Registered with Registrar of Newspapers for vide No. 61685/93 ISSN 2320-3943 Complimentary Copy

Sikkim

ENVIS Newsletter

On Status of Environment & its related issues

Vol. 6, Issue 3

WILDLIFE SPECIAL 2013-14 QUARTERLY OCT-DEC MORE IN THIS ISSUE Network in

An ENVIS Sikkim Compilation on State and National Profile

Source: National Wildlife Database 2013

Introduction

A definition of a Protected Area (PA) given by The Protected Areas are dealt in Chapter IV of Growth of Protected Area the IUCN (International Union for the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Under Network in India Conservation of Nature) reads: “An area of section 26 (A), the area comprised within any India has 683 PAs covering 5.02% of country’s land and/or sea especially dedicated to the reserve forest or any part of the territorial geographic area. State-wise break up of National protection and maintenance of biological waters, which is considered by the State Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of India. diversity, and of natural and associated cultural Government to be of adequate ecological, Page 2 resources and managed through legal or other faunal, geomorphological, natural or effective means.” zoological significance for the purpose of Protected Areas of Sikkim protection and propagating of developing Sikkim has 8 PAs (1 India has four categories of Protected Areas wildlife or its environment, can be declared as National Park and 7 (PAs); these are National Parks, Sanctuaries, a Sanctuary. Wildlife Sanctuaries) covering almost 31% of Conservation Reserves and Community state’s geographic area, Reserves. The subsequent sections, till sec 34 (A), the highest in the country. provides such an area with legal protection Page 4 India has a network of 683 Protected Areas and also vests the powers of protection on 2 extending over 1,64,980.75 km (5.02% of total various offices and authorities within the Khangchendzonga geographic area), comprising 102 National Forest and Wildlife Departments. Similarly the National Park Parks, 520 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 57 State Government can declare an area as a An Overview Conservation Reserves and 4 Community National Park under section 35 (4) with the Page 6 Reserves. UNESCO has designated 6 protection clauses as applied to a sanctuary. Protected Areas as World Heritage Sites. Continued in Page 8

www.sikenvis.nic.in Published by ENVIS CENTRE SIKKIM On Status of Environment Supported by Hosted by (A State Government Ministry of Environment & Forests, Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Autonomous Body) Government of Sikkim Since 2002 ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 2

% of Geographical Protected Areas of India No Area Area of India Protected Areas National Parks 102 40074.78 km2 1.22 % Wildlife Sanctuaries 520 1,22867.34 km2 3.74% of India Conservation Reserves 57 2017.94 km2 0.06 %

2 Source: National Wildlife Database 2013 Community Reserves 4 20.69 km 0.0 % Total 683 164980.75 km2 5.02 % India has four categories of Protected Areas (PAs); these are National Parks, Sanctuaries, Geographical Area of India = 32,87,263 km2 Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves GROWTH OF PROTECTED AREA NETWORK IN INDIA

National Parks of India There are 102 existing national parks in India 2 covering an area of 40,075 km , which is 1.22% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, Feb. 2013). In addition to the above, 75 National Parks covering an area of 16,608 km2 are proposed in the Protected Area Network Report

India's first national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park of Uttarakand. . Wildlife Sanctuaries of India

There are 520 existing wildlife sanctuaries in 2 India covering an area of 121,980 km , which is GROWTH OF NATIONAL PARKS IN INDIA 3.71% of the geographical area of the country Among these are 41 Tiger Reserves governed by launched by the Government of India in 1973 covering total area of 49,112 km2 which is 1.49 % of the total geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, Feb. 2013).

Another 218 sanctuaries are proposed in the Protected Area Network Report covering an area of 16,829 km2.

ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 3

State-wise break up of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries (February 2013)

Name of State & Union State National Parks Wildlife Sanctuaries Total 2 Territory Area km² No. of Area km² % of State No. of WLS Area km % of State % of State NPs Area Area Area 1. 2,75,069 6 1,388.39 0.50 21 11,618.12 4.22 4.72 2. Arunachal Pradesh 83,743 2 2,290.82 2.74 11 7,487.75 8.94 11.68 3. Assam 78,438 5 1,977.79 2.52 18 1,840.14 2.35 4.87 4. Bihar 94,163 1 335.65 0.36 12 2,851.67 3.03 3.39 5. Chhattisgarh 1,35,191 3 2,929.50 2.17 11 3,760.37 2.78 4.95 6. Goa 3,702 1 107.00 2.89 6 6,47.91 17.50 20.39 7. Gujarat 1,96,022 4 479.67 0.24 23 16,619.81 8.48 8.72 8. 44,212 2 48.25 0.11 8 2,33.21 0.53 0.64 9. 55,673 5 2,271.78 4.08 32 7,745.48 13.91 17.99 10. Jammu & Kashmir 2,22,236 4 3,925.00 1.77 15 10,243.11 4.61 6.38 11. Jharkhand 79,714 1 226.33 0.28 11 1,955.82 2.45 2.73 12. Karnataka 1,91,791 5 2,628.42 1.37 25 5,555.39 2.90 4.27 13. Kerala 38,863 6 558.16 1.44 17 1,853.24 4.77 6.21 14. Madhya Pradesh 3,08,245 9 3,656.36 1.19 25 7,158.41 2.32 3.51 15. 3,07,713 6 1,273.60 0.41 35 14,152.70 4.60 5.01 16. Manipur 22,327 1 40.00 0.18 1 184.40 0.83 1.01 17. Meghalaya 22,429 2 267.48 1.19 3 34.20 0.15 1.34 18. Mizoram 21,081 2 150.00 0.71 8 1,090.75 5.17 5.88 19. Nagaland 16,579 1 202.02 1.22 3 20.34 0.12 1.34 20. Orissa 1,55,707 2 990.70 0.64 18 6,969.15 4.48 5.12 21. Punjab 50,362 0 0.00 0.00 12 3,23.79 0.64 0.64 22. Rajasthan 3,42,239 5 3,947.07 1.15 25 5,592.38 1.63 2.78 23. Sikkim * 7,096 1 1,784.00 25.14 7 3,99.10 5.63 30.77 24. Tamil Nadu 1,30,058 5 307.85 0.24 21 3,521.95 2.71 2.95 25. Tripura 10,486 2 36.71 0.35 4 5,66.93 5.41 5.76 26. 2,40,928 1 490.00 0.20 23 5,221.88 2.17 2.37 27. 53,483 6 4,915.44 9.19 7 2,688.57 5.03 14.22 28. 88,752 5 1,693.25 1.91 15 1,102.18 1.24 3.15 29. Andaman & Nicobar 8,249 9 1,153.94 13.99 96 389.39 4.72 18.71 30. Chandigarh 114 0 0.00 0.00 2 26.01 22.82 22.82 31. Dadra & Nagar Haveli 491 0 0.00 0.00 1 92.16 18.77 18.77 32. Daman & Diu 112 0 0.00 0.00 1 2.19 1.96 1.96 33. Delhi 1,483 0 0.00 0.00 1 27.82 1.88 1.88 34. Lakshadweep 32 0 0.00 0.00 1 0.01 0.03 0.03 35. Pondicherry 480 0 0.00 0.00 1 3.90 0.81 0.81 India 32,87,263 102 40,075 1.22 520 121980 3.71 4.93

* With almost 31% of Protected Areas (1 National Park + 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries), Sikkim records the country’s highest percentage of State’s geographical area.

GROWTH OF WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN INDIA ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 4

ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 5

Protected Areas of Sikkim

Sikkim presently has 8 Protected Areas which comprises of 1 National Park and 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries that covers almost 31 per cent of the total geographical area of the state. Sikkim has unique mountain eco-system due to variations in elevation, climate, landscape, habitat and vegetation types and comprises one of the highest eco- systems in the world. Picture: S. T. Lachunga (ACF/KNP)

