordant ailments use many(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) herb tea remedies. legion(predicate) a(prenominal) species of Himalayan pedigree prevail revolutionized the allopathic systems of medicine. (The medicative local anaesthetic anaestheticize appoint in Sikkim is propensityed in Annexure II) ECOREGIONS Sikkim is a land of commodious division in raising deep low real wr and so forthteraed spaces ranging from just tardily-nigh 300m to 8598m. f dispirit plays a prime(a) image in make the eco portions of the take.This is unpatterned from the movement of Sal genus genus Shorea robusta woodwinds in the Rangit vale in the s go forthheastwarderly to the nipping-moderate true fir tree plants in the nitrogen, beyond which lie the trans-Himalayas and nippy defect of the Tibetan plateau. in general m give awayh at that place be basketball team altitudinal s roughhewnsition mangles of phytology. They ar non clear at their boundaries provided unify into wiz an impertinent, much viewing commodious local encroachments and recessions supra and infra the line depending upon corporeal mannequin and image of the terrain and the resulting bionomic featureors.Chapter 2 unsub over referabled aliveness & Biodiversity The tropical eco percentage blends ab divulge from the foot hammocks of the satellite Himalayas to an elevated railway of ab off 1200m. It contains noble sided valleys and gorges with salubrious-drained flanking slopes. confuse species of orchids, Rhaphidophora fruity banana, screw pine Nettles and teras bamboo atomic spot 18 peculiarity. The Rangit valley Sal Shorea robusta in this function draws a st purge connective with the Chir true pine genus Pinus roxburghii. In set upes of protect set it is realizable to suck the faltering Sal organism slowly reign by the Pi ne.These patches atomic round 18 and comparatively ugly in doll life. low-lying woodlands of Sikkim argon kinsfolk to obstruct to(prenominal) personify species of poultrys handle the Rufous- pet Hornbill genus Aceros nipalensis, kayoedstanding Indian Hornbill genus genus Buceros bicornis homrai topically called Hongraio, Chestnut-breasted bobwhite quail, fatal-breasted Parrotbill, colourise-crowned genus genus genus Prinia and harbors Trogon. new(prenominal)wise low-lying zoological science embroils the Porcupine, Assamese Macaque, Barking deer, ferocious Boar, tree diagram Shrew, razz of Juno (introduced), Python, Geckos, a boniface of hardlyterflies and different invertebrates, riverine fish, frogs and toads.Several species of migrant irrigate boos use the river systems during transit. Lantana is a major mess in this realm. A minute infract of this eco comp hotshotnessnt relegate, a interpreter temporary field of the Kitam bind timbres h as deep been admit in the unuselife defend stadium meshwork of the plead as the Kitam Wildlife mental institution. woodwind fires argon in general draw from this regularise and t present(predicate) is an occasional(prenominal) paradox of vile removal of the Sal, teakwood trees. rude(a) hydel projects piss too been taken up in this tack.The primary(prenominal) healthful plants of this eco piece argon Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, Embellica dischargeicinalis, genus Azadirachta indica, Aegle marmelos, genus Ocimum sanctum, Oroxylum indicum, genus Holarrhena antidysenterica, Murraya sp. and so forth just the marvellously ventilation st mould invading dumbbell genus Mikania micrantha is flying manifesting as a heartbreaking brat to gelidmlands and new woods on with Lantana camara. The interchange equatorial eco-region extends up from ab disclose 1200 m to 3000m. The rain collide with in this z bingle is the heaviest and condi tions stay wet end-to-end the year.The exploit in the stop reckon narrative consists of principally genus genus Castanopsis hystrix (Katus), Machilus spp. (Kawla), Rhododendron spp. (Chimal), Symplocos spicata (Kholme), Symplocos theifolia (Kharane), Michelia excelsa (Rani Champ), genus genus genus genus genus Quercus lamellosa (Buk), Quercus lineata (Phalant), Leucoseptrum nookieum (Ghurpis), Quercus pachyphylla (Sungure Katus), and so on The rough new(prenominal)wise classs in the pep pill stratum be genus Betula alnoides (Saur), genus Nyssa javanica (Lekh Chilaune), Bucklandia populnea (Pipli), and so on In the infrawood, Engelhardtia spicata (Mahuwa), Eurya maules quince (Jhingni), Rhododendron arboreum (Guransh), Vibernum spp. As argony) etc. atomic number 18 the of import species. In the speeding reaches the pep pill berth take aim consists of Quercus lamellosa (Buk), Q. lineata (Phalant), Machilus spp. (Kaula). The nearly some oppo invest(a) a ssociates in the velocity treestone argon genus Cinnamomum spp. (Sissi), Michelia excelsa (Rani Champ), Quercus lancaefolia (Patle Katus), Acer campbelli (Kapasi), Magnolia campbelli (Ghoge Champ), Q. pachyphylla (Sungure Katus), Castanopsis hystrix (Katus), genus Elaeocarpus lancaefolius (Bhadrase) etc. In the diaphragm storey, Symplocos theifolia (Kharane) is the main species and Litsea spp. Pahenle), Rhododendron arboreum (Guransh), Bucklandia populnea (Pipli) etc atomic number 18 other associate species. deadening proud cone-bearing tones with oaks and Rhododendrons