© 2018-19 ENVIS HUB SIKKIM Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Any part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, provided that the same is duly cited. All efforts have been made to make the PANDA information shown as accurate as possible. ENVIS HUB SIKKIM Newsletter Editorial Board Volume No 11 Issue No. 4 [2019] Registration No. 61685/93 Mr. M. L. Srivastava, IFS ISSN 2320-3943 Principal Secretary –cum- PCCF
PANDA is a newsletter published by Mr. B. P. Pradhan, IFS Sikkim State ENVIS Hub (formerly ENVIS CCF (HQ) Center), Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government Mr. B. B. Gurung, of Sikkim. This newsletter is aimed at GREEN GOOD DEEDS disseminating environment, forest and Director (Env. & SC, RVP, Planning and ENVIS) wildlife information among the public at large Published by: and is also envisaged to serve as a medium Mrs. Kusum Gurung, to communication among foresters and Joint Director (ENVIS, SPCB, Sericulture) Sikkim State ENVIS Hub others engaged in nature conservation in Forests, Environment & Wildlife the State. Free and voluntary contributions Compilation & Design: Management Department for publication in the newsletter may be sent Government of Sikkim to ENVIS. Mr. Rajen Pradhan, Sr. Programme Officer (ENVIS) Electronic version available online SIKKIM STATE ENVIS HUB ENVIS team sincerely thanks the resource persons in ENVIS Sikkim website On Status of Environment & its Related Issues and well wishers for their contribution in this http://www.sikenvis.nic.in Forest Secretariat B - Block, issue. Room No.B-101, Ground Floor Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, Deorali -737102, Gangtok Quarterly Newsletters of 2018-19
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ENVIS TEAM Coordinator Mr. B. B. Gurung, Director of Forests (Env. & SC, RVP, Planning and ENVIS) Mrs. Kusum Gurung, Joint Director (ENVIS, SPCB, Sericulture) Apr-Jun Vol. 11, Issue 1 Jul-Sep Vol. 11, Issue 2 Oct-Dec Vol. 11, Issue 3 Sr. Programme Officer Mr. Rajen Pradhan Information Officer Sikkim State ENVIS Hub On Status of Environment publishes Mr. Laxuman Darnal newsletter on quarterly basis with the support from IT Officer the Ministry of Environment, Forests& Climate Change, Ms.Renu Gurung Government of India. The fourth quarter publication is a special annual edition titled “PANDA” which is published Data Entry Operator Ms. Tulsha Gurung with the extended support from the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim. Please login www.sikenvis.nic.in to download the e-copy Cover photo: First-ever camera footage of the Royal Bengal Tiger roaming the forests of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, captured on December 6, 2018 at 6:23 pm near Goru ENVIS PUBLICATION 2018-19 Jurey at an altitude of 9583 ft. EDITORIAL MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan State in the North Eastern part This edition of PANDA news magazine provides of India has always been an explorer’s paradise. The insights to such research and scholarly adventures of State flaunts with rich inheritance of diverse floral and the mountain eco-system. The State has diverse cultural faunal species fascinating researchers across the globe. communities living in harmony with nature which is The research expeditions here in Sikkim are nonpareil the basis for holistic and sustainable development and conducive to new findings and discoveries, an amidst global threat of climate change and hardships indication of a healthy forest eco-system flourishing in of mountain life. The people of this peaceful Mountain our State. State are endowed with immense responsibility to sustain the eco-friendly practices for safeguarding The first ever sighting of Royal Bengal Tiger through future generations. This edition intends to reflect and camera trap installations at Sikkim forests during learn more of our own natural environment for wider December 2018 is a major breakthrough amidst stories and deeper understanding. murmuring of its presence for centuries. The venture to estimate the wildlife population in the State has bred I hope you will find this edition interesting and enjoy fruitful results. The wary and majestic predator of the reading it! high mountains, the Snow Leopard has been found in packs. Red Panda, the State animal has been estimated to be around 380. The wildlife Protected Areas in the Shri. M. L. Srivastava, IFS State have good habitats for flourishing the native and Principal Secretary -cum- PCCF endangered species. Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim Send your comments and suggestions to [email protected] [email protected]
Temperate Coniferous Forest
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 1 PANDA V o l . 1 1 I s s u e 4 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 I S S N 2 3 2 0 - 3 9 4 3 R e g i s t r a ti o n N o . 6 1 6 8 5 / 9 3 An ENVIS SIKKIM Publication On Status of Environment & Related Issues Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim
C O V E R P A G E W H A T ’ S M O R E ….. page-wise
Royal Bengal Tiger 4 Royal Bengal Tiger roams Sikkim Forest roams Sikkim Forest Highest Elevation Record of Royal Bengal Tiger in Highest Elevation Record of Royal Bengal 6 Sikkim Tiger in Sikkim 4
Snow Leopard in East Sikkim 9 Nectar of Erythrina (Phaledo) as an alternative foraging substrate for the bird species in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India Report on Camera traps of Flagship Study 10 15 on Musk Deer (Moschus sp)
Biodiversity Assessment of Lhonak Valley in North Sikkim, Nectar of Erythrina (Phaledo) as an India alternative foraging substrate for the 15 21 bird species in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India
Lashar Valley Expedition My Tryst With Monkeys A Gene Bank of Alpine Medicinal 19 Plants 29 Biodiversity Assessment of 21 Lhonak Valley In North Sikkim, India Rapid Biodiversity Assessment of Green Lake Trekking Route Sampling Path in Khangchendzonga National Park, North Sikkim, India Lashar Valley Expedition 2017 a Gene 29 45 Bank of Alpine Medicinal Plants
The Teesta An overview of potentially Domung-Gora-la Complex A Rich polluted river stretches in Sikkim Ecological Community in Lachung Range, 36 68 North Sikkim, India
Climate Change: How vulnerable is Sikkim? Rapid Biodiversity Assessment of Green Lake Trekking Route Sampling Path in 45 73 Khangchendzonga National Park, Visit our Website for the electronic [PDF] copy: North Sikkim, India www.sikenvis.nic.in
2 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 An ENVIS SIKKIM Publication On Status of Environment & Related Issues Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim
W H A T ’ S M O R E ….. page-wise
Field expedition of Muguthang, 54 North Sikkim, India
Analysis of Biometric Parameters, Phytosociological Studies and Tree Species Diversity in Closed Permanent 57 Preservation Plot at Tumlabong Reserve Forest in Rangpo Block, East Sikkim
An overview of Polluted River Stretches 68 of Teesta in Sikkim
Climate Change 73 How Vulnerable is Sikkim?
Hariyo Makha 80 (Sikkim Against Pollution)
Bar Peepal Vivah - A spiritual marriage tradition held at 85 Lower Gom-Belbotey, South Sikkim
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 3 Royal Bengal Tiger roams Sikkim Forest
4 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 The presence of tigers in Sikkim forests is an indication of the existence of a healthy forest eco-system flourishing in our State.
Mon, Jan 7, 2019 DECHEN LACHUNGPA Divisional Forest Officer, East Wildlife Division
History has indeed been created with the first-ever tigers right up to 10000 ft was an unusual phenomena camera footage of the Royal Bengal Tiger roaming the and could be attributed to the tigers developing a taste forests of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, for yaks. captured on the night of December 6, 2018 at 6:23 pm and 7:00 pm near Goru Jurey at an altitude of 9583 ft. No doubt, during the 1990s, tiger pugmarks were reported from inside the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Up until the late 80s, there has been oral narratives and in March 2009, tiger pugmarks have been seen near of tigers freely roaming the forests of Sikkim, having Jelepla at an altitude of 10,000 ft, with approximately migrated from the neighbouring Neora Valley National 70 meters of the animal track discovered. Roars have Park of West Bengal. The tigers crossed into Sikkim’s been heard, pugmarks have been seen, tiger kills have Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and made their way to been described but a visual capture of the Royal Bengal the Assam Reserve Forest (altitude 5000 ft, opposite Tiger roaming the forests of Sikkim calls for a moment Tsongmo Lake). After two days of kill, it moved to of celebration. Rateypani (6000 ft) in the Bulbuley Reserve Forest and thence migrated further upwards towards North Sikkim In an era when tigers have been listed as highly protected through Phamthang Reserve Forest (6000 ft), spending Schedule-I species, due to its dangerously dwindling a week while feeding on the resident’s livestock. After population, nearing extinction, the presence of tigers Phamthang, it arrived at the Toong and Naga Reserve in Sikkim forests is an indication of the existence of Forest (7000ft). a healthy forest eco-system flourishing in our State. It is an affirmation of the positive consequences of the This migration of tigers to Toong and Naga coincided Sikkim government’s long-term visionary and pro- with the seasonal winter migration of herds of cows from environment policies of conservation and protection of Lachung and Lachen during January to mid-March. our Forests. From here, it moved to Chungthang and thence onwards Much appreciation goes to the team of Field Forest to Lachung and further higher up to Chuba at 10000ft Officers of the North Pangolakha Wildlife Range, East where it killed again. The arrival of tiger into these areas Wildlife Division led by Range Officer Roshan Tamang caused losses to the villagers and the people were even who spent days positioning camera traps in strategic fearful of mentioning its name and referred to the tiger locations inside the forests of Pangolakha with funding respectfully as ‘Azo’ (grandfather). They made smoke received from the JICA-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity offerings to prevent the killings of livestock by tigers. Conservation and Forest Management Project. This During 1978, a team comprising of Late P.O. Pazo, visual footage of the tiger is just the beginning and a then Chief Wildlife Warden, S.T Lachungpa, then concrete base upon which a much detailed study on Assistant Conservator of Forests and Late Chezung migration of tigers to Sikkim has to be conducted. Lachungpa, then Range Officer, conducted a survey of the movement of tigers by questioning village elders (* The historical narrative of tigers migrating from and former shikaris and confirmed this migration Pangolakha, East Sikkim to North Sikkim have been of tigers from East to North of Sikkim. At that time, detailed after interviewing a senior retired forest officer wildlife expert N.D Jayal remarked that moving of with vast knowledge on the forests of Sikkim)
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 5 Highest Elevation Record of Royal Bengal Tiger in Sikkim Nimesh Chamling, Karma Choden Bhutia* & Kusum Gurung Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Managemnt Project Forest, Environment & Wildlife Managemnt Department *Corresponding author: [email protected]
Camera traps instead of capture of Tiger at Ek Gothey in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim.