WILDLIFE PROTECTED AREAS OF SIKKIM Bio- Co-ordinates Area Altitude SN Name District geographic Notification No. & Date Lat (sq. km) (m) Long (East) Province (North) Barsey Rhododendron 2110 - 50/WL/F/95/269/F&WL 88º 02' to 27º 10' to 1 104.00 West 2 C Sanctuary 4100 dt: 08.06.96 88 11' 27 13' Fambonglho Wildlife 1524 - 34/WL/82 88º 29' to 27º 10' to 2 51.76 East 2 C Sanctuary 2749 dt: 02.04.84 88º 35' 27º 23' 45/WL/83/625 dt: 29.08.84

Kyongnosla Alpine 3292 - Extended vide 3 31.00 East 2 C 88º 44' to 27º 22' to Sanctuary 4116 45/WL/F/92/1585/F&WL 88º 45' 27º 24' dt: 05.12.1992 Maenam Wildlife 2000 - 63/WL//F/86 88º 21' to 27º 21' to 4 35.34 South 2 C Sanctuary 3263 dt: 09.03.87 88º 25' 27º 25' Pangolakha Wildlife 1760 - 26/WL/F/89 88º 35' to 27º 09' to 5 128.00 East 2 C Sanctuary 4390 dt: 07.11.00 88º 51' 27º 22' Shingba 3048 - 46/WL/F/92/1585/F&WL 88º 43' to 27 43' to 6 Rhododendron 43.00 North 2 C 4575 dt: 05.12.92 88º 46' 27 48' Sanctuary Khangchendzonga North/ 1400 - 95/KNP 88º 03' to 27º 27' to 7 1784.00 1 B & 2 C National Park West 8585 dt: 26.08.07 88º 39' 27º 53' 320 - 39/FEWM/2005 88º 20' to 27º 06' to 8 Kitam Bird Sanctuary 6.00 875 dt: 03.02.05 88º 22' 27º 07 Total area (A) 2183.10 - - - - - North/ 9 KNP Buffer zone 836.00 - - - - - West Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve North/ 2725 - 88º 27' to 27º 33' to 10 2620.00 1 B & 2 C 1/KNP/WL/27 dt: 17.05.1997 (KNP+Buffer West 5537 88º 33' 27º 40' =1784+836) Total Geographic 11 7096.00 ------area (Sikkim)

Note: 1. Protected Area Network does not include area under buffer zone of biosphere reserve

2. Total area under administration by State Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department [(RF i/c PAs) + Khasmals + Gaucharan = 5452+285+104 = 5841 Sq km] i.e. 82.31% of State's geographical area)

3. Territorial Sector [RF + Khasmals + Gaucharan = 3268.90 + 285 +104 = 3657.90 Sq. km] i.e. 51.55% of State's Geographical area

4. Wildlife Sector [KNP + Sanctuaries = 2183.10 Sq. km] i.e. 30.77 % of State's Geographical Area.

ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 6

Khangchendzonga National Park – An Overview

The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) extends from the cold deserts of Lhonak valley and the ridges of Lachen in the north district to the historical place at Yuksom in west district. The western boundary of the park runs along the international boundary with .

KNP covers an area of 1784 sq. km. and occupies as much as 25.14 % of the land area of Sikkim. It has a spectacular wilderness with one of the world’s highest peaks the Mt. Khangchendzonga towering above virtually undisturbed forests. In fact Mt. Khangchendzonga is the finest example of an independent mountain having its own glacial system radiating from its several summits. It has about 18 glaciers including the huge, fearsome, awesome and turbulent Zemu glacier that is 300m thick and 26 km long. Besides, there are over 17 high altitude lakes and 23 mountains and peaks. 80% of core zone of the National Park is a vast water tank which supports thousands and thousands of life system down below and towards areas.

KNP is divided into three administrative ranges District Name of Range Area (sq km) 1. North Chungthang 816 2. North Dzongu 612 3. South–West Yuksom 356 Total 1784

KNP harbors population of rare and endangered high altitude flora and fauna, some are endemic to the Eastern Himalaya.