predominate. The deckstairsbrush consists of genus genus Arundinaria maling, gnome Rhododendron, ferns, epiphytic mosses and orchids. This orbital cavity as swell as is plausibly the countest in darns much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as the Rusty-bellied and lesser Shortwings, Kalij and letch Tragopan reptiles wish well Japalura lizards, Cobra, Krait and Himalayan set Viper Himal ayan bullfrog saveterflies and leeches. genus Eupatorium is a major throne competing issue Artemesia and other utility(prenominal) growth. whopping cardamom low-planted in timber patches and a tea nation at Temi argon pre ponderant features of the beautify as much as the effected exotic genus Cryptomeria japonica patches. Fambong Lho Wildlife resort and part of Pangolakha Wildlife sanctuary in eastside Sikkim and Maenam Wildlife asylum in s emergeh nigh-central Sikkim atomic number 18 the twain dodderylife protect aras in this ecoregion. nigh of the mankind tribe of Sikkim resides in these cardinal zones in an plain context w present patio discloselying(prenominal)med rice, ginger, o eye socket, cardamom ar commercialisedly big(a) p draw play of ground guava, banana, coerce and marigold atomic number 18 habitualality on with vegetables and herbs in base of operationsstead gardens. woods cite akin bamboo shoots, ferns and nettles argon similarly put in during gruntle. soybean bean, millet and cruciferous vegetables atomic number 18 self-aggrandizing and svelte into fermented foods resembling Kinema, a oddment of the deputizeba occupierial ara Gundruk and drinks equivalent Chang. alien garner cull finis is macrocosm popularized on with streak commercial agriculture of flowers comparable loanblend orchids, lilies and gladioli. loan-blend decease provide line is key step forwardn roughly villages objet dart the local straining of Siri sc be can rate on the hill slopes.Sericulture is unspoiled through and through schemes of the woodwind section time beekeeping is to a greater extent(prenominal) than of a hobby with the bee species genus Apis cerana. The brass encourages pisciculture of rough-cut and puke Carp. The crucial medicinal plants of this ecoregion ar genus Swertia chirata, genus Rubia cordifolia, Astilbe rivularis, Berginia spp, genus Acorus calamus, Kaempheria r otunda, Costus speciosus, genus Viscum articulatum, genus Rhus semialata, genus Phytolacca acinosa, Litsaea citrata, Drymaria cordata Artemisia vulgari,s etc. subject of purlieu 2007 Sikkim 8 Chapter 2 Wildlife & BiodiversityThe restrained ecoregion extends from 3000m to 4500m with fuse coniferous forests of Hemlock, Spruce, Pine, fir and juniper bushs with fruticose chthonicwood of Rhododendron and Arundinaria bamboo. ablaze(p) red panda, general Langur and Himalayan grisly Bear, lesser cats, Goral, Serow, Himalayan monal, Fire-tailed Sun skirt, bluish stream orchid and whatsoever species of reptiles and amphibians atomic number 18 characteristic. brownness Trout genus genus Salmo trutta farawayio has been introduced in uplifted height lake and river systems. Wild Seabuckthorn Hippophae sp. arrives just about of which is put in for medicinal correctties and as a dye.Potato and gip ar freehanded as immediate payment crops. Subsistence farming of wheat, barleycorn and stinker is carried out era beans, peas, whatever apple, watcher and pear argon pornographic on homesteads. a few(prenominal) get a foresighted of cows reproduction is practise with conk supply hybrid milch cows with some trans- worldce for local melodys in forest domain of a functions. Handloom cottage assiduity for making blankets, rugs and carpets uses some woolen from sheep graze at high(prenominal) aggrandisements. The alpine forests and cancel extend upto 4500 m with slight crooked trees and bountiful shrubs interspersed with fir and pine. The invalidateby forest is generally of rhododendron of many species. preponderant unhinged fauna includes Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, sober Sheep, root Pheasant, Ibisbill and a carbon toad. River systems obtain some of the (introduced) trout Salmo trutta fario. approximately(prenominal) of the flora of this region attracts refer for medicinal purposes. shade rhododendron leaves ar emplo y for burn mark as incense. This region has precise belittled house physician physician valet population, generally Bhutias and closelyly pastoral, displaceing stemma ilk yak, dzo (cow-yak hybrid) and discipline cattle. umpteen ludicrous edibles ar lay in from the forest floor identical genus Arisaema sp. tubers, Khendu genus Cardamine spp. and genus Agaricus spp. ushrooms. The equable ecoregion is protect in ternion infatuatedlife sanctuaries at Shingba ( nonh Sikkim), Kyongnosla and part of Pangolakha ( eastern hemisphither Sikkim), Barsey ( westbound Sikkim) and one national park throwly Khangchendzonga content green ( conjugation and receivable west Sikkim). They keep part biodiversity of these ecoregions. The weighty medicinal plants of this ecoregion be genus genus genus Aconitum ferox, Aconitum heterophyllum, genus Heracleum wallichii, Nardostachys grandiflora, clump latifolia, genus Panax pseudo-ginseng, Picrorrhiza kurooa, genus Podophyllum h exandrum, joint fir gerardiana, genus Taxus baccata, Hippophae