The JICA assisted Sikkim Biodiversity and Forest In the flagship species study of Musk deer species, Management Project (SBFP) under the Forest, camera traps were installed in Kyongnosla Alpine Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Sanctuary (KAS), East Sikkim during the month of Government of Sikkim which commenced during January 2019 by a team led by Mr. Nimesh Chamling, 2010 has four operational components viz- Survey Expert of Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation Biodiversity, Ecotourism, Joint Forest Management and Forest Management Project assisted by Mr. Jeewan and Organizational Strengthening. In the Biodiversity Kumar Rai, Mr. Kalu Singh Rai and Mr. Passang component of the project, two studies viz., Flagship Sherpa field staffs of Kyongnosla Wildlife Sanctuary. Species study and the Wildlife Population Estimation The camera installed by this team at Ek Gothey th are being undertaken. The flagship species study captured a tiger on 5 February 2019 at 9:20:36 pm . Ek Gothey at altitude focusing on Red Panda, Musk deer and Rhododendron when temperature was -3° C of 11,715 ft (3571 m asl) is located in the southern niveum and the Wildlife population estimation in and part of the sanctuary and is accessible on foot from the around the wildlife protected areas of the state are being nearby JN road. This is the highest elevation record undertaken with engagement of researchers, capacity of Royal Bengal Tiger in the state till date. As per building, linkages/tie up with National organisations, available records in India, the highest altitude camera funding, etc. trapped photographic evidences of tiger is reported As a part of Wildlife Population estimation in the from Arunachal Pradesh at elevation of 11,909 ft. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim when Royal Bengal Tiger in Sikkim was first reported by camera traps were installed, tiger/s were captured at Frederick Marshman Bailey, a British intellegence two different locations at Regu Daap on 11.11.2018 officer and explorer at Karponang area on the way to at 8677 ft. and Goru jurey twice on 06.12.2018 and Nathula in East Sikkim. When the tiger was on the 28.12.2018. prowl, he followed the pugmarks and took a shot at 6 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Map 1: Location map of kyongnosla Map 2: Map showing camera trapped recorded Map 3: Map showing the portable Tiger WS, East Sikkim in Sikkim from Nov. 2018 to Feb. 2019 Route in Sikkim it. He missed the target and saw this terrified beast Management Project (SBFP) has provided a great escaped across Lagyap and Tsongmo regions at an insight into wildlife presence particularly of tiger elevation of 3,500-3,800 m, killing yaks and ponies on movement in the state. The conservation policies the way. The tiger crossed a 4,000 m ridge and reached of the state which has maintained contiguous forest Dikchu valley where it was finally killed. cover across the landscape has provided protection to these big cats. More Surveys are required along the The Kynongnosla Alpine Sanctuary was divided into probable route i.e. Pangolakha-Kyongnosla-Tamzey- 1x1 sq.km grids and categorized into three survey Toong-Naga RF-Torsa Lake-Khedum-Lema-Qusay zones viz., alpine, sub-alpine and krumholtz. As per and Meruk RF. The site offers one of the best hopes for the methodology developed in consultation with Dr. S. conserving tigers and securing their habitats across the Sathyakumar, scientific guide from WII-Dehradun it Himalayas. was agreed upon laying one camera trap per one square kilometer grid. During January 2019, all grids were not Chronology of Tiger in Sikkim accessible due to snow cover and only 8 grids cameras were installed. In the same area where the tiger was 1924: Colonel Frederick M. Bailey first reported tiger camera trapped, other fauna like Red Panda, Musk deer, kills (yak and pony) made at Kharponang, East Sikkim Red fox, Wild yak, Blood pheasant, Himalayan monal on the way to Nathula Pass. and Yellow throated marten were also captured which means that there is a good prey base in the habitat. 1978: A team comprising of Late P.O. Pazo, then Chief Wildlife Warden, S. T.Lachungpa, then Assistant The Department, since many decades has been gathering Conservator of Forest and Late ChezungLachungpa, information about the movements of tigers in East & then Range Officer conducted a survey of the movement North Sikkim. The Department had earlier recorded of tigers by questioning village elders and former evidence from Lachung, Torsa Lake, Phyangsi, shikaris and confirmed this migration of tigers from East Kyongnosla with the first photographic evidence from to West of Sikkim. At that time, wildlife expert N.D. cameras installed in the Pangolakha wildlife Sanctuary. Jayal remarked that moving of tigers right up to 10,000 The wide application of camera trap technologies as ft was unusual phenomena and could be attributed to the part of the Population Estimation Study under JICA tigers developing a taste for yaks. assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 7 1990: Tiger pugmarks were reported from the 2015-2018: The North Wildlife Division led by Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Divisional Forest Officer, Karma ChodenBhutia 1993: Tiger Census in north and east Sikkim, other and her team compiled field reports (from persons species of wildlife encountered including ungulates were communication, cattle kill and photographic evidences also recorded. The following areas were specifically of pugmarks) from Khedum, Lachung, Toong-Naga RF, covered in KNP (Lachungpa, C. pers. comm.): Yuksom Torsa Lake in North District. – Dzongri – Goecha La, Lampokhari trekking trail 2018: Phodong Territorial team found pugmarks at Kabi (W), Tholung Valley (N), Chungthang-Menshithang- RF at Phyangsi which is near the Tamzey Lake. Bikmatar, Phimphu (N), Lachen-Zema-Green Lake (N) 2018: WWF-NTCA initiated the tiger study in the state and Thangu-Muguthang-Green Lake (N). Nov-Dec 2018: Tiger was camera trapped in Pangolakha 1998: Ganguli-Lachungpa, on the occurrence of the Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim by Divisional Forest Tiger Panthera tigris in Sikkim. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Officer (Wildlife) Dechen Lachungpa and her team. Soc. 95 (1): 109 11.11.2018 – ReguDaap 8677 ft 2009: The pugmarks were photographed in March 27 at Ganek-Lunto area in Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, 06.12.2018 – Gorujurey East Sikkim, by team of forest officials led by the then Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) East Karma Legshey 28.12.2018 – Gorujurey and about 100 m of tiger trail was tracked on the snow covered area at Lungthung, East Sikkim. Feb, 2019: Tiger was camera trapped in Kyongnosla 2015: Report of yak killed at Toong-Naga RF, at Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim by Survey Expert Mr. Deyshok was reported by the then Divisional Forest Nimesh Chamling (BC) SBFP, Mr. Jeewan Kumar Rai, Officer (Territorial) North Sugen Saring and his team. Mr. Kalu Singh Rai and Mr. Passang Sherpa, field staffs The pugmarks were confirmed to be that of a tiger by of Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. experts.
Camera Traps Installation in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim
8 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Snow Leopard in East Sikkim DECHEN LACHUNGPA Divisional Forest Officer, East Wildlife Division It was a moment of elation for the State of Sikkim the overlap in the migratory routes used by the Big Cats when for the very first time the Royal Bengal Tiger was inside Pangolakha. The Snow Leopard is a Schedule 1 photographed on the night of 6th and 28th December animal and is listed as ‘endangered’ by International 2018 inside the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Snow Sikkim. Leopard occupies the alpine and sub-alpine areas. Once again for the very first time, on 2nd January 2019 Besides Big Cats, there are many such wild animals at 4:22 pm, the East Wildlife Division have managed that have been captured on camera and is currently to capture on camera the majestic Snow Leopard near being documented with funds received from the JICA- Goru Jurey inside the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary at assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest an altitude of 9583 ft. This very elusive and shy animal Management Project. Such richness in diversity of had earlier been captured on camera in the northern faunal elements and presence of scheduled animals and western parts of Sikkim. However this is the first inside Sikkim’s forests speaks well of the far-sighted photographic capture of Snow Leopard in East Sikkim. pro-environment policies of the State government. It is interesting to note that the very same camera trap Deep appreciation is due to the Field Forest Officers had, at the same location, last month also captured of the North Pangolakha Wildlife Range, East Wildlife Sikkim’s first image of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Division led by Range Officer Roshan Tamang who This image capture of both the Royal Bengal Tiger and managed to place the camera traps in strategic location the Snow Leopard in the exact same location confirms so as to capture these significant images. Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 9 Report on Camera traps of Flagship Study on Musk Deer (Moschus sp)
Nimesh Chamling*, Karma Choden Bhutia & Kusum Gurung Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management *Corresponding author: [email protected]
Musk Deer (male)
Introduction Sikkim, a North-Eastern Himalayan State, is globally renowned for its rich biological diversity and is a part of global biodiversity hotspot. It is located in the Eastern Himalaya and is the 22nd State of the Indian subcontinent. The State has unique biogeographically features having varied altitudinal range and climate which makes it a home to diverse type of flora and fauna from tropical to trans-Himalaya. In addition to this, the State is also a home to three different ethnic communities (Lepcha, Bhutia & Nepali) having unique culture, tradition and life style and living in harmony with each other. Sikkim is known to harbor approximately 5500 species of flowering plants, which includes over 450 tree species, 38 species of rhododendrons, over 1681 species of medicinal plants, 557 orchid species, 480 species of fern & fern-allies, 9 tree fern species, 11 oak species, 16 conifer species, 28 bamboo species, 30 Primula species, 144+ mammals, 568 Birds, 48 Fishes, and over 689 Butterflies and 7000 species of moths www.sikenvis.nic.in( ). 10 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 There are seven species of musk deer reported from Asia; among these five species namely Kashmiri musk deer (Moschus cupreus), Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster), Black musk deer (Moschus fuscus) and Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) are found in Himalayas within the Indian limits (Grubb 2005). These species are small, cryptic, mostly solitary forest dwelling and occupying hilly terrain at the height ranging from 2500 to 4200m a.s.l. in Indian Himalayas. They occupy alpine and scrub forests (Green 1986). According to IUCN 2011 all these musk deer species are classified as endangered and are listed in Appendix I of CITES (UNEPCITES 2011). In Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, these species are listed in Schedule I. The musk deer species in the Himalayas are threatened due to large-scale deforestation in past for timber, human settlements, cultivation and developmental activities causing loss, fragmentation and shrinkage in their habitat (Green 1987). The occurrence of musk deer species have been recorded even outside the Protected Area (PA). However, these species continue to decline mainly due to lack of effective protection within PA. There is occurrence of high level of poaching of musk deer for musk pods by the poachers, severe anthropogenic pressures resulting dependence of local communities for timber, fodder, food, medicinal plants and livestock grazing inside the PA (Ilyas 2007; Khan et al. 2006). Very few work has been done on their current status, distribution and abundance throughout Himalayas in Indian limits even though the species are important from conservation aspect (Green 1985, 1986, 1987, Satyakumar 1994).
Study Area Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary lies in East Sikkim. It is around 39.7 km from Gangtok and takes approximately 1 h 28 min to reach. The area of the sanctuary is 31 km2 and is located between 3000 m to 4200 m. The forest types of the sanctuary are represented by sub-alpine and alpine. In the east, the boundary of the sanctuary extend along the Rong-chu ridge upto Natso; in the west, it runs along the Kyongnosla ridge towards north ending near Kyongnosla police check post at J.N.Road starting from 5th mile check post extending upto Rangchu ridge. The slope angle of the area ranges between mild (5°) to steep (50°) and is faced towards E, N, NW and NE aspect. The sanctuary is one of the wildlife protected areas of Sikkim which was first notified as the Kyongnosla Alpine Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of India vide Notification No. 45/WL/83/625 dated 29.08.84; extended vide 45/WL/F/92/1585/F & WL dated 05.12.1992. This sanctuary belongs to the Bio-geographical zone 2C (Central Himalaya) as recognized by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The area around the sanctuary is notified as the Eco-Sensitive Zone by the Central Government with the purpose of protecting and conserving the biodiversity of the sanctuary and its environment. The extent of this zone varies from 25 m to 200 m from the boundary of the sanctuary. The sanctuary constitutes a diverse habitat for both flora and fauna and is an abode to the wide range of topographical landscape. It harbors some rare, endangered species, high value and rare medicinal plants and the lower elevation is occupied with tall Junipers, Rhododendron thickets with scattered Abies densa and somewhere with bamboo thickets. The major significance of this sanctuary is the number of Scheduled animals it harbors [specified in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972] which are given maximum protection in the National level as well as having the main inhabitant in the form of Red Panda, Musk Deer and different species of Gallinaceous Birds and Pheasants.
Materials and Methodology Camera trapping Camera trapping technique has become one of the most used tools for quantifying the number of different species in an area; this is a more effective method than attempting to count by hand every individual organism in a field. Based on the information gathered through notification of the Musk Deer conservation zone map, the area was divided into 1x1 sq.km grid and categorized into three survey zones viz., alpine, sub-alpine and krumholtz. As per the methodology developed in consultation with Dr. S. Sathyakumar, Scientific guide from WII-Dehradun it was agreed upon laying one camera trap per one square kilometer grid. Using the above map as base map the camera traps were deployed inside the grid. The cameras were installed based on the parameters that include
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 11 secondary evidences like hoofmark, pellets, hairs where musk deer is expected to rest and wherever the possibility of sighting a musk deer would be expected inside the grid. Other than installing camera traps other parameters were taken into consideration like GPS coordinates, elevation, slope angle, distance to nearest water bodies, aspect and vegetation. Whenever we came across direct sighting of musk deer we recorded the distance of sighting, activity, GPS coordinates, time of sighting, slope angle, etc. Indirect evidences like hoofmarks, hairs and pellets encountered were also recorded for presence of the species in the study area. A total of 8 numbers of camera traps were installed inside 1x1 sq. km grid.
