Sikkim with 46.93% of state’s geographical area as Protected os one of the most green state in #India It has 1 National Park the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve and 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim, surrounding the world’s third highest peak Mount Khangchendzonga, has been added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, making it the 11th biosphere in India to be included in the network. Khangchendzonga NationalPark includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests.
The wildlife sanctuaries include Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim, as well as Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in west Sikkim, the Barsey (also Varsey) Rhododendron Sanctuary, is a trekker’s delight, especially in April-May when the colourful rhododendrons bloom. With five forest types present here, it forms an important corridor between the Khangchendzonga National Park of Sikkim and the Singalila National Park of WestBengal. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary lies between Singtam and Dikchu.
one can spot the red panda here. Other animals include barking deer, yellow-throated marten, takin, etc. The sanctuary is also home to a large number of birds and butterflies. North Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) has the Tent Peak and the Zemu Glacier Ridge on the north, the Lamaongden Mountain ridge on the east, Mount Narsing and Pandim on the south, and the majestic Khangchendzonga to the west. The KNP is home to musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, red panda, etc. and to over 500 species of birds. At Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary tourist can visit the Chhangu Lake from Gangtok (en route to Nathu La).
The sanctuary is well known for its flora and fauna. Rare and endangered ground orchids and rhododendrons interspersed among tall junipers and taller silver firs are found here. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, located near one of south Sikkim’s popular tourist town, Rabongla, is named after Maenam Peak and is drained by the Teesta and the Rangit rivers. There is a Buddhist monastery at the top of the ridge. The area is known for medicinal plants Leopard, red panda, civet, orange-bellied Himalayan squirrel, black eagle Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary breaks into a profusion of flowers in summer.
The sanctuary is home to the endemic Rhododendron niveum, the state tree. Besides rhododendrons one can also see other varieties of flowers such as primulas, potentillas, gentians, poppies and aconites, across the alpine meadow. There are also hot spring in the valley. Kitam Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary located at Kitam near Namchi, Sikkim. This riverside nature conservation area is a birdwatchers paradise who want to see the peafowl & other species in their natural habitats. Tumbol Schor, the highest point of Kitam Bird Sanctuary, is popular for offering great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim is surrounded by the Pangolakha Range and the Chola Range respectively. It also shares a unique connection with the forests of the neighboring country Bhutan besides WestBengal state. it is home to some of the most exotic animals such as Asiatic Black Bear, Red Fox and about 300 Red Pandas which also happens to be the largest population in the world at one place. It also has assortment of rare species of flora which includes the Silver Fir, Oak, Bamboo and the Rhododendron amongst others. All in all Sikkim is a nature lovrs paradise who want to view nature at its pristine best and enjoy peace and tranquillity.