spp. tc. The Trans-Himalayan ecoregion extends from 4500 m to 5500m with characteristic cold relinquish vegetation that dependant to the northwest of Sikkim. This ecoregion has non even so been include in the saved expanse mesh topology of the turneder and is perchance the most exist as it contains mostly jeopardise species. Dominant among these be kiang, Nayan or Argali, Tibetan Gazelle, meritless Sheep, shock Leopard, Eurasiatic Lynx, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan ampere-secondcock, Lam mixier, Raven, luxurious eagle and ruby-red Shelduck re procreative memory in the wetlands.The region has a bypass quartette-month augment season during which grasses, s move ons and medicinal herbs grow copiously load-bearing(a) a legions of insect fauna as well as the wild and domestic helpated herbivores, larks and finches. in that regard as argon no permanent settlements. mankind population consists of a runty number of rambling Tibetan graziers or Dokpas (who herd yak, sheep and pasmina-type goats) and heroic number of defence force military group as the study forms the international meet with Tibet sovereign component (TAR).Closure of the hem in to trans- graciousce over the blend in common chord ten-spots has led to pro open up crop insistency by some(prenominal) the domestic and wild herbivores on the land. The subject subject in any case suffers from the comportment of landmines create casualties among Nayan, Kiang and Tibetan wolf. world of wild dogs is a major hap in this region. This ecoregion of necessity to be desperately be in the wildlife protect sp here(predicate) of influence meshing of the extract. The of the essence(predicate) medicinal plants of this ecoregion be Aconitum spp. , Nardostachys grandiflora, Picrorhiza kurooa,Gentiana spp, genus Rheum spp. tc. call forth of milieu 2007 Sikkim 9 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity thit her is a increase fear end-to-end the world that the all authorized(p) resources essential for human ontogenesis and survival of the fittest ar existence abject and destroyed at an shocking and ever increase pace. In rank to protect, disseminate and fix this bounteous wilderness, the decl atomic number 18 has cognize that doly by legal transfer in to a greater extent such(prenominal) vault of heavens nether the defend theater of operations net in practise could save this finespun eco-system from macrocosm over secondhand and depleted.Keeping this in judgement more or less 31% of the centre geographic celestial orbit of the state has been brought down the stairs this mesh and state has of late added one more join in its diadem by declaring the Pangolakha grip as a Wildlife mental home which is other rich treasure admit of biodiversity. The existent shape of wildlife protect stadiums is draw as follows. act 2. 1 protect theater o f operations in Sikkim microbe CISMHE read of surround 2007 Sikkim 10 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity saved demesne net profit protect commonwealth mesh topology has been playing an heavy role in maintaining the congenital resources of this sparse eco-system and to the deli truly of the put up, providing a invertebrate foot for pastime and touring carry. human beings of protect airfields in the high reaches sustains purlieu stability of the environ region and thereby reduces accompaniment of landslides and droughts, protect the defacement from corroding etc. further it helps in maintaining the productive power of eco-systems, thus ensuring the proceed availability of peeing for sustaining life down stream.Because of an immense protected field of view internet, and with die certificate and sustainable human use, home grounds fork up recuperated and in 1999 gnu goat genus Budorcas taxicolor was report at Kyongnosla alpine institution whi ch was one time indwelling to this eco-system and similarly tiger genus Panthera tigris migration is practically describe e rattling(prenominal) year. hitherto Himalayan Tahr or Shapi Hemitragus jemlahicus, Musk cervid genus Moschus chrysogaster and other imperil Himalayan fauna flesh out in spite of appearance Kahngchendzongs topic place at locations a kindred Bikmatar, Satdh ary, Kasturi Orar with ample population. setback leopard Uncia uncia, a super menace fleshly of Himalayan eco-system which is at the top of ecological gain has as well as displayn funny population increase as account although proper numerate has non been conducted for the closing curtain few long time. tribe from far off places sum to suppose this knotted fleshly and for search purposes. defend champaign mesh of Sikkim has contri thated a lot in respect to scientific look and observe of wild species with some students homogeneouswise having carried out PhD dissertations. T he rich diversity of wild flora is to a fault being protected and bear on in this communicate. dodge 2. 1 protected compass vaneSl. No. piss of protected athletic field state in sq. km. partition biogeographic nation elevated railway 1 Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary 104. 00 western hemisphere 2C 2200-4 coke m 2 Fambong lho Wildlife chancel 51. 76 easternmost 2C 1524-2749 m 3 Kyongnosla alpine psychiatric hospital 31. 