Apart from musk deer (Moschus sp) other faunal species captured in camera traps were Yellow-Throated marten (Martes flavigula), Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris), Red panda (Ailurus fulgens), Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejenus).
Table 1: Table showing the list of animals captured in each of the Camera traps CT Sex Species captured Scientific Name Family ID Male Female 1 No images captured Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis Felidae 2 Musk deer Moschus sp. Moschidae Female Blood pheasant Ithaginis cruentus Phasianidae Male Female 3 No image captured Himalayan monal Lophophorus impejenus Phasianidae Male Female 4 Musk deer Moschus sp. Moschidae Male Musk deer Moschus sp. Moschidae Male Red fox Vulpes vulpes Canidae 5 Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis Felidae Blood pheasant Ithaginis cruentus Phasianidae Male Female Himalayan monal Lophophorus impejenus Phasianidae Male Royal Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris Felidae 6 Yellow-Throated marten Martes flavigula Mustelidae Blood pheasant Ithaginis cruentus Phasianidae Male 7 Musk deer Moschus sp. Moschidae 8 Red fox Vulpes vulpes Canidae Blood pheasant Ithaginis cruentus Phasianidae Male Female
Table 2: showing the coordinates of camera trap location Camera Elevation Slope Angle (In Sl.No. Latitude Longitude Broad Habitat Trap ID (In meter) Degree) 1 CT-01 27°22’27.6” 88°43’01.5” 3409 20 Sub-Alpine 2 CT-02 27°22’29.7” 88°43’29.0” 3405 mild Sub-Alpine 3 CT-03 27°22’42.5” 88°43’37.1” 3418 mild Sub-Alpine 4 CT-04 27°23’01.3” 88°43’56.4” 3556 25 Sub-Alpine 5 CT-05 27°23’16.2” 88°43’59.6” 3665 mild Sub-Alpine 6 CT-06 27°23’13.3” 88°44’27.4” 3571 15 Sub-Alpine 7 CT-07 27°23’15.6” 88°44’53.8” 3571 25 Sub-Alpine 8 CT-08 27°23’04.6” 88°44’10.8” 3484 10 Sub-Alpine
12 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Map 1: Digital Elevation Model of Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Map 2: Map showing Camera Trap location inside 1 x 1 Sq. Km grid in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Observation A total of 8 camera traps were installed in the sanctuary during the month of January 2019. Due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperature it was challenging task for us to carry out our field work during both camera traps installation and retrieval period.
During camera traps retrieval we made the direct sighting of our state bird, the Blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) both male and female at an altitude of 3556 m on the way to Ek Gothey. The area where we sighted the blood pheasant has a slope angle of 45° and was mainly dominated by Rhododendron species. The ground vegetation was covered by dried vegetation of Carex sp, Fragaria sp, Hemiphragma heterophyllum, etc. Apart from direct evidence we could make indirect evidence of the presence of Blood pheasants through toes mark. Similarly, we also found the indirect evidence of Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejenus) toes mark inside the sanctuary. From this we can tell that the sanctuary has a good population of Blood pheasants and Himalayan monal.
The sanctuary is free from grazing, because when the ban on grazing was enacted all the Goth were removed from inside the Sanctuary. This made a huge disappointment to the Goth owners initially because it was the only source of income for them. But slowly they understood and started to accept it. Now all the Ex-Goth owners have shifted their livelihoods towards tourism because it has boosted their livelihood due to large influx of tourist flowing to Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and alternative Kailash Mansarovar route.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 13 REFERENCES 1) CITES, Official documents: Appendices I, II and III. UNEP Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, Dec.2011; http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php 2) Green MJB. 1985. Aspects of the ecology of Himalayan musk deer [PhD thesis]. University of Cambridge. 280 p. 3) Green MJB. 1986. Distribution, status and conservation of Himalayan musk deer. Biol Conserv. 35:347–375. 4) Green MJB. 1987. Some ecological aspects of a Himalayan population of musk deer. In: Wemmer CM, editor. Biology and management of the Cervidae. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press; p. 307–319. 5) Green MJB. 1987. Some ecological aspects of a Himalayan population of musk deer. In: Wemmer CM, editor. Biology and management of the Cervidae. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press; p. 307–319. 6) Grubb P. 2005. Artiodactyla. In: Wilson DE, Reeder DM, editors. Mammal species of the world. A taxonomic and geographic reference (3rd ed). Baltimore, USA: Johns Hopkins University Press; p. 637–722. 7) IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2.
Photo plate: Image of Musk Deer Captured on Camera traps at Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim
Blood pheasant (Male) Blood pheasant (Female) Himalayan monal (Female)
Himalayan monal (Male) Red fox Red Panda
14 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Nectar of Erythrina (Phaledo) as an alternative foraging substrate for the bird species in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India
*Santosh Sharma1 and Dinesh Bhatt2 1Faculty of Management Studies, ICFAI University, Ranka Road, Sichey, Gangtok-737 101, East Sikkim 2Avian Biodiversity and Bioacoustics Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar-249404, Uttarakhand, India
*Corresponding author: [email protected] [+91 8476863864 (M)] 2Co-author: [email protected] [+91 9927922335 (M)]
ABSTRACT Rolingay Nepali) is a common ornamental tree found Studies relating to bird-plant interaction have not between the heights of 1666 m and 2333 m amsl in received adequate attention in the Indian subcontinent the Sikkim Himalaya (Rai and Rai, 1994) and grows in general and Indian Himalayan Region in particular. up to 6m tall, with the trunk and branches covered Floral nectar is an important food resource for birds with prickles. Other close relatives of E. arborescens but studies relating to bird-plant interaction with regard in the Sikkim Himalaya are Erythrina stricta, E. to foraging have rarely been reported from the Indian suberosa and E. indica. E. suberosa is recommended Himalayan Region. The present study is an attempt for avenue and roadside plantation in the state of to understand the bird-plant interaction in the Eastern Sikkim at 600-1700 m (Das and Singh, 2011). During Himalayan state of Sikkim taking an ornamental tree August-September the beautiful crimson flowers on Erythrina arborescens and other associated species; an erect raceme appear in the E. arborescens (Rai and besides highlighting the floral nectar as an alternative Rai, 1994). During the flowering season (November- foraging substrate for avian species in the Sikkim December), the nectar of E. arborescens is used as an Himalaya. A total of 25 avian species was found to be alternative foraging substrate for the different avian interacting with Erythrina sp. with regard to foraging species in the Sikkim Himalaya. However, there are and perching features. only few reports on the use of nectar as an alternative foraging substrate by different avian species in the ARTICLE Sikkim Himalaya (Sharma and Bhatt, 2016). Bearing In India in general and Indian Himalayan Region in this in mind the present article has been formulated particular studies on bird-plant interaction is scanty (Ali, to understand the interaction between various avian 1932; Jaegar, 1961; Faegri and Pijl, 1979; Subramanya species and E. arborescens in the 5th Mile, Gangtok and Radhamani, 1993; Hegde, 1994; Rangaiah et al., till the Fambhonglho Wildlife Sanctuary in the East 2004; Palita et al., 2011; Sharma and Bhatt, 2016). District of Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India from 2011 Erythrina arborescens which is commonly known to 2016 at an elevational range from 1000m to 2500m as Himalayan Coral Tree (Gyesa, Lepcha; Phaledo, asl.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 15 Erythrina species flower during dry season and play 2003). Therefore, Erythrina species provide both liquid a vital role in sustaining bird species (Rangaiah et al., and solid diet to the bird species, enabling the latter 2004). They provide water, instant energy through to survive during dry season (Rangaiah et al., 2004). sugars and also amino acids and proteins in their floral Similarly, the pods of Erythrina arborescens also nectar. Furthermore, these flowers also provide larvae served as a food resource for another forest bird species and small insects to the visiting birds (Solomon et al., such as Barred Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia unchall).
Table 1: List of avian species observed to be visiting on Erythrina arborescens (1-20, 24 species) and E. stricta (5, 14, 21-23, 25) for foraging floral nectar, perching and nesting in the study area
Sl. Family Species Scientific name Interaction Type No.
1 Aegithalidae Red-headed Tit Aegithalos concinnus Foraging
2 Capitonidae Great Barbet Megalaima virens Foraging
3 Columbidae Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon Treron sphenura Perching
4 Corvidae Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae Foraging
5 Dicruridae Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus Foraging
6 Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda Foraging Nectariniidae 7 Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis Foraging
8 Paridae Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus Foraging
9 Passerinae Cinnamon Tree Sparrow Passer rutilans Foraging
10 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys Foraging Pycnonotidae 11 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Foraging
12 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius Foraging Sylviinae 13 Warblers Phylloscopus sp. Foraging 14 Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata Foraging 15 Yellow-naped Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis Foraging 16 Red-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus Foraging Timaliinae 17 Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps Foraging 18 Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta Foraging 19 Blue-winged Minla Minla cyanouroptera Foraging 20 Zosteropidae Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus Foraging 21 Sturnidae Grey-headed Starling Sturnus malabaricus Foraging 22 Corvidae House Crow Corvus splendens Nesting 23 Columbidae Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis Perching 24 Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall Foraging 25 Psittacidae Parakeet Psitta sp. Foraging (Classification based on Manakadan and Pittie, 2001)
16 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF BIRD – PLANT INTERACTIONS
A B C
D E F
G H I
J K L
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 17 Fig. 1: A. Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus B. Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda C. Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata D. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus on Erythrina arborescens E. Oriental White- eye Zosterops palpebrosus F. Red-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus G. Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae H. Barred Cuckoo-Dove Macropygia unchall I. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer J. Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon Treron sphenura K. Grey-headed Starling Sturnus malabaricus L. Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus on Erythrina stricta M. Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis
We all know that the bird species diversity and richness in a particular habitat/locality is dependent on the presence/ availability of a variety of flowering and fruiting trees in different times/seasons of the year. However, we do not neither make any efforts to collect data on mutualistic relationship of bird–plant interaction nor do we make any effort to update our knowledge on this vital ecosystem services (mutualistic relationship) including pollination which is so important considering detrimental effects the present biodiversity is subject to world over due to the rapid pace of modernization as well as due to climate change. An understanding of our knowledge on bird–plant interaction provides impetus to not only sustain bird populations but also to conserve different plant species in our locality.
REFERENCES
Ali, S. A. 1932. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 35, 573–605.
Dash, S.S. and Singh, P. 2011. Trees of Sikkim. In: Arrawatia, M.L. and Tambe, S. (Eds.) Biodiversity of Sikkim Exploring and Conserving a Global Hotspot. Information and Public Relations Department, Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok. 89-124.
Faegri, K. and van der Pijl, L. 1979. The Principles of Pollination Ecology, Pergamon Press, Oxford.
Hegde, N. G. 1994. NFT Highlights, electronic document, www.winrock. org.
Jaegar, P. 1961. The Wonderful Life of Flowers, Trans. J. P. M. Brenan, E. P. Dutton and Co, Inc, New York
Manakadan, R. and Pittie, A. 2004. Standardized English and scientific names of the birds of the Indian subcontinent. Buceros 6: 1-37.
