Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sikkim, List of Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sikkim, Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim, Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sikkim, All wildlife Sanctuaries of India, Wildlife Sanctuaries State Wise, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kitam Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
Table of Contents
Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sikkim
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Located in East Sikkim, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is located in the picturesque area adjacent to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake along the Nathula Road, about 31 km east of the state capital Gangtok. The sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 31 km2 (12 sq mi). The area is exceptionally rich with rare and endangered flora and fauna, including ground orchids and rhododendrons, beautifully interspersed among tall junipers and even taller silver firs.
Animals: Musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, mainland serow, Himalayan goral; Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Snowfinch.
Plants: The sanctuary supports an attractive array of rhododendrons, primroses, poppies and a variety of wild flowers. Rhododendron navium, the state tree of Sikkim, and Cypripedium tibeticum, the ground slipper orchid on the verge of extinction, are introduced here.
Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary
Located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Gangtok, Phambonglo Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of about 52 square kilometres, the highest point in the area is Tinjure (2130 metres). Named after the Lepcha word ‘Hambomloh’, which refers to the local wild avocado trees, the Phambonglo Wildlife Sanctuary is graced with many rare species of animals, birds and butterflies, including the Asiatic black bear, civet cat (a rare civet) . binturong or bear-cat) and several species of laughingthrush (an extremely vocal and social bird) such as the red-faced Liocichla.
Tourists can also see many rare species of rhododendron and wild orchids in this sanctuary. The buffer zone of the sanctuary offers spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range. There is an upcoming short distance route to enable trekking for visitors so that they can enjoy the natural wealth and beauty of the sanctuary. The area is replete with rare species of flora which lie amidst dense impenetrable forests of champa, katsa, oak, kimbu, bamboo and fern.
Animals: Leopard, Masked Palm Civet, Barking Deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Satyr Tragopan, Khalij Pheasant, White-browed Fulvetta, Scarlet Finch.
Plants: Wild orchids, rhododendrons and many species of medicinal and aromatic plants.
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Located in the Yumthang Valley of North Sikkim, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is bounded by the Chuba-Sagochen mountain range on its eastern edge and the Chomzomei Tso, which extends to the Lava Pass in the west. The sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 43 square kilometres, and features several species of rhododendron. The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 3048 to 4575 meters. Wandering through the sanctuary is the enchanting Yumthang Chhu which adds to the local scenery.
Tourists can visit here from April to July, which is considered to be the best time to visit the sanctuary, as this is the special season when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, turning the sanctuary into bright colours. The natural vegetation cover of this area is extremely rich, the main attraction being the rhododendron bushes and trees, which are scattered in abundance throughout the area.
Animals: red panda, musk deer, mainland serow; Siberian weasel, Himalayan pika, long-eared bat; Wood Snipe, Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant.
Plants: 40 different species of Rhododendron spp, Potentillas spp, Saxifrage spp, Primulus spp, Aconites spp, Poppies, Gentian spp.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim, Menam Wildlife Sanctuary is abundantly rich in endemic medicinal plant diversity. A true delight for nature lovers, it is home to a variety of native and unique flora and fauna. This is the first wildlife sanctuary in India which will soon have a one-of-a-kind Wildlife Skywalk. Species that are typical of temperate forests, such as leopard cat, marble cat, red panda, barking deer find their home in the sanctuary.
The area is also extremely rich in diversity of avifauna, with blood pheasants, magpies and black eagles also found here. Tourists can trek through this charming and mesmerizing area on trails that will take them to Menam Peak. Nature lovers visiting this sanctuary also get the opportunity to see a sensational view of the Teesta River and Kanchenjunga Mountain.
Animals: Red Panda, Musk Deer, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Mainland Serow, Leopard, Clouded Leopard; Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Khaleej Pheasant.
Plants: Castanopsis spp., Machilus spp., Rhododendron spp., Symplocos glomerata, Rhododendron thomsonii, Rhododendron campanulatum, Viburnum erubescens, Rosa sericea, Rubus sp., Litsea elongata.
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Located in the south west corner of West Sikkim district, the Barsi Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 104 square kilometres, located across the sharp-edged Singalila Range, which forms India’s natural and international border with neighboring Nepal. , Entry to the sanctuary can be gained through three points, Hili, Dentam and Soreng. The most favorite among visitors is Hille, as it is accessible by road.
A favorite route among visitors, especially during the rhododendron flowering season, is the bridle path from Hili to Barsi. A rich biodiversity of fauna and avifauna can be found in this region, the most famous of which are the Himalayan yellow-throated marten, leopard cat, Himalayan langur, Himalayan palm civet, monal pheasant, kalij etc.
Animals: Barking deer, wild boar, porcupine, leopard cat, horribellied squirrel, yellow-throated marten, clouded leopard, leopard, Asiatic black bear, mainland serow, red panda, Himalayan monal, satyr tragopan.
Plants: The main attraction of the sanctuary are the rhododendrons, which bloom in April-May. There are other important species such as orchids, conifers and many medicinal and aromatic herbs.
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
A natural border region that separates Sikkim from Bhutan, the Pangolakha Range lies below the Chola Range. A unique area is Hathichire, which literally means the point where elephants can enter. Extending deep into the forest, it extends further into the Neora Valley National Park. The vegetation of the area represents the typical alpine-temperate-subtropical type. The region is one of the most picturesque in the world, with mesmerizing high altitude lakes around Jelep La. The forests filled with endemic flora include silver fir, juniper and rhododendron, with abundant ground vegetation that provides ideal habitat for the survival and sustenance of rare species. Like a red panda.
The area is also rich in populations of native birds such as the endangered Tibetan eared pheasant Crossoptilon hermani, sightings of which have been reported at Kupup below Jelep La. This species of pheasant is one of the two native birds of South Tibet. The region has two traditional routes followed by migratory birds, the passes of Nathu La and Jelep La. These stop at several wetlands in the area, particularly around Bedang Tso Lake.
Animals: Tiger, leopard, takin, red fox, goral, mainland serow, musk deer, yellow-throated marten, Asiatic black bear, red panda, big-eared pika, Siberian mongoose, Eurasian woodcock, wood snipe, Himalayan monal, satyr tragopan , Blood Partridge.
Plants: Rhododendron species, silver fir, juniper.
Kitam Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
Recognized as one of the most outstanding bird sanctuaries of Sikkim, Kitam Bird Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located at a distance of 19 km from Namchi, Sikkim. The average elevation range is anywhere between 1200 and 3200 feet. Occupying an area of approximately 6 square kilometres, the entire expanse of Kitam Bird Sanctuary is covered with dense vegetation of pine and sal forests as well as native shrubs.
The highest peak within the sanctuary, Tumbol Shor, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is open throughout the year to visitors who can enjoy the vast biodiversity of over 200 species of birds and many species of butterflies. Tourists can also enjoy the wonderful sight of beautiful Indian peacocks, yellow-vented warblers, grey-crowned prinias, rufous-necked hornbills and other native birds.
Animals: Barking deer, wild boar, Assamese macaque, masked palm civet, Himalayan crest-less porcupine, small Indian civet, small Indian mongoose, Oriental white-eyed, kalij, Indian peafowl, red junglefowl, scarlet minivet, green magpie, Himalayan flameback .
Plants: Dense temperate vegetation of shrubland and sal-chir and deodar forests.