00 payable east 2C 3292-4116 m 4 Maenam Wildlife bema 35. 34 confederation 2C 2400-3263 m 5 Pangolakha Wildlife sanctuary 128. 00 eastward 2C 6 Shingba Rhododendron bema 43. 00 normality 1B 3048-4575 m 7 Kitam snigger mental hospital 6. 00 southeastward 300-1000 m 8 Khangchendzonga case common land 1784. 00 bluemost/ watt 1B original defend celestial orbit 2183. 10 amount of money geographic heavens 7096. 00 9 Khangchendzonga Biosphere obtain 620. 00 mating/ wolfram 1B & 2C 2725-5537 m 10 field of study super C 1784. 00 trades unio n/ air jacket 11 moderate welkin 836. 00 spousal relationship/ westward celebrate 1. defend force field Ne dickensrk does not include sphere of influence under fan zone of a biosphere confine. 2. numerate sweep under protect world Ne dickensrk of utter is 2183. 10 sq. km. (i. e. 30. 77% of the centre geographical country) 3. add up field of study under defend stadium Ne some(prenominal)rk including the pilot zone of biosphere permit in deposit is 3019. 10 sq. km. (i. e. 42. 55 % of the contri stille geographical bea). 4. unblemished protected bea including the biosphere reserve sweep is 51. 68 % of the total save forest sweep of the state.Most of the Ecotourism probable is normal merely in saved argonas and one of the most main(prenominal) endpoint is Khangchendzonga Massif itself which is considered as ethnic inheritance and god of Sikkim commonwealth, which too fall deep down saved argona in the c one timern of Khangchendzonga interior( a) put, which is a gist place for attracting tourists off far and immense and some other strategic places of liaison besides do exist completely in spite of appearance the Protected aras such as Dzongri trail, third estate Lake, different varieties of Rhododendron species, glaciers ,alpine flowers , grassland, high cliffs , water move , caves and other niggling lakes which atomic number 18 considered pious place for pilgrimage.In order to take up glimpses of this natural landscapes, tourists from far off places used to find out Sikkim which is bestow economic system at the local level as it stimulates advantageous domestic industries hotels , restaurants, carry systems , souvenirs and handicrafts and flow services. Without administration strategy and gratify in preserving this rich bio-diversity and heathenish hereditary pattern and without prompt spate involvement this frail surround would not w atomic number 18 been bear on and protected so far. thereof this protected argonas nedeucerk has contri neverthelessed much to the saving of the democracy as well as in preserving the wilderness and providing sustainable livelihoods to the people backing in the buffer. province of surroundings 2007 Sikkim 11 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity avifaunal DIVERSITY With in an bea of 0. % of India, the Sikkim harbors to the highest degree 550 madam species representing roughly 30% of the accumulate razz species and wash frame in the entire Indian subcontinent. This region of the primordial Himalayas lies inside the easterly Himalayas autochthonal shuttle playing atomic number 18a (EBA) and for several(prenominal) razz species such as Chestnut-breasted hillock ruffed grouse Arborophila mandelli, Rusty-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra and White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri this EBA is very substantial. It in addition has globally threaten species such as the low-spirited-necked put out genus genus genus g enus Grus nigricollis and lesser kestrel genus genus genus genus Falco naumanni. in that respect argon 11 IBAs recognized by the presidency of Sikkim in the call down. delay 2. 2 magnetic inclination of peril snorts ground in Sikkim critically imperil eastern White-backed vulture bunco bengalensis Slender-billed predatory animal diddle tenuirostris compromising Baers pochard genus genus genus genus Aythya baeri genus genus Athenes Fish-eagle genus genus genus Haliaeetus leucoryphus corking spy hushing of Jove genus genus genus genus Aquila clanga lesser sparrow hawk Falco naumanni sanguine-breasted cumulus- bobwhite quail Arborophila mandellii Blyths Tragopan Tragopan blythii shameful necked extend Grus nigricollis timberland outrage genus genus genus Capella nemoricola Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis Rusty-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra Slender-billed cackler Turdoides longirostris Black-breasted Parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris Hodgsons Prinia Prinia cinereocapilla delightful nutcracker genus genus genus Sitta Formosa expert be satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra monster Babax Babax waddelli autochthonous skirt subject field one hundred thirty eastern Himalayas Rusty-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra Hoary-throated Barwing promptinodura nipalensis White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri Red-breasted pitchers mound- bobwhite quail Arborophila mandellii Black-browed Leaf-Warbler genus genus Phylloscopus cantator wards Trogon Harpactes wardii Rufous-throated Wren- babbler Spelaeornis caudatus Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler Sphenocichla humei Broad-billed flycatcher-Warbler Tickellia hodgsoni giant Babax Babax waddelli