Palita, S.K., Ponkshe, A.V. and Dhar, U. 2011. Habitat enrichment and its impact on avian diversity: a study at GBPIHED, Kosi-Katarmal, Uttarakhand, India. Current Science 100: 1681-1689.
Rai, T. and Rai, L.K. 1994. Trees of the Sikkim Himalaya. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.
Rangaiah, K., Raju, A.J.S. and Rao, S. P. 2004. Passerine bird-pollination in the Indian coral tree, Erythrina variegata var. orientalis (Fabaceae). Current Science, vol. 87, no. 6, 25: 736-738.
Sharma, S. and Bhatt, D. 2015-16. Dark Purple Nectar of Ghurpees Leucosceptrum canum acts as Foraging Signal to Avian Pollinators: A Case Study in East District of Sikkim, Eastern -Himalaya, India”. PANDA, Vol. 8, Issue 4, Pp. 34-39. Sikkim Envis Newsletter on Forests, Environment and Wildlife. ISSN 2320-3943.
Solomon Raju, A. J., Rao, S. P., Zafar, R. and Roopkalpana, P. 2003. EPTRI-ENVIS Newsl., vol. 9, pp. 2–5.
Subramanya, S. and Radhamani, T. R. 1993.Current Science 65, 201–209.
18 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Picture courtesy: Tashi D Photography My Tryst with Monkeys [The writer recounts his days in West Bengal Forest School, Kurseong where he underwent training through the latter half of 2016 after being appointed as a Block Officer. Monkeys with its salutary humour were among others a recurring motif at Dowhill that with the surreal landscape of the place compensated for the rigour of training informed with boredom]- Salem Lepcha, Block Officer, Working Plan, HQ. Email: [email protected] For those who think ‘gross’ can be a literary device, bon voyage! My impression about monkeys has always been that nuances got wrapped in that comical creature. Never of a detached curiosity interspersed with an agreeable do I tire to wrench my lips at the sight of those benign chortle. An inexplicable and weird admiration for that tree swingers (provided you mind your own business). crooked faced primates that looks like an old-wrinkled- Well, just for the heck of it I say GOD must have had baby with a tail has always left me wondering. The a surge of humour go through His imagination when banality of life for a moment disappears into thin air He moulded monkeys (hic...).However, the experience as one beholds the being closest to human in form and of my tryst with monkeys at Dowhill has been little behaviour. But I cringe to think even remotely that bit on the flip side though. Far cry from what I have human ancestors had an eerie resemblance to this funny been pandering about my long held notion bordering on little fellow (How’s that for a scientific theory? Sound admiration about this ‘walking satire’ of human if I may risible!). say so was held to ransom one morning.
Its proclivity to imitate human behaviour stretches It goes something like this. Acute nature call woke me my imagination to wonder if by a queer fate human up early one holiday. With bleary eye I ‘waltzed’ up to
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 19 the door and unlatched it hastily. As I swung open the suddenly a dripping sound from somewhere alerted me door and had only just made my way out then lo and and as if to mock me one of them had found among all behold, to my utter dismay a troop of monkeys right in the other spots the ceiling right above my bed to take a front of the door. I smell trouble (for me). My bladder leak. In a flash my reflex pulled out the mattress from had worked its full capacity and was begging for exit. the bed. For a moment as the pungency of the liquid To make the matter worse the pressure inside was assaulted my sense my consternation knew no bounds. building up. I knew it was only a matter of time that What a way to start a day (no pun intended). this ‘hot spring’ welling inside me would gush out with a forceful fountain of vengeance (Pardon my choice of Now my ‘baptized mattress’ sat inclined on the wooden words).I had to find a way out. side wall. That dark roundish imprint of the piddle on the mattress seemed like the culprit’s face with a grin Two mother monkeys with their babies, one adult male for pulling-off that cruel joke on me. The moment time- which I presume was an ‘alpha’ judging by its size and warped as I stood there gripped by that nettlesome event aggression and three sub-adults had made the platform seething with anger. A hint of murderous sensation was their temporary shelter. They seem unwilling to budge prime in my intent. I wanted to grapple it, tie it, tangle and wasn’t at all wary about my presence. As their it, whip it, abuse it, fight it, sucker punch it and do all hectoring took wings I just felt like I was being bullied. that harm my imagination could spawn. But the futility With the alpha sneering at me perhaps goaded by the of it couldn’t be more glaring. With the absurdity of numerical strength like a hapless victim I remained such wistful thinking having convinced me, with a cross-legged on the inner threshold of the door until sigh I lapsed back to sanity. Sometime later somehow they would decide to leave. With resounding snoring I mustered up a courage and with a mix of doubt and of my roommate filling the room I thought it misplaced timidity still intact I ventured out the door and started to wake him up to seek his aid. And again there was hooting to scare away the primates. This time they ran always a chance of that incident turning me into a butt away and as I saw them retreating, the “hee-hawing” of jokes later. So I refrained. But, why do I venture to and “ho-hah” from the back end of me gradually write this experience? Well, first a write-up affords me amplified. Tilahang and John with a spear-like long a convenience of partial-anonymity and secondly I love stick with moves akin to a drunkard trying to dance to write. came running all the way to the edge of the veranda and Let’s get back to the story. The waiting game didn’t started poking in the air. “Cha ki chaina? Salaa bhagyo! seem to end. Some minutes had passed by but for me Einiharuko chai khasi banaunu parcha!!”, Tilahang it was like a life time. My initial fear had morphed into said with a bit of irritation. And so the monkey-business anger laced with frustration. With derision corrugating (for) that morning was put to an end. my forehead and volley of choicest invectives blurting forth from my buccal cavity I in a hesitant streak (or While I started to take my mattress out for a sun-dry rather desperately) took the recourse to relieve myself those trouble wrecker at the forest end as if to convey somehow. I limped awkwardly and got hold of an empty the business is not done seemed to peekaboo me. Yet water bottle lying prostrate on the floor in my room and through all that consternation my admiration and did the unthinkable. At last as I stood there milking that adoration for this intelligence creature remains intact. small pleasure I was quite aware of the humour of the For I know in the larger scheme of nature they have a moment. role to play. Even if not a constructive one - as monkeys are always monkey-ish, monkey-ing around (pun A moment later, relieved and after a long ensuing sigh intended) - I would say their ability to strike wonders I took to hit the hay again. But, the unceasing thudding and awe to little kids and a chuckle there and giggle and stamping of these wayward fellows were sounding here for adults is a role enough to be appreciated. amok above my head. Their riotous frenzy punctuated by a transient pause unsettled the calm of that early P.S: Don’t underestimate an empty bottle. May come morning. Finding impossible to doze off amidst such handy when nature beckons and you have uninvited incessant din I sat on the bed rubbing my temple. In tailed-guests in front of your door. One caution: Just a split moment as if the whole ordeal wasn’t enough, keep it inside your room. ☺ 20 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Charbu Lake BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF LHONAK VALLEY IN NORTH SIKKIM, INDIA *Anjana Pradhan, Kusum Gurung & Sanchi Subba Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Government of Sikkim, Gangtok *Corresponding author: [email protected] INTRODUCTION Far away from the city of Gangtok lies hidden an Sikkim. The Valley is called the home of the Herdsmen infinite array of undulating slopes and mountain with only about seven Dokpa (graziers) families or the crevices of running Goma Chu in the north-west Tibetan nomads who graze yak in a rotational system merging with the Zema Chu in the southern part of governed by traditional laws (Lachungpa 2009). The Sikkim. The glacial lakes and swampy marshes, wide sheep population that once inhabited the area has been valleys and barren scree slopes characterises the entire wiped out for over two decades ever since the closing vale. This high altitude valley lying beyond the alpine of the border (Anonymous 2003). The main livelihood forest of the north is a Trans-Himalayan eco-region of the families depends on the dairy products of yak in proximate with the Tibetan Plateau also called the such as milk, cheese, butter and meat while the yak Tibetan Himalaya separating the Indo-Tibet border droppings are used as fuel. The Defence Personnel of in the Chola Range. With just a handful of the living Army and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) are the inhabiting the area, the Lhonak Valley is one of the other residents of the Valley who live at extreme climatic sparsely populated regions in the extreme part of North conditions protecting the border area. The barren treeless
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 21 cold desert of the entire valley remains cut off most of plants. The forest types of the area are represented by the times of the year especially during winters due to Dwarf Rhododendron and Dwarf Juniper scrubs. The heavy snowfall making travelling and transfer of goods Valley is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area impossible for the locals and the Forces of the border. with IBA Site Code of IN-SK-06 and IBA Criteria The only route accessible to the Valley is from Thangu of A1 (Threatened species), A2 (Endemic Bird Area- via the high and treacherous Lungnak La pass standing 133: Tibetan Plateau) and A3 (Biome 5: Eurasian High at almost 5000m asl beyond which lies an unexplored Montane; Biome 7: Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest). Lhonak Valley extending from Muguthang to Lhonak Lake. However, the ongoing construction of roads from The main aim/objective of the study was to perform the pass towards the valley is a boon to the people for Rapid Biodiversity Survey (RBS) of the vegetation travel and goods accessibility which is otherwise a very of Lhonak – Lasar Valley complex of Lachen Reserve tiring trek. The terrain is typically a cold desert with Forest (Thangu Block in Lachen Range) by laying high snow mountains, glaciers, lakes and vast valleys random sampling plots during the month of October with grasses, sedges, cushionoid vegetation, lichens – November, 2018. This article, however, highlights and associated fauna. the study of Lhonak Valley covering the sampling The climate is extremely cold and dry characterised path from Kalapatthar – Muguthang – 20R – Zanak by alpine scrubs with scarce and scattered patches 2 – Lhonak. The survey was conducted along the of vegetation. The wettest month witnesses heaviest altitudinal range from 4458m to 5092m asl lying rainfall in June – July while it is moderate in April and between 27°51ʹ44.14ʺN – 27°57ʹ24.3ʺN latitude and October (Dey 2017). The floristic species of this alpine 88°20ʹ54.03ʺE – 88°34ʹ38.2ʺE longitude. A total of 29 zone are adapted to withstand the extremes of cold and plots were laid (covering compartments Lachen 23 – shows remarkable vegetation of rare and medicinal 29) covering an approximate area of 0.29Ha (Map).
Map showing the survey plots along the sampling path of Lhonak Valley Complex
22 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 RAPID BIODIVERSITY SURVEY: FLORAL Along the sampling path from Kalapatthar to Lungnak DIVERSITY OF THE LHONAK VALLEY La, random sampling plots were laid between 4518m and 5000m altitudinal gradient. The terrain was strewn Along Kalapatthar to Lungnak La We started our trek with boulders and devoid of any vegetation except for from our first stopover village, Thangu, in a vehicle the two high altitude medicinal plants, Rhubarb and early morning with a group of survey team members, Brahma Kamal protruding from the snow. field staff of KNP/(T), porters and a guide.
Photo 1: Survey team members with field staff, guide and porters at Muguthang Valley
Due to unpredicted snowfall the night before, it became impossible for us to continue the ride and had to set on foot from Kalapatthar through the continuous snowfall and steep snow-capped trail. The virgin forest of Photo 3a: Rheum nobile, the glasshouse plant along Kalapatthar through Lungnak La; Kalapatthar is covered with snow almost through the 3b: Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), the state flower of year giving a beautiful artistic view of the area with Uttarakhand Rhododendron anthopogon growing at the foothill. Rheum nobile, commonly called the Royal Rhubarb or Sikkim Sundari, was first named by Joseph Hooker identifying it as a member of the rhubarb family. In the 1990s, a study confirmed the unique ability to grow at a height upto 2m tall at such extreme climatic conditions of the Himalayas to be the effect of greenhouse that boosts the growth of the plant calling it as the glasshouse plant (Nicholis 2013). Because of the edibility and high medicinal value, the plant is exploited at large scale and is Vulnerable in Sikkim. The powdered roots are used in rheumatic arthritis, heart complaints and as tonic after delivery. The flowering stem is also used in Tibetan medicine as an antiemetic, diuretic and laxative; it is also used as an astringent tonic to the digestive system.