Flora The flora of KNP is broadly subdivided into three forest zones; 1. Temperate Broad-leaved forest ( 1829-2730 m) dominated by Quercus lineata, Quercus lamellose, Quercus pachyphylla, Schima wallichii, Castanopsis species, Acer campbellii, Engelhardtia, Juglans regia, Michelia cathcartii ,Magnoilia campbellii and Cinnamounm obtusifolium. 2. Mixed Coniferous Forest (2730-3650 m) dominated by fir, Abies densa, Acer species, Spruce, Picea mrindoides and Junipers (Juniperous species) with associates of taller varieties of Rhododendrons and Bamboo (Arundinaira species) 3. Alpine Scrub and Grass (above 3650 m) dominated by common shrubs and herbs like Meconopsis species, Primula

Blue Sheep species, Prostrating junipers, Iris gentiana, Anemone and Delhpinium. Besides, there are many medicinal herbs too like Aconitum, Picrorhiza, Orchis latifolia, Nardostachys Himalayan Thar jamtamsi,nobile and Panax pseudogingseng.

Fauna The Khangchendzonga (high altitude) National Park is a reservoir of diverse habitats including some rare and endangered species Kalij Pheasant like the , Himalayan Red Panda (Sikkim’s State animal), Musk Deer, Nayan or the Great Tibetan Sheep. Bharal or the blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr (Shaipii), Common Leopard, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Wild Dogs, Tibetan Rheum nobile Wolf, Mountain Fox, Tibetan Fox, Himalayan Black Bear, Marmots, Monkeys and many more.

Rhododendron Aster spp ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 7

Avi-Fauna The State is rich in bird-life with around 550 species and sub-species-like the flamboyant high-altitude Pheasants which include Monal Pheasant, Tragopan Snow Cock; Himalayan Snow Partridge, Hill Partridge, Lammergyer, Forest Eagle -Owl, Tibetan Horned Eagle- Owl;Eagles;Falcons;Hawks; and Snow & Rock Pigeons. Most of these birds are physically adopted for high mountain climate conditions and come down to lower elevations during winter when the upper reaches are covered with snow.

Places of Interest in KNP KNP offers exuberating experience for mountaineers and trekkers, and is one of most fascinating eco -destinations of the world. Dzongri Trek Yabuk on the way to Green lake Gochela Treak Basecamp Trek Samiti lake on the way to Gochela Kishongla Trek Phimpu Trek Green Lake Trek

Permission & Fees in the Park ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss In accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Wildlife Rules made thereon, the Chief Wildlife Warden grant s permission to visitors intending to visit the Khangchendzonga National Park for the purpose of photography, scientific research, tourism, transaction of lawful business and studying wildlife on payment of the following prescribed fees.

A.ENTRY FEE: 1. India Nationals (i) Rs.200/ - per head for the first 7 days. (ii) Rs.30/- per head per day for additional days. 2. Foreigners (i) Rs.400/- per head for the first 7 days (ii) Rs.75/- per head per day for additional days. 3. Students (Indian Nationals) (i) Rs.40/- per head for the first 7 days

(ii) Rs.20/- per head per day for additional days. 4. Local Guides and Porters with team Rs.20/-per head per day 5. Pack Animals Rs.10/-per animal per day 6. Tent Pitching Rs.40/-per tent per day

B. CAMERA OPERATING FEE: 1. Still Camera Rs.20/- 2. Video Camera Rs.750/- 3. Movie Camera Rs.3000/-

C. FILM MAKING (One film at a time): Foreigners Indians 1. Feature Film Rs.60,000/- Rs.30,000/- 2. Documentary Rs.30,000/- Rs.20,000/-