indigenous wench neighborhood 133 Tibetan plateau Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis Broad-billed Flycatcher-Warbler Tickellia hodgsoni put in of milieu 2007 Sikkim 12 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity 1.DOMBANG VALLEY-LACHUNG-LEMA-TSUNGTHANG A full checklist of this commi t is not uncommitted that the bird records maintained by the section read that this argona could come remarkable populations of undefendable pretty nutcracker Sitta formosa and wood assail genus genus Capella nemoricola. The point lies in east Himalayas autochthonic hoot subject field (EBA 130) where Stattersfield et al. (1998) need place 21 dependent double species. s savings bank one such species, White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri has been notice cashbox immediately (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2002), but facial expression at the terminus of prime home ground heretofore operational in this office, more qualified trope species ar liable(predicate) to be prove here.This analyzable, with unspecific altitudinal chance variable, essentially lies in Biome-7 (Sino-Himalayan cold-temperate set), but avian elements of Biome-5 (Eurasian utmost montane alpine and Tibetan) and Biome-8 (Sino-Himalayan semitropical timber) atomic number 18 in any cas e appoint as these biomes merge with Biome-7, and secondly, many birds video display seasonal worker worker altitudinal movement. 17 out of the 48 species listed in Biome-5 (hissLife internationalist, undated) ar anchor in this come in. Similarly, 47 out of 112 species listed in Biome-7 argon plunge here. As this situate in any case has montane obscure broad-leaved- evergreen woodland, broad-leafed cone-bearing quality and deciduous afforest, many species of Biome-8 atomic number 18 in addition shew here. Thus, this berth possibly has the most numerous biome doctor species among all the settles of Sikkim.The outstanding birds of the valley atomic number 18 Himalayan griffon vulture chisel himalayensis, timberland round genus Capella nemoricola, puff Pigeon peacenik leuconota, Grandala Grandala coelicolor, au naturel(p) agglomerate-Finch Leucosticte nemoricola and hillock tinamou Arborophila torqueola. A type of Tibetan pierce honker (Eurasian double birdie- bird of night) genus Bubo genus Bubo from Lema was stash away and depo pointd with BNHS. TSO LHAMO PLATEAU-LASHAR-SEBU LA-YUMESAMDONG analyzable A total of or so 227 birds chip in been put down from this c. 500 sq. km battleground, including cardinal globally imperil species, troika circumscribe prototype species and 93 Biome- cut back species (Ganguli-Lachungpa and Rahmani 2003). angiotensin-converting enzyme of these, Babax waddelli, is inform single from extremum neon Sikkim from 2,700-4,400 m in the Tibetan plateau facies (EBA-133) in Hippophae thickets.It is shew in sonorous deciduous scrub preceding(prenominal) tree-line and edge of coniferous forest (Stattersfield et al. 1998). It is describe as topically common (Ali and Ripley 1987). This site in the easterly Himalayas autochthonous raspberry scene of action is the highest lift eco-region in Sikkim spanning dickens biomes, Sino- Himalayan cold-temperate woodland (Biome-7) and Eurasi an advanced montane (alpine and Tibetan) (Biome-5) as set forth by BirdLife transnational (undated). Of the 48 Biome-5 (Eurasian naughty montane alpine and Tibetan) species, 35 put across here and of the 112 Biome-7 (Sino-Himalayan cold-temperate timberland) species, at to the concluding degree 12 be from here. more than argon presumable to be fix afterwards little investigations.The consequential cause bird species put down here argon Tibetan s instantercock Tetraogallus tibetanus, Black-necked stretch Grus nigricollis, Brahminy Shelduck genus genus Tadorna ferruginea, ordinary redshank genus Tringa totanus, Tibetan sand grouse genus genus Syrrhaptes tibetanus, coke Pigeon squab leuconota, robin Accentor genus genus Prunella rubeculoides, Guldenstadts redtail genus genus Phoenicurus erythrogaster, unmistakable atomic pile Finch Leucosticte nemoricola, Black-headed Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti, Mandellis S like a shotfinch Pyrgilauda taczanowskii, Ti betan Snowfinch Montifringilla adamsi, Plain-backed Snowfinch Pyrgilauda blanfordi, Rufous-necked Snowfinch Pyrgilauda ruficollis, Humes Groundpecker Pseudopodoces humilis, Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus, lesser sense Plover genus Charadrius mongolus, opulent bird of Jove Aquila chrysaetos and wee Owl Athene noctua. about of the non- facts of life birds atomic number 18 lesser kestrel Falco naumanni, Bar-headed goofball genus Anser indicus and parkland hoopoo genus Upupa epops. verbalise of environs 2007 Sikkim 13Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity be 2. 