Another plant of importance found in this stretch was Saussurea obvallata a small perennial herb growing at Photo 2: Overview of Kalapatthar with Rhododendron anthopogon an altitude of 3700m to 4600m in the alpine meadows, vegetation at the foothill glacier slopes and gorges along the sides of lakes Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 23 and streams, alpine screes and rocky slopes. The represented by Dwarf Rhododendron scrubs of the generic name Saussurea is named after the Swedish Rhododendron anthopogon, R. campanulatum , R. plant taxonomist, Horace Benedict de Saussure by A nivale and R. setosum.. Other associated species P de Candolle while the species name “obvallata” is amongst the rhododendron were Poa, Pleurospermum derived from ‘obvallatus’ meaning surrounded by wall and Geranium polyanthes found regularly in the area. referring to involucriform bracts (Dipanjan 2017). Commonly called as Brahma Kamal, this plant is the After about 10hours of trekking, we finally reached State flower of Uttarakhand and is considered sacred Muguthang where we took refuge at one of the Dokpas’ as these flowers are referred to God’s lotus and used as house who was generous enough to provide us with an offering in hill temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath shelter. The next day was bliss as it was a bright-warm (Dipanjan 2017). These extremely rare plants native day and we could carry out our work efficiently. The to the Himalayas are identified as endangered due vegetation around Muguthang (4531m-4556m) was to anthropogenic pressure by extraction of the plant. a scrubby area with the dominating dwarf junipers In the present study, this plant was observed only at (Juniperus indica) and dwarf Rhododendron nivale the stretch of Kalapatthar and must be conserved and R. setosum. Amongst them were herbs of Urtica, for future as these plants may become extinct in that Ranunculus, Cotonaester, Androsace tapete, Arenaria, area. This plant was also recorded from Kyongnosla Berberis, Cyananthus , Anaphalis, Kobresia, Saxifraga, Alpine Sanctuary (RBS III), Tholung-Kisong sampling Delphinium, Ephedra gerardiana, Elsholtzia, Aster path (RBS I & II) and Tamze Valley through RBS flaccidus, Salix, Lonicera, Potentilla arbuscula, Ribes, study (RBS III). According to the Indian Academy of Bistorta, Poa, Gentiana, Taraxacum eriopodum, Sciences, Brahma Kamal has high medicinal properties Koenigia islandica and Cremanthodium oblongatum. where the plant juice is used to clear urinary tract infections and also used as an excellent medicine for sexually transmitted diseases. The rhizomes are used as an antiseptic for cuts and wounds. Floral buds and roots are used as medicines in leucoderma, bone fractures, bone pain, cough and cold, reproductive disorder and digestive problems. Floral buds are also used in boils.
Along Lungnak La to Muguthang Valley Beyond the narrow Lungnak La lies an unexplored Lhonak Valley extending from Muguthang to Lhonak Lake. The Muguthang valley, resting at 4556m asl, beyond the pass was a treacherous journey of stones and rocks offering beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains Photo 5: Inventory of floral species at Muguthang valley far off and meandering rivers. The vegetation along Along Muguthang to 20R The topography from Lungnak La to Muguthang (4531m – 4994m) was Muguthang to Dolma Sampa (4501m – 4592m) is a rough valley running parallel with mountains and small hillocks interspersed by Goma Chu. Apparently, there was a huge lake in Dolma Sampa which has now dried up and is now a huge land with boggy marshes. Marmot burrows are formed on the boggy marshes marking its habitat. The valley was almost barren except for the scrubs of Cotoneaster microphyllus stretching across the floor with patches of irregular Juniperus indica, Rhododendron setosum and Poa species.
The vegetation was replaced with Rhododendron Photo 4: Rhododendron setosum habitat at the base of Lungnak La setosum and R. nivale and scrubby Myricaria rosea,
24 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 arbuscula, Ephedra gerardiana and Myricaria rosea. Most of the ground was stripped but species such as Androsace tapete, Gentiana carinata, Delphinum, Anaphalis xylorhiza, Dracocephallum heterophyllum, Leontopodium, Rhodiola were found to be growing in patches.
Ephedra gerardiana was found in thick patches along Cherup and beyond. This species was collected by Oleg Polunin, an amateur botanist who accompanied a British mountaineering expedition to Nepal in 1949 just after the fall of the Rana dynasty, when Nepal suddenly became open to foreigners for the first time. This plant is also widely distributed at Muguthang and across the course towards Zanak 1. Locally called “Somlata”, it has a high medicinal value that acts as a source of the drug ephedrine. Ephedrine is a bronchodilator and it raises heart rate and blood pressure. Due to these properties, ephedrine has become a popular additive in nutritional supplements to enhance athletic performance and promote weight loss. It is also considered useful Photo 6a: Ribes takare habitat at Thaplay; 6b: Dolma Sampa, a in cardiac and circulatory diseases. A powder of the barren land with boggy marsh and patches of Juniperus indica
Potentilla arbuscula and herbs of Arenaria ciliolata, Persicaria vivipara, Viola biflora, Leontopodium sp., Gentiana robusta, Onosma hookeri, Phlomis sp., Fragaria nubicola, Silene species along the Goma Chu between Dolma Sampa and 20R where we took shelter at the ITBP camp of 20R.
Along 20R to Zanak 2 The route along 20R to Cherup (4554m – 4701m) is a steep rocky area caused probably due to landslide and is dried and barren with few Photo 8: Ephedra gerardiana, locally called Somlata species of Rheum, Anaphalis and Poa. On reaching the plant is taken to treat asthma, hay fever and respiratory base of Cherup which lies along the Goma Chu, the infections. Fresh or dried berries can be chewed to prominent vegetation recorded were Salix lindleyana overcome altitude sickness. (locally called Lama), Potentilla fruticosa var. As we walked beyond the dry valleys of Zanak 1, the ground vegetation was again scrubby with Myricaria rosea and Potentilla fruticosa var. arbuscula forming patches of dense carpet in the moraines and stony ground upto Zanak 2. Along the open stream banks from Cherup to Thukchu (4653-4761m), a high value medicinal plant, Hippophae tibetana was found to be growing in association with Salix lindleyana only which was previously recorded to be associated with Rhododendron nivale in the valley between
Photo 7: Chreup, a steep rocky slope leading towards Zanak 1 with Kambochen and Lhonak at elevation ranging from the running Goma Chu 4600m to 4900m (Carpenter et al. 1994). However, the
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 25 Along Zanak 2 to Lhonak A further 3 hours walk from Zanak 2 finally led to Lhonak Lake (4756m – 5130m). The trail towards the lake was again rocky and rough with the Lhonak Chu flowing along the valley. Saussurea simpsoniana, Rheum nobile, Saxifraga and Meconopsis species were recorded along the sampling path of loose debris and rocky stony trail.
The South Lhonak Lake is formed by the melting of glacial water from the South Lhonak glacier draining east from the Lhonak peak at 6500m and ends in a lake at 5200m. South Lhonak glacial lake is located in the extreme north-western part of Sikkim and is one of the fast growing lakes in Sikkim Himalaya due to the melting Photo 9: Laying of plot along the sampling path of Zanak of the glacier, thereby increasing its volume (size) and also a concern towards warming temperature. The last mention of this species was recorded in Lhonak lake was formed on the loose glacial moraines debris Valley by Grierson & Long (1911) in Flora of Bhutan, brought down by the South Lhonak glacier and making Smith and Cave (1911) and Dey (2017). Interestingly, it prone to landslide events and one of the vulnerable this species has not been recorded elsewhere under the lakes in Sikkim in terms of glacial hazard (Bhutia RBS study and hence requires location survey of this K.C. 2016). As per the past satellite data (Landsat2/ species in other areas for proper documentation. This RBV, MSS and IRS/LISS III), the area of the lake has species is a medicinal plant that grows from 3000m – increased from 18ha in 1976 to 126ha in 2013 making 5200m elevation upto a height of 0.8m – 1.2m whose it a great concern of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods flowering time is in May and its fruiting is in August (Bhutia K.C. 2016). This also poses a big threat to the and September (Kaur et al. 2017). As per a source of the biodiversity of the area and its surroundings if GLOF area, the plant is locally called as Tarwa whose leaves happens thereby destroying the entire vegetation of the are used to make tea. The tender branches, leaves and area that avails important species. Hence, a short term fruits contain bioactive compounds which are used to mitigation measure was done to siphon water from the produce oil which is used as an ointment for treating lake and to install Glacier Lake monitoring system with burns. The fruit has high quality medicinal uses in the the support of various department of the state and the treatment of cardiac disorders, radiation injury and central and other line departmental members including intestinal diseases. the Department of Forest, Sikkim in 2016.
Photo 10: Vegetation of Hippophae tibetana habitat in association with Salix species; Fruiting of H. tibetana.
