Flora and 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, Clouded leopard, 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
1.4656
7
Biosphere Reserve
S/W/N
APRIL, 91
2,00,000
27.3972
  SIKKIM'S WEALTH
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