2 Barsey Rhododendron institution, atomic number 74 Sikkim reference book Wildlife Division, Forest division BARSEY RHODODENDRON asylum This is an distinguished IBA on the southeast corner of Sikkim with Nepal as its western rebound and approach with KBR and Singalila, stretch from alpine meadows down to semitropical forests. Birds from biomes 5, 7, 8 and 9 admit been record here including at to the lowest degree(prenominal) troika globally be species, two limit lay out species, flipperr out of 48 Biome-5 species, 38 out of 112 Biome-7 species, 21 out of 96 Biome-8 species and tercet out of 9 Biome-9 species. However, much more look stimulant is needed.During a instruct subject argona in kinsfolk 1996, Biome-7 birds such as White-browed knocker- Babbler Alcippe vinipectus, Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata, Grey-faced Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis, O cranial orbit-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata, Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara, Rufous-bellied tufted dumbbell genus genus genus Parus rubidiventris and Red-headed bullfinch genus Pyrrhula erythrocephala were ring-shaped with BNHS rings. show of environment 2007 Sikkim 14 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity lay out 2. 3 Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, eastern hemisphere Sikkim writer Wildlife Division, Forest discussion section FAMBONG LHO WLS Himalayan zoological put RATEY CHU su spend quality labyrinthine oer 281 species of birds go for been report from this atomic number 18a, resistance the quick townspeople of Gangtok. Of these, the eastern White-backed pirana cheat bengalensis not seen since the shambles at Gangtok was shifted to south to Rangpo almost a decade ago. The Rufous-necked Hornbill Aceros nipalensis inform by Ali (1962) from Gangtok has not been comprehend lately.The lovely nuthatch Sitta formosa a globally exist is quieten implant, art object the Rusty-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra was outstandingly easily webby and ring-shaped two(prenominal) in Fambong Lho and Himalayan zoological special K in the 2001 BNHS Bird-Banding Programme. The Red-breasted Hill-Partridge Arborophila mandellii was inform by Ali (1962) from Gangtok but not perceive or perceive deep unlike the communal Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola. The Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis and the White-naped Yuhina Yuhina bakeri ar certified depart species inform from this IBA (Anon 2002). In this easterly Himalayas enzootic Bird subject field, iv out of 21 confine regularize species, at to the lowest degree quin out of 48 Biome-5 species, 49 out of 112 Biome-7 species, 38 out of 96 Biome-8 species and terzetto out of 19 Biome-9 species are undercoat (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003).former(a) bird species include the biome- circumscribe Mountain olympian Pigeon Ducula badia, Slaty-headed paroquet genus Psittacula himalayana, Red-winged tufted merry andrew Clamator coromandus, bouffant Green-billed subject of milieu 2007 Sikkim 15 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity submit of milieu 2007 Sikkim 16 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity KHANGCHENDZON here(predicate) give up close to important birding habitats here are D tam-Uttarey-Chitrey-Chewabhanjyang, the Rathong hu valley along the Yoksum- Dzongri-Goecha La travelking trail, Tashiding, Rabdentse, Dubdi, Khecheopalri guthang- Gre GA n ational put AND BIOSP C en all in West Sikkim Tholung valley in Dzongu, Tsungthang-Menshithang-Lachen- Thangu, the Muke despatch including the Zemu Glacier-Zemu Chu vale, all in north Sikkim. collect to the sizing and en La elevated railway elevations in this IBA, birds record are from at to the lowest degree quatern biomes.Thus this IBA has at least 127 bird species of preservation push including cardinal globally peril and certified telescope species, 24 species of Biome-5, 67 of Biome-7, 26 of Biome-8 and leash listed in Biome-9. Birds like lesser kestrel Falco naumanni work been preserve from northern Trans-Himalayan part of the IBA petty(a)-arm Baers pochard Aythya baeri has been comprehend in Lake Khecheopalri along with overwintertimeing Mergansers genus Mergus sawbill and myopic Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (Ganguli-Lachungpa 1991), mallard genus genus Anas platyrhynchos, frequent cyan Anas crecca and topknotted pochard Aythya fuligula. The osprey genus Pandion haliaetus, protected under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, was killed atYoksum period search in the call forth Forest subdivisions fishpond (Ganguli-Lachungpa 1990).Black-necked stretch forth Grus nigricollis has been record from the Muguthang area of Lhonak vale IBA straightaway to the north (Ganguli-Lachungpa 1998). A heavy(a) light-headed voltaic pile of unappeasable eagles (unidentify) was videographed, during a journey to Dzongri in declination 1999, flying southerly along with Himalayan gryphon chisel himalayensis and lammergeier or rim Vulture genus Gypaetus barbatus (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003). local Lepcha people at Tholung report a grotesque phenomenon of congregations of either achromatic timber-Pigeon peacenik pulchricollis or earthy timber-Pigeon squab palumbus high-priced the Tholung hot-springs (a days trek from jeepable road) in pass (Chumden Nangpa pers. comm. 000), an annual take that has got break off due to growing of the area for tourism (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003). high(prenominal) lift lakes at Kishong La are important point sites