26 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 FAUNAL AND AVI-FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF the valley is now occupied with feral dogs feasting on THE VALLEY the natural faunal species of the area (Anonymous 2003). Groups of Bluesheep (Ban bakhra), Kiang The Valley Complex is an Important Bird and and Tibetan gazelle drinking water and in search of Biodiversity Area with IBA Site Code of IN-SK-06 food are in frequent sight during the trek. Bluesheep (Lhonak Valley) and IBA Criteria of A1 (Threatened (Ban bakhra) was recorded at 4658m (27°51ʹ13.98ʺN species), A2 (Endemic Bird Area-133: Tibetan – 88°21ʹ24.99ʺE) at 20R ITBP camp area near the Plateau) and A3 (Biome 5: Eurasian High Montane; river. Himalayan marmots are frequently seen along Biome 7: Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest). Lhonak the valley making huge burrows and feeding on the Valley is the only known breeding site of the Black- ground vegetation especially the grasses. Snow toad, necked or Tibetan crane in the Eastern Himalayas as the highest altitude amphibian is reported in almost all well as an important stopover for migratory water lakes and water bodies of the Goma Chu Valley. birds (Lachungpa 2009). Some species like Warbler, Male Guldenstadt’s Redstart, Female Guldenstadt’s CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Redstart, Robin accentor, Yellow-billed chough, Red- billed chough and Large-billed crow are commonly The valley is found to constitute a diverse habitat for seen hovering the valley. The valley is also home to both flora and fauna. Several globally threatened species number of faunal species such as Kiang, Snow leopard, as well as high value medicinal plants such as Ephedra Tibetan wolf, Tibetan fox, Woolly hare, etc. The pure gerardiana, Rheum nobile, Saussurea obvallata, S. breed of Tibetan mastiff which was once seen to inhabit simpsoniana, etc. are naturally available here. But
Photo 11: Marmot, Bluesheep, Male Guldenstadt’s Redstart and Female Guldenstadt’s Redstart
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 27 these high altitude plants are under threat due to the REFERENCES natural and anthropogenic disturbances which needs Anonymous 2003. Sikkim State Biodiversity Strategy immediate attention. Massive threat to the biodiversity and Action Plan. Department of Forests, Environment due to grazing pressure by yak was observed very high and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim. in the valley for which action must be taken keeping in mind the traditional approaches by the locals there. Bharat et al. 2015. Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report II. Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest This high altitude valley is inhabited by the Tibetan Management Project (SBFP), FEWMD, Govt. of nomads, Defence personnel of Army and ITBP. As Sikkim, Gangtok. Vol. 2, p1 – 166. observed, the land is engaged for road construction and army personnel barracks directly/indirectly hindering Bhutia K.C. 2016. The Lhonak Lake Expedition 2016. ENVIS PANDA. Vol. 9(4), 2016-17. the growth of vegetation, wildlife and the topography. There is even a high chance of unsustainable extraction Carpenter C, Ghimire S, and Brown T. 1994. Report of plants especially Rhododendron anthopogon and on the Flora and Fauna of the Kanchenjunga Region: Juniperus indica for firewood and incense by the locals Wildlife Studies, Autumn. resulting in building up considerable pressure on the Dahal S. et al. 2018. Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report survival of the species. III. Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), FEWMD, Govt. of The Lhonak Lake is highly prone to landslide events Sikkim, Gangtok. Vol. 3, p1 – 210. which may be triggered by heavy rain, seismic activity, and fluctuating permafrost condition in moraines. This Dey S.K. 2017. Diversity of flowering plants of Zemu and Lhonak Valley, Sikkim. Thesis submitted for the may also damage the biodiversity of the area if the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (SC.) in Botany, disaster occurs. Hence, a constant monitoring has to University of Calcutta. be done as precaution measure to check the control of GLOF. Dipanjan G. 2017. Brahma Kamal: The Himalayan Beauty. Resonance. p337 – 387. Inskipp T. and Lachungpa U. 2009. Important Bird ACKNOWLEDGMENT Areas in India – Sikkim. Tso Lhamo Plateau – Lashar – Sebu La – Yumesamdong Complex. The authors are grateful to JICA-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Kaur et al. 2017. A review on pharmacognistic, Project (SBFP) of Department of Forests, Environment phytochemical and pharmacological data of various and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim for species of Hippophae (Seabuckthorn). International Journal of Green Pharmacy 11 (1). providing the necessary facilities and encouragement. We would also like to express our gratitude to Shri. M. Lachungpa U. 2009. Important Bird Areas in India – L. Srivastava, IFS (PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary & Sikkim. Lhonak Valley. Chief Project Director), Shri. Bhuwan Pradhan, IFS Nicholis. 2013. Peak performer: Weekly, New Scientist. (CCF-cum-Project Director) and Mrs. Karma Choden Bhutia, SFS (DFO/BC). Special thanks to Mrs. Kusum Pradhan B and Lachungpa D. 2015. Rapid Biodiversity Gurung, SFS (Joint Director) under whose tenure Survey Report I. Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), FEWMD, this survey was conducted. A humble appreciation to Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok. Vol. 1, p1 – 120. Shri. Bhaichung Lachenpa, Field staff (KNP/T), Mrs. Lyangmit Lepcha, GIS Engineer (Working Plan) and Smith W.W. and Cave G.H. (1911). The vegetation of the survey team of SBFP/BC for their assistance and Zemu and Lhonak Valley of Sikkim, Rec. Bot. Surv. India 4 (1): 141 – 260. guidance during the course.
28 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 LASHAR VALLEY EXPEDITION 2017 A GENE BANK OF ALPINE MEDICINAL PLANTS Sabita Dahal*, Tika Prasad Sharma1, Sanchi Subba*, Meena Tamang* *Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim 1Himalayan Science Society, Gangtok, Sikkim Background Alpine region in the Himalayas has attracted the Tibet in the northeast, Rangit and Rangpo rivers form attention of a large number of plant explorers, phyto- the borders with the Indian state of West Bengal in the geographers, and naturalists. The alpine zone is a south. critical repository of biodiversity, harbouring high The state of Sikkim have always been an explorers number of endemic and endangered species (Körner paradise since many centuries and have been visited 2003; Viviroli & Weingartner 2004; Woodwell 2004). by the famous explorers like Sir J.D. Hooker (1847- Alpine plants are the most suitable indicators to assess 49), G. Gammie (1892), J.C. White (1887 - 1908) and the consequences of climate change (Lesica & Steele others, the account of which is beautifully described 1996; Walther et al. 2002; Körner 2003; Walther in Himalayan Journal, Account of Botanical Tour in 2003). The Himalayas are said to be the treasury of the Sikkim during 1892. Scrutiny of literature indicate that medicinal plants. the availability of information on medicinal plants Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state of India comprises snow of the Himalayan Region is meagre and are highly capped mountains in the higher alpines and the unique restricted to species inventory, distribution and topography, bio-diverse natural phenomenon to host usages. multiplicity of species ranging from the tropical to the According to WHO report (1978) on Traditional alpine within a very small area of 7096 km2 The state . medicine, indigenous treatment is the main source of is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China primary health care system of 80% population of the to the north and northeast, by Bhutan to the southeast, world especially in Australia, Africa, Bangladesh, by the Indian state of West Bengal to the south, and China, Caribbean States, Europe, Spain, North and by Nepal to the west. It is separated by the Singalila South America, Russia, Pacific Islands. During recent range from Nepal in the west, and Chola range from years the demand for medicinal and aromatic plants has increases manifold in the global market due to growing
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 29 Interaction with Shri Tharkhang Bhutia (a local inhabitant of Gochuphalay, a Dukpa) at Nanghray-Lha, 4800m. recognition of natural products, being nontoxic and The nearest habitation of the valley is Thangu, which without side-effects. The trade in medicinal plants is is at 4000m. estimated at US$ 70 billion in international market with There are mainly three distinct seasons in the area viz. a growing annual rate of seven percent. The demand winter season (October to March), summer season for medicinal plants is met mainly through in-situ (March – June), monsoon season (June – September); harvesting. This has resulted in overharvesting, however the cimate is extreme cold in all three season. one of the biggest threats to the important medicinal The rainy season generally begins in the month of May plant species in the Himalayas, hence there is an and lasts up to September. This period accounts for urgent need to explore and inventories the known about 90% of total annual rainfall. The area receives and less known species to conserve and manage the snowfall between December and March. The climate potential natural habitat of the Himalayas to save being essentially dry and cold favoring the dominant from losing in changing time. The present research species of the area Rhododendron anthopogon, article attempt to highlight some of the known and Rhododendron nivale, Rhododendron setosum, and lesser known, highly valuable medicinal plants several species of Junipers, Berberis etc. The valley available in the Lashar valley (4000-4800m), their provides refuge to some of the important faunal and stability, conservation needs, and strategies etc. avifaunal species such as Musk Deer, Red Fox, Tibetan ABOUT LASHAR VALLEY Sand Fox, Himalayan Marmot, Pika, Serow, Wild Dog, Blood Pheasant, House Crow, Kalij Pheasant, Snow Lashar valley is situated above Thangu valley under Pigeon, Satyr Tragopan and so on. Lachen Reserve Forest in the North district of Sikkim, bounded in the upper side by Chola Range. Present Medicinal plants of Lashar valley field explorations were carried out along Gaygaon- Four-hundred-hectare area of Lashar valley have Nanghray-lha-Thangu sampling path, the forest type been notified as Medicinal Plants Conservation Area of which is represented by Alpine scrub (Plate 1). (MPCA) for in – situ conservation of alpine medicinal The terrain of the valley has an altitudinal gradient plants by Sikkim State Medicinal Plants Board, under ranging from 4000m to ±5000m; however the elevation the Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife range covered during the expedition was from 4000m Management, Government of Sikkim. In the valley (Thangu) to 4850m (Nanghray-lha). The slope angle there exist several species of known and lesser known of the valley ranged between mild (10 degree) to stiff medicinal plants, making an area a gene bank of alpine (85 degree) slope. Some of the places in Lashar valley, medicinal plants. Around 100 species of Medicinal which had to cross while walking with foot, were from plants were recorded in the area during the explorations Gay-Gaon – Gochuphalay, Gochung Pakha, Shenga, during June – September 2017. Some of the globally Nanghray-Lha, Sachung, Lasha chu, Dambochi, Latha, threatened species also exist in the area such as Chungdung, Chhungu chu, Mambarung and Bamzay. Aconitum spicatum, Aconitum naviculare, Sassurea
30 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 obvallata, Rheum nobile, Arisaema jacquemontii, chusua, Potentila peduncularis, Potentilla lineata, Bergenia purpurasecns, Ephedra gerardiana, Rhododendron lepidotum, Roscoea alpina, Saxifraga Fritillaria cirrhosa, Gymnadenia orchidis, Meconopsis engleriana, Saxifraga stenophylla, Taraxacum horridula, Nardostachys jatamansi, Neopicrorhiza officinale, Triosteum himalayanum, Chesneya scrophulariiflora, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, nubigena, Dolomiaea macrocephala, Persicaria Polygonatum verticelatum, Rhododendron anthopogon vivipara, Phlomis rotata, Sassurea simpsoniana, and Dactylorhiza hatagirea. Soroseris hookeriana, Spongiocarpella nubigena, Other then known, or globally known, highly Swertia multiculis, Thermopsis barbata and Verbascum prioritised species of medicinal plants, the valley also Thapsus. endowed with some of the lesser known medicinal Different traditional systems of medicine are in vogue plants species which has usage in various ailments in Sikkim and most of the people still rely on plants in the several traditional healing systems such as remedies for various ailments like sprain, bone fracture, Lepcha medicine system, Nepali medicine system, Tibetan medicine system and the commonly known dislocation of joints, body ache, backache, chest traditional medicine system, Ayurveda namely pain, gout, paralysis, gastritis, diarrhea, dysentery, Aletris pauciflora, Caltha scaposa, Carum carvi, fever, jaundice, toothache, bronchial infection, Galearis spathulata, Hippophae tibetana, Juniperus sinusitis, cough, animal bites, reproductive problems, communis, Lilum nanum, Meconopsis paniculata, menstrual disorder, etc. Ethnomedicinal studies on the Meconopsis simplicifolia, Microula sikkimensis, diseases treated by local health traditions of Sikkim Myricaria rosea, Nannoglottis hookeri , Oxyria digyna, and documentation of the species especially of high Parnessia nubicola, Pedicularis longiflora, Pedicularis altitude area is important for addressing conservation siphonantha, Pedicularis megalantha, Rhododendron of the species, as well as their sustainable utilization campanulatum subsp. Aeruginosum, Polygonum and promoting cultivation, and the conservation of rich affine, Polygonum vaccinifolium, Ponerorchis ethnic and cultural diversity of Sikkim.
Plate 1. Forest type and vegetation composition (alpine shrub) of Lashar valley, North Sikkim Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 31 HIGHLIGHTS OF SOME OF THE KNOWN AND LESSER KNOWN MEDICINAL FLORA OF LASHAR VALLEY, NORTH SIKKIM.
Aconitum spicatum (Bruhl) Stapf. Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don Liliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Endangered Vulnerable. Bikh (Nep.). Kakoli (Nep.)
Spongiocarpella nubigena (D. Don)Yakovlev Rhodiola himalensis (D. Don) S. H. Fu. Fabaceae Crassulaceae High altitude chesneya Himalayan rhodiola
Sassurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew. Ephedra gerardiana var. sikkimensis Asteraceae, Endangered. Ephedraceae, Vulnerable. Brahma kamal (Nep.) Somlata (Nep.)
32 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC. Valerianaceae, Inula obtusifolia A.Kerner Vulnerable. Asteraceae Spikenard (Eng.). Blunt leaf inula (Eng.).
Rhododendron setosum D. Don Maharanga emodi (Wallich) DC. Ericaceae Boraginaceae Jhusey sunpati (Nep.)
Thermopsis barbata Benth. Primula sikkimensis Hook.f. Fabaceae Primulaceae Black pea (Eng.) Sikkim primrose (Eng.).
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 33 Aletris pauciflora (Klotzsch) Hand.- Mazz. Caltha scaposa Hook.f. et Thomson Nartheciaceae Ranunculaceae Few flowered colic root (Eng.). Marsh Marigold Plant (Eng.)