ENVIS Sikkim Quarterly Newsletter | 2013-14 Vol. 6, Issue 3 (October-December) 8

.. Continued from Page 1 Regulations/ laws relating to Protected ENVIS Centre Sikkim On Status of Areas (PAs): Environment has made this effort to The State Government may, after having The PAs are constituted and governed under publish newsletter on quarterly basis consultations with local communities, declare the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) from 2013-14 with the support from the any area owned by the Government, Act, 1972, which has been amended from time Ministry of Environment & Forests, particularly the area adjacent to National to time, with the changing ground realities Government of India. The Centre will Parks and Sanctuaries and those areas which concerning wildlife crime control and PAs publish a special edition “PANDA link one Protected Area with another, as a management. Implementation of this Act is Newsletter” at every fourth quarter Conservation Reserve under section 36 (A) for further complemented by other Acts viz. with the extended support from the protection of landscapes, seascapes, flora, Indian Forest Act, 1927, Forest (Conservation) Forests, Environment & Wildlife fauna, and their habitats. Act, 1980, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Management Department, Government and Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the of Sikkim. The State Government may, where the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest community or an individual has volunteered to Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, This newsletter is aimed at conserve wildlife and its habitat, declare any 2006. disseminating environment, forest and private or community land not comprised wildlife information among the within a National park, sanctuary or a In order to strengthen and synergize global environment enthusiasts, students and conservation reserve as a Community Reserve wildlife conservation efforts, a party to public at large. under section 36 (C) for protecting fauna, flora major international conventions viz. and traditional or cultural conservation values Convention on International Trade in Please send your valuable suggestions, and practices. Some of the protection clauses Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora comments and querries to; in relation to a sanctuary apply to the (CITES), International Union for Conservation Conservation and Community Reserves but of Nature (IUCN), International Convention for ENVIS CENTRE SIKKIM not all. the Regulation of Whaling, UNESCO-World On Status of Environment & its Related Issues Heritage Committee and Convention on Forest Secretariat Annex II, Some Restriction and Prohibitions within Migratory Species (CMS). Room No – 1101, Ground Floor Sanctuaries and National Parks under the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management WL(P), 1972 Main issues concerning the management of Department, Protected Areas: Wildlife conservation and Government of Sikkim, Section 27 restricts entry into a PA except on management in India is currently facing a Deorali -737102, being granted permission by the Chief Wildlife myriad of complex challenges that are both Warden or by an authorized officer. Any ecological and social in nature. Issues such as person residing rightfully within a PA is bound habitat loss/fragmentation, overuse of Email us at: [email protected] to assist any forest or police officer demanding biomass resources in the context of biotic Visit us at : www.sikenvis.nic.in his aid for preventing the commission of any pressures, increasing human-wildlife conflicts, offence against WL (P) A, 1972 or in livelihood dependence on forests and wildlife Tel (O) : 03592-280381 investigation of any such offence. An resources, poaching and illegal trade in wildlife Fax: 03592-281778, 280381 important clause is sec 27(3) which states that parts and products, need for maintaining a no person shall, with intent to cause damage broad base of public support for wildlife to any boundary mark of a sanctuary or to conservation exemplify and characterize the ENVIS TEAM cause any wrongful gain as defined in the contemporary wildlife conservation scenario in

Indian Penal code (45-1860), alter, destroy, India. The government and the civil society are Coordinator move or deface such boundary mark. taking several measures to address these Mr. B. K. Tewari, IFS issues. Improved synergies and better Chief Conservator of Forests Section 29 prohibits destruction of any kind coordination amongst the wide array of (Environment & Soil Conservation) within a PA, which includes prohibition to stakeholders are needed to meet the remove any wildlife including forest produce, challenges of conserving India’s diverse Sr. Programme Officer or destroy or damage or divert the habitat of wilderness resources. Mr. Rajen Pradhan any wildlife, stop or enhance the flow of water except in accordance with a permit granted by Information Officer-cum-Programme Assistant the Chief Wildlife Warden. References Mr. Laxuman Darnal  National Wildlife Database, Feb 2013 Section 30 prohibits causing of fire within a  http://iucn.org IT Assistant –cum- Data Entry Operator PA.  http://whc.unesco.org/ Ms. Renu Gurung  http://moef.gov.in

Sec 31 prohibits entry into a PA with weapon.  http://wii.gov.in  http://wiienvis.nic.in Section 32 bans on use of injurious substance  http://knpsikkim.in within PAs. Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter Section 51 of WL (P) A, 1972 specifies has been compiled from various sources and penalties for contravening any provision of this does not necessarily depict views of the ENVIS Act. Centre, Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim ENVIS PUBLICATION 2013-14