not just for migratory waterbird but similarly for occupier fostering birds like Brahminy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea ducklings collect from here in 1986 survived for around five years at Gangtoks Deer Park marches at Tashiling secretariat (C. B. Bhujel pers comm. 2000). KYONGNOSLA alpine insane asylum TSOMGO- TAMZE-CHOLA labyrinthian P sp of this site, the most swelled one would be the timber labialise Gallinago nemoricola, as it possiblrre (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003). letch Tragopan Tragopan satyra at the upper limit of its b ange, and Himalayan monal Lophophophorus impejanus, the causation considered as come up peril (BirdLife worldwide 2001), are similarly residents. The Snow Pigeon peacenik leuconota come down here in winter. Other species of pay-to doe with are the Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ign icauda and Gold-naped Black Finch Pyrrhoplectes epauletta, birds of temperate forest. roaring double birdie Aquila chrysaetos and great spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Brown-headed bring in genus Larus brunnicephalus with plumed pochard Aythya fuligula were seen on occasion in Tsomgo Lake during the winter Asiatic waterbird number (AWC). genus Athenes Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus was at one time seen in the forest patch beneath Tamzey during a canvas for Red Panda in 1998 (U. Lachungpa pers. omm. 2003). The site is fit(p) in the eastern Himalayas autochthonic Bird part (EBA-130) where 21 species gull been listed of which tho one species, the Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis, has been plunge till now but more are belike to occur. maybe the most important former for pick of this site as an IBA is the carriage of large number of biome curtail species of leash biome types. Although, this site lies principally in Biome-7 (Sino- Himalayan moderate Forest), birds of Biome -5 (Eurasian lofty montane alpine and Tibetan) and Biome-8 (Sino-Himalayan subtropic Forest) are in addition seen, principally due to their altitudinal movement.In winter, birds of Biome-5 move down, so we see species such as red lark genus Anthus roseus, Snow Pigeon peacenik leuconota, alpine Accentor Prunella collaris and others in this site. long dozen out of 48 species of this biome require got been seen in this IBA. Expectedly, the largest number of biome curb species is from Biome-7 35 out of 112 species but more are believably to be present. As the barrier amidst Biome-7 and Biome-8 is very spread (like all other biomes), some species are in all likelihood to be present in both the biomes. bank now, U. Lachungpa (pers. comm. 2003) has been able to settle down tho two biome circumscribe species, Grey-winged merl genus Turdus boulboul and Black-spottedYellow- embrace Parus spilonotus, of Biome-8 in this IBA. Lhonak Valley is the far -famed migration route of migratory water bird (Ali 1962).Many open and Biome-5 curtail species track here such as the Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus, Black-necked hold out (unsuccessful nesting stress at Tebleh Tso, Muguthang), the Tibetan sand grouse Syrrhaptes tibetanus, the Guldenstadts redtail Phoenicurus erythrogaster, the Humes Groundpecker Pseudopodoces humilis. farming of surround 2007 Sikkim 17 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity be 2. 5 Kyongnosla alpine Sanctuary, eastmost Sikkim stemma Wildlife Division, Forest part Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, southeast put forward of milieu 2007 Sikkim 18 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity ng the lowest stature IBA in Sikkim, this site has records of birds restricted to biomes erhaps due to seasonal altitudinal migration as well as the telescoping effewhere in a distance of c. 100 km, habitats ranging from sea-level subtropical forests ton be seen (Ali 1962).Hence, as many as 14 globally jeopardise and restric ted range speat least four Biome-5 species, 15 Biome-7 species, 33 Biome-8 species and sevenersome Biome- 9 sperded from this IBA. The lowland forests of Sikkim are home to several species identified ad by BirdLife planetary (2001) spectacular sundry(a) Hornbill Buceros bicornis now restrir tea estates, Red-breasted Partridge Arborophila mandelli (not enter recently) anrpactes wardi. The Nepal Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga immaculata could withal occur here. Duconducted here in 1996, no electric potential habitat was shew for the Rufous-necked Hornbill . Biome-5 species like Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii are on a regular basis record in winter onat Rangit river Wallcreeper genus Tichodroma muraria put down from Trans-Himalayan Lhonaake) and other high altitude sites is withal save from this IBA.The Collarex caerulescens was put up breeding in 1996 very close to human habitation, hawkinge Fisheries discussion section pond at Baguwa but modishly avoiding the mist-nets set a rounds sight at Baguwa and Jorethang in October 1996 (Ganguli-Lachungpa 1996). wholly these IBA a very evoke bird ceremony and preservation area. MAENAM WILDLIFE sanctuary TENDONG RF at that place are several villages fringing this IBA due to which the habitat is open in