Chesneya nubigena (D.Don) Galearis spathulata (Lindl.)P.F.Hunt Ali Orchidaceae Fabaceae Himalayan galearis (Eng.)
34 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Acknowledgements We are highly grateful to the Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim for providing us an opportunity to explore the area.
References Sabita Dahal, Sanjyoti Subba, Nimesh Chamling, Anjana Pradhan, Suraj Subba, Dorjee Chewang Bhutia,Sanchi Subba, Meena Tamang, Sumitra Nepal (2018). Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report - III. Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), FEWMD. Government of Sikkim, . A method for Deorali, Gangtok, EastSikkim, pg 89-109. Lesica, P. & Steele, B.M. (1996) monitoring long-term population trends: An example Körner, C. & Paulsen, J. (2003). A world-wide using rare arctic-alpine plants. Ecological Applications, study of high altitude treeline temperatures. Journal of 6(3), 879-87. Biogeography, 31(5), 713-32. Walther, G.R., Post, E., Convey, P., Menzel, Viviroli, D. & Weingartner, R. (2004). The A., Parmesan, C., Beebee, T.J.C., Fromentin, hydrological significance of mountains: from regional J.M., Hoegh-Guldberg, O. & Bairlein, F. (2002). Ecological responses to recent climate change. Nature, to global scale. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 416 (6879), 389-95. 8(6), 1017-30. Walther, G.R. (2003). Plants in a warmer world. Woodwell, G.M. (2004) Mountains: top down. Ambio Perspectives in plant ecology, evolution and Supplement 13, 35–38. systematics, 6(3), 169-85.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 35 Domung-Gora-la Complex A Rich Ecological Community in Lachung Range, North Sikkim, India *Nimesh Chamling & Kusum Gurung Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Government of Sikkim, Gangtok *Corresponding author: [email protected] (8436300711)
Photo1: Gora-La Pass (5000m asl)
Lachung is known for its pristine beauty, landscape and Britain. (http://www.worldmarcopolo.com/hookers_ valley, which harbours many floral and faunal species. trail.html) He visited the Eastern Himalayas and Sikkim It is one of the popular destinations for tourist visiting during 1849. His journey produced “Himalayan Sikkim. They come here to see its natural beauty and Journals” (1854) which he dedicated to Darwin. In the rich vegetation. Apart from tourist, the area is also attracting many research scholar, scientist, nature same journal he mentioned elaborately about the nature lover, etc within the country and abroad. Due to its and culture of Sikkim. After returning to his country rich biodiversity, it also attracted one of the notable he did his first publication “Rhododendron of the naturalists Joseph Dalton Hooker from The Great Sikkim-Himalaya” (1849-51).
36 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Lachung being a rich biodiversity hotspot survey was At Domung-Gorala the forest types consists of 12/ conducted in Lachung range comprising of Domung- C3a East Himalayan Moist Mixed coniferous forest Gorala-Katao-Yumthang complex in October 2018. ranging from 3502-4036 m asl in the area. The forest We came across different altitudinal zone in our survey was mainly dominated by the tree species such as ranging from temperate zone-subalpine zone-alpine Abies densa, Tsuga dumosa, Picea spinulosa and zone. The temperate zone mainly dominated by the light Juniperus recurva. Here we noticed the pure stands demanding coniferous tree species viz., Abies densa, of Fir and Hemlock. Spruce were scattered in patches Tsuga dumosa, Betula utilis, Picea spinulosa, etc. The and is endemic to Sikkim Himalaya in India. The subalpine zone was dominated by shrubs species viz., forests are in good health and existing in pure form Rhododendron barbatum, Rhododendron hodgsonii, of coniferous forest. The top canopy was mainly Sorbus microphylla, Berberis angulossa, etc. The dominated by the Abies densa and Tsuga dumosa. The alpine zone habitat was mainly dominated by the scrub middle layer was occupied by the Acer caudatum and species viz., Rhododendron sikkimense, Rhododendron Betula utilis and the lower canopy was dominated by fulgens, Rhododendron lepidotum, etc. In and around Rhododendron falconerii, Rhododendron sikkimense the lachung area we observed the tree species like Abies and Rhododendron fulgens. The ground vegetation densa, Tsuga dumosa, Alnus nepalensis, Juniperus was mainly occupied by the Anaphalis margaritacea, recurva, Picea spinulosa, Betula utilis. Apart from Corydalis megacalyx, Bistorta, Premula, ferns, etc. We these species we noticed Cryptomeria japonica and could see the trees covered with sphagnum mosses and Populous jaquemontiana planted in private land and lichens. There was a good regeneration of Fir, but it along the roadside areas. Though the lachung area is was lacking in Hemlock and Spruce.
Photo2: Laying of Sample Plot Photo3: CBH Measurement
considered to be suitable for the cultivation of apple At 4036 m the forest can be classified into 14/C2 (Malus domestica) only handful of trees were planted East Himalayan Sub Alpine Birch/Fir Forest. Here in the private land and some along the roadsides. we noticed the variation in the vegetation, and saw the scattered population of Abies densa and Tsuga Sea Buckthorn (SB) (Hippophae salisifolia) is dumosa. It is a transitional area of vegetation between naturally and abundantly available in mountainous two different plant communities. Due to this reason regions particularly in Lachung and Lachen areas in the alpine vegetation were segregated over forest North Sikkim (Anand Singh,T., Kumar Sarangi, P. and community. We could observe the stunted growth of Joykumar Singh, N. 2015). The species available in some tree species such as Betula utilis. There was Sikkim has, however, never been claimed scientifically a change in the vegetation from coniferous forest and needs validation. The epicenter of SB in Lachung to subalpine forest. At an elevation between 4046- is in and around the Lachung bridge riverbed comprises 4348 m asl we saw the species of Rhododendron of long stretches of SB bushes (N-27°41.424’ and fulgens, Rhododendron sikkimense, Rhododendron E-88°44.772’) at an altitude of 8680 ft from msl. Due barbatum. The ground vegetation was covered to its high medicinal properties the Sea Buckthorn has with the species such as the Cassiope fastigiata, huge demand in the market. Bistorta affinis, Anaphalis nepalensis, Potentilla sp,
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 37 Photo 4: Abies densa regeneration at Domung
Gaultheria trichophylla, Hemiphragma heterophyllum. Himalaya (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dactylorhiza_ hatagirea). When we climbed at an elevation of 4570m asl the forest was dominated by Birch-Rhododendron scrub At 5071m asl lies the Gora-la pass which is the passage forest. Here Rhododendron falconerii, Rhododendron to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The area sikkimense and Rhododendron fulgens were overtaken has rough terrain and rugged mountains protecting the by Rhododendron setosum, Rhododendron anthopogon, Indian Territory from foreign land incursions. Military Rhododendron nivale. The height of the Rhododendron camps are garrisoned at the border area. Indian Army, species further decreased and had stunted growth. The ITBP personnel are stationed to monitor the border leaf pattern changed and leaves became smaller in area activities on the either side of the pass. The area size. The scrubs were scattered and sprawled near the had few vegetations and the ground were covered by ground mainly to protect from harsh climate. The floor scrub and grass species. The weather is harsh and the was mainly occupied by grasses, lichens and mosses. temperature dips down to -40°C during winter. Most of At 4617m asl the forest was dominated by Dwarf- the area was barren due to harsh climate, so it becomes Rhododendron Scrub forest. Rhododendron setosum, very difficult for plants to sustain life here. Someof Rhododendron nivale, Rhododendron anthopogon the species which we encountered were Rheum nobile, were found in scattered. Apart from Rhododendron Saussurea obvallata, Gentiana sino-ornata, Carex sp, species we found plenty of Panchaule (Dactylorhiza Bistorta vaccinifolia, etc. hatagirea) also know as Himalayan Marsh Orchid having high medicinal value which now considered Katao ranging (2757- 3662m) the forest type consists critically endangered. As it is highly traded in the name of 12/C3a East Himalayan Moist Mixed coniferous. of ‘Panchaule’ or ‘Salampanja’ and found in wild, is Here we found the presence of Sea Buckthorn being unscientifically collected for its commercial (Hippophae salicifolia ) in good number. When we importance. Dactylorhiza hatagirea is native of the visited the area we saw the fruiting of the Sea Buckthorn.
38 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 In natural habitat Sea Buckthorn fruits remain on the with other species. From 3830-4199 m the area was branches until the following spring. During cold winter, mainly dominated by viz., Rhododendron sikkimense, the fruits gradually shrink but do not fall. Therefore Rhododendron fulgens, Rhododendron anthopogon, they become favorite food for animals and birds Rhododendron setosum and few Berberies sp. Bergenia (Rajchal,R. 2009). The other species were Abies densa, sp, carex sp, Poa sp, Aconogonum alpinum, Bistorta Tsuga dumosa, Juniperus recurva, Alnus nepalensis. affinix, Rumex sp, etc were the main ground vegetation Along the roadside we saw good number of Populous which covered the area. From this elevation we could jacquemontiana plantation. Apart from that there was notice that Aconogonum alpinum was present in all also some plantation of Cryptomeria japonica along the quadrate taken in the area. At top of the Katao the the roads. The top canopy was dominated by the Abies vegetation was converted into alpine scrubs dominated densa and Tsuga dumosa, the reason is that both these by Rhododendron setosum, Rhododendron nivale, species are fast growing and light demanding species. Rhododendron anthopogan. We saw Rhododendron The middle canopy was dominated by the Juniperus sikkimense, Rhododendron fulgens having healthy recurva and Hipphopae salicifolia. We could see fewer population and mainly dominating the vegetation from trees of Alnus nepalensis in patches. 3830-4000 m and Aconogonum alpinum was present at the edge of these species. At 3830m asl and above the forest type changed to Birch-Rhododendron Scrub Forest. The forest was Domung-Gorala-Katao-Yumthang complex at mostly dominated by the Rhododendron species viz., Lachung Range is not only rich in floral species but Rhododendron sikkimense, Rhododendron fulgens, in faunal species as well. The faunal species which Rhododendron anthopogon, Rhododendron setosum. we encountered during our survey were herds of Apart from Rhododendron, Berberies sp was in Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Pika (Ochotona sp). patches. The ground vegetation was mainly covered Whereas we got the information regarding the presence with Carex sp, Bistorta affinix, Premula sp, Rumex sp, of faunal species viz., Himalayan Marmot (Marmota Hemiphragma heterophyllum, Galium sp, Rheum sp. Himalayana), Tibetan Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Tibetan The Sphagnum mosses were also spread on the floor Sand Fox (Vulpes ferrilata), etc through the secondary information.
Apart from the faunal species the area is also rich in avi-faunal diversity. During the survey we had a direct sighting of Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Red- billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), and White- capped Redstart (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus).