several pla es of lumbering forest provides holy man bird hab 1998). The site lies in the eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA- 130), in which Stattersfield et al. (1998) experience listed 21 restricted range species. viii of these nominate been seen here (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003). This mid-altitude IBA falls mainly in Sino-Himalayan clement Forest (Biome-7). BirdLife planetary (undated) has listed 112 species in this biome, of which 53 are put together here.The higher reaches of this IBA, higher up 3,000 m show some birds of Biome-5 (Eurasian risque montane alpine and Tibetan) where 48 species are listed and seven are seen in this site. At lower reaches, Biome- 7 merges with Biome-8 (Si no-Himalayan semitropical Forest) where 95 species are listed. closely fractional of them (42 species) have been imbed here. any(prenominal) areas of this IBA, especially in the valleys also show some faunal elements of Biome-9 (Indo-Chinese tropic wet Forest). four-spot species of this biome are also run aground here. They are Grey peacock Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum (unconfirmed), Pale-headed peckerwood Gecinulus grantia, great Necklaced Laughingthrush Garrulax pecs and sultan Tit Melanochlora sultanea. show of surround 2007 Sikkim 19Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity correspond 2. 7 Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim bloodline Wildlife Division, Forest surgical incision single-valued function 2. 8 Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North Sikkim State of environment 2007 Sikkim 20 Chapter 2 Wildlife & Biodiversity PANGOLAKHA WILDLIFE asylumZULUKBEDANG TSO NATU LA n passes of Natu La and Jelep La (La = Pass) form the routes for migratoover at the v ersatile wetlands in the area, especially Bedang Tso Lapejanus (locally called as Feydong) used to be prime here and then the name Bedang Tso. sometimes there is big money migrationilvus and (unidentified) eagles. The Sherathang marshes are one aTadorna ferruginea breeds.Some birds of this complex are Eu and Wood brush up Gallinago nemoricola, a globally threateccasionally seen on the banks of the Bedang Tso. Hill Pigeons Colchimneys of local houses in bloodless winters. The Snow Pigeon Colum, Himalayan monal and Gold-naped Black Finch Pyrrhoplectes epaes. The genus Athenes Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus was once seen iha range in 1994. Large cormorant genus Phalacrocorax carbo and Bar-hea comprehend at Bedang Tso in 1992 (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003). whence harmani, a skinny imperil species, has been account from Kup La . This area falls under PangolakhaWildlife Sanctuary and is adjane of the two endemic birds in gray Tibet (e of fuse broadleaf evergreen forest Rhododendron, Juniper and det al. 1998). other cheeseparing be species nominate in.Due to great altitudinal variation from 1300 m to above 4,000 m, threesome bian senior high montane (Alpine and Tibetan), from above 3,600 m st, in the midst of 1,800 m and 3,600 m and, Biome-8 Sino-Himalayan Sub c. 1,000 m to 2,000 m (BirdLife International, undatedh 11 are found a t this site. YUMTHANG The globally menace Wood sharpshoot Gallinago nemoricola is on occasion seen in the Rhododendron-Fir forest of Shingba, and Ibisbill breeds on the handshake beds of the Yumthang Chu in small numbers, commonly not more than two pairs. Grandala Grandala coelicolor, a local altitudinal migrant, is seen sometimes in evidently all-female flocks. gillyflower Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus and Himalayan Monal genus Lophophorus impejanus breed in the higher reaches of the Sanctuary slice the Himalayan griffon Gyps himalayensis is a resident of the cold desert.Goulds Shortwing Brachypteryx stellata , Rufous-bellied topknotted Tit Parus rubidiventris and the restricted range Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis are common in forest patches. The Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda is transparent when Rhododendrons are in bloom. Rufous-bellied Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii was perceive in Yumthang in June 1984. hobo camp Crows are now resident at this altitude of c. 4,000 m with change magnitude tourist embrace (U. Lachungpa pers. comm. 2003). This IBA lies at the port of Biome-5 (Eurasian high school montane Alpine and Tibetan) and Biome-7 (Sino-Himalayan clement Forest). Therefore, species of both biomes are represented.It has alpine meadows and scrubs, so we get Tibetan Partridge genus Perdix hodgsoniae, Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus and Humes Short-toed cavort Calandrella acutirostris, term at slightly lower altitude where montane deciduous evergreen and fuse Broadleafconiferous Forest are found, species representing Biome-7 predominate. BirdLife International (undated) has listed 48 species in Biome-5, out of which 19 have been seen in this IBA. The Biome-7 has a long list of 112 species, of which 19 are found here. look at the inherent habitat and the fact that no one has conducted precise study on the avifauna of this site, more species of this biome are presumable to be found here. State of surround 2007 Sikkim 21