Photo 5: Rhododendron Vegetation at Katao
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 39 Photo 6: Blue Sheep Photo 7: Common Kestrel Photo 8: Red-billed Chough
(A) (B) MAP 1: Forest Density Map (A) & Forest Type Map (B) of Domung-Gorala Complex, Lachung Range, North Sikkim
40 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Photo 9: Polygonatum hookeri Photo10: Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Panchaule)
Photo 11: Satyrium nepalense Photo 12: Gentiana sino-ornata
Photo 13: Primula tibetica Photo 14: Premula capitate
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 41 Checklist of the floral species recorded at Domung-Gorala Complex, Lachung Range, North Sikkim S.NO Botanical Name Local Name Family Trees 1 Abies densa Griffith. ex Parker Gobre salla Pinaceae 2 Tsuga dumosa (D. Don) Eichler Tengre salla Pinaceae 3 Alnus nepalensis Don. Utis Betulaceae 4 Picea spinulosa (Griff.) A.Henry Pinaceae 5 Hippophae salicifolia D.Don Tarubo Elaeagnaceae 6 Acer caudatum Wall. Lekh Kapasey Aceraceae 7 Acer pectinatum Wall. ex G.Nicholson Lekh Kapasey Sapindaceae 8 Juniperus recurva Cupressaceae 9 Betula utilis Bhojpatra Betulaceae 10 Rhododendron hodgsonii Hook. f. Ericaceae SMALL TREE / LARGE SHRUB 11 Rhododendron hodgsonii Hook. f. Korlinga Ericaceae 12 Rhododendron niveum Hook. Hiu pate gurans Ericaceae 13 Sorbus microphylla (Wall. ex J. D. Hooker) Wenzi Pasi Ericaceae 14 Rhododendron barbatum Wall. ex G. Don Lal chimal Ericaceae SHRUBS 1 Berberis angulossa Wallich ex Hook f. & Thoms. Berberidaceae 2 Berberis arguta (Franch.) C.K.Schneid. Berberidaceae 3 Elsholtzia fruticosa (D.Don) Rehder Lamiaceae 4 Juniperus indica Bertol. Cupressaceae 5 Piptanthus nepalensis (Hook.) D.Don Leguminosae 6 Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don Sunpati Ericaceae 7 Rhododendron arboreum Sm. Lali gurans Ericaceae 8 Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don Nilo Chimal Ericaceae 9 Rhododendron campylocarpum Hook. f. Bango phale gurans Ericaceae 10 Rhododendron cinnabarinum Hook. f. Sano chimal Ericaceae 11 Rhododendron fulgens J. D. Hooker Chimal Ericaceae 12 Rhododendron lepidotum Wallich ex G. Don Bhale sunpati Ericaceae 13 Rhododendron nivale Hook. f. Ericaceae 14 Rhododendron setosum D. Don Tsallu gurans Ericaceae 15 Rhododendron sikkimense Pradhan & Lachungpa Sikkime gurans Ericaceae 16 Rhododendron thomsonii Hook. f. Dr. Thomson ko gurans Ericaceae 17 Ribes griffithii Hook. & Thoms Grossulariaceae 18 Rosa sericea Wall. ex Lindl. Rosaceae 19 Roscoea auriculata K.Schum. Zingiberaceae 20 Salix calyculata Hook. ex Anderson Bais Salicaceae 21 Sorbus sp Pasi Rosaceae
22 Cassiope fastigiata Phallu Ericaceae
42 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 S.NO Botanical Name Local Name Family HERBS 1 Anaphalis margaritaceae Linn. Bukiful Asteraceae 2 Anaphalis nepalensis (Spreng.) Hand.-Mazz. Bukiful Asteraceae 3 Arenaria bryophylla Fernald Asteraceae 4 Bergenia purpurascens (Hook.f. & Thomson) Engl. Leko ko Pakhanbet Saxifragaceae 5 Delphinium brunonianum Royle Rununculaceae 6 Elsholtzia Lamiaceae 7 Elsholtzia strobilifera (Benth.) Benth. Lamiaceae 8 Epillobium sp. Onagraceae 9 Erigeron multiradiatus var. glabrescens Ling & Y.L.Chen Asteraceae 10 Erigeron sp. Asteraceae 11 Galium sp Rubiaceae 12 Gentiana sino-ornata Balf.f. Gentianaceae 13 Hemiphragma heterophyllum Wallich Lalgeri Scrophulariaceae 14 Impatiens sp Mujuro Blasaminaceae 15 Senecio raphanifolius Wall. ex DC. Compositae 16 Mazus sp Scrophulariaceae 17 Persicaria nepalensis (Meisner) H. Gross Ratnaulo Polygonaceae 18 Polygonatum hookeri Baker Liliaceae 19 Potentilla anserina L. Rosaceae 20 Potentilla sp. Rosaceae 21 Primula denticulata Sm. Primulaceae 22 Primula capitata Primulaceae 23 Ranunculus sp. Rununculaceae 24 Rheum australe D. Don Polygonaceae 25 Rheum spiciforme Royle Polygonaceae 26 Rhodoila sp 27 Ribes sp Saxifragaceae 28 Roscoea auriculata K.Schum. Zingiberaceae 29 Rumex nepalensis Spreng. Halhalley Polygonaceae 30 Selinum wallichianum (DC.) Raizada & H.O. Saxena Apiaceae 31 Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don Compositae Soroseris depressa (Hook. f. & Thomson) J.W. Zhang, N. 32 Compositae Kilian & H. Sun 33 Nannoglottis hookeri (Hook.f.) Kitam. Compositae 34 Gaultheria trichophylla Royle Ericaceae 35 Aconogonum alpinum Polygonaceae 36 Selinum wallichianum (DC.) Raizada & H.O. Saxena Apiaceae 37 Coriaria terminalis Hemsl. Coriariaceae 38 Senecio raphanifolius Wall. ex DC. Compositae 39 Bistorta affinis (D. Don) Greene Polygonaceae
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 43 S.NO Botanical Name Local Name Family ORCHID, MOSSES, CLIMBERS & FERNS 1 Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soó Paanch aaule Orchidaceae 2 Breutelia dicranacea (Müll. Hal.) Mitt. mosses Bartramiaceae 3 Clematis montana Ham. ex DC climber Ranunculaceae 4 Coriaria terminalis Hemsl. climber Coriariaceae 5 Thesium jarmilae Hendrych Santalaceae 6 Satyrium nepalense D. Don orchid Orchidaceae 7 Lycopodium veitchii Christ Nagbeli Lycopodiaceae
CONCLUSION
Domung-Gorala complex in Lachung Range is unique in terms of its ecosystem and landscapes. It is one of the biodiversity hotspot zones in Sikkim. The complex is divided into 3 forest type viz., 12/C3a East Himalayan Moist Mixed coniferous, 14/C2 East Himalayan Sub Alpine Birch/Fir Forest and Birch-Rhododendron scrub forest. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae salisifolia) is naturally and abundantly available in Lachung. Due to its high medicinal properties the Sea Buckthorn has huge demand in the market but it has not been claimed scientifically and needs validation. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Panchaule) also know by Himalayan Marsh Orchid is found in the area which is critically endangered. It has a high medicinal value and highly traded for its commercial importance. As the plants are collected from the wild unscientifically in huge quantity so the proper conservation policy and management plan needs to be formulated in the near future.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are thankful to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), of Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Govt. of Sikkim, for providing the necessary facilities and encouragement. . We would also like to express our gratitude to Shri. M. L. Srivastava, IFS (PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary & Chief Project Director), Mr. Bhuwan Pradhan, IFS (CCF-cum-Project Director), Mrs. Karma Choden Bhutia, SFS (DFO/BC). Special thanks to Mrs. Kusum Gurung, SFS (Joint Director) under whose tenure this survey was conducted. Last but not the least I want to thank entire Survey team (Biodiversity Conservation), Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Govt. of Sikkim for their valuable inputs and supports.
REFERENCES
1. Anand Singh,T., Kumar Sarangi, P. and Joykumar Singh, N. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae sp.): Highly potential underutilised plant in Sikkim: a review. The Bioscan 10(3): 1413-1417, 2015. An International Quarterly Journal of Life Science.
2. http://www.worldmarcopolo.com/hookers_trail.html
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dactylorhiza_hatagirea
44 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 RAPID BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF GREEN LAKE TREKKING ROUTE SAMPLING PATH IN KHANGCHENDZONGA NATIONAL PARK, NORTH SIKKIM, INDIA
*Sanjyoti Subba, Kusum Gurung, Sanchi Subba & Lyangmit Lepcha Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok *Corresponding Author; [email protected]
Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project. Green Lake can be reached by the cross scenic trek from Lachen and it is one of the least explored parts of the Sikkim Himalayas. The trekking route of altitudinal gradient from 2800m to 5000m asl provides a wide range of topography leading to various forest types viz., moist temperate forest, temperate coniferous forest, Sub-alpine forest and Alpine meadows. The trekking route harbors different varieties of Rhododendron species, Magnolia species, Abies densa, Acer sp., Lithocarpus sp., and many epiphytes, climbers, ferns and fern-allies, moss and lichens. It has rich diversity of floral species. Photo 1: Background is Zemu Glacier (Survey Team with KNP/KBR field staff) Apart from these, the Green Lake and its surrounding INTRODUCTION area is also rich diversity of faunal species. It is a potential habitat of Snow leopard and home to many Khangchendzonga National Park was officially other faunal species such as Red fox, Himalayan black declared in 1977 by the Government of Sikkim for bear, barking deer, Common leopard, Serow and Goral, conservation of biodiversity in this region. KNP is etc., including many birds and butterflies. This trekking situated in North and West districts of Sikkim. Green route is also one of the common sights of Himalayan Lake located in the north district of Sikkim is at the bluesheep. Khangchendzonga National Park is an base of Mt. Khangchendzonga on the Zemu glacier. In Important Bird and Biodiversity Area with IBA Site July 2016, KNP was declared as the UNESCO World Code: IN-SK-04 and IBA criteria: A1, A2 &A3. As Heritage Site based on both natural and cultural criteria per the IBA criteria which determine (A1; Threatened (Mixed criteria), India’s first mixed criteria World species, A2; Restricted Range species, A3; Biome Heritage Site [Photo 1]. species) are represented in the Khangchendzonga This article revealed that the rapid biodiversity National Park. The area is rich floral and faunal assessment of Green Lake Trekking Route sampling diversity, one of the biodiversity hotspots in the Eastern path was undertaken under the JICA Assisted Sikkim Himalayan Region.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 45 STUDY AREA
RAPID BIODIVERSITY SURVEY the boulder trails, steep climbs up and down to cross landslides because the original trekking route was Floral Diversity washed away by flash flood. Rapid Biodiversity Survey was conducted along the The vegetation of the surveyed path from Zema1 to Zema1-Tallem-Jakthang-Yabuk-Rest Camp-Green Tallem of tree species such as Castanopsis tribuloides Lake trekking route (ca. 40 km) in the Khangchendzonga Larix griffithii, Lithocarpus pachyphyllus, Prunus National Park, North Sikkim [Map]. From Zema1 to nepalensis, Pieris ovalifolia, etc., giving the top Green Lake, 32 sampling plots were laid, covering an canopy cover. The shrub species such as Polygonum area of 0.32 ha during November to December 2018. molle, Rubus sp., Bistorta sp., Artemesia wallichiii, We covered the temperate forest, temperate coniferous Coriaria terminalis var. xanthocarpa and Gaultheria forest, sub-alpine and alpine zone between elevation species are commonly sighted along the sampling path. ranges from 2700m to 4657m asl. This trekking route Rhododendron arboreum was seen and recorded along can be reached from Zema 1 which is the main entry the trekking route. The pure patches of Hippophae point of the Green Lake Trek [Photo 2]. salicifolia commonly called as ‘Seabuckthorn’ were Next morning, the survey team along with KNP field encountered along the sampling path [Photo3]. staff started the trek from Zema 1 which is at an altitude Seabuckthorn was found growing in the degraded past of 2730 m asl. Along the trekking route, the beauty landslide area of Zema 1, at an altitude of 2812 m asl in of valley, flowing river and diverse floral species can the temperate forest which was lying between latitude be effortlessly seen. The destination leads to Tallem 27o45’42.11”N and longitude 88o31’47.62”E along from Zema 1 and the altitude ranges from 2812 m to the sampling path. This species was found growing 3537 m asl. This is the most difficult route walking on with common shrub species such as Polygonum molle,
46 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Photo 2: Overview of Zema1 along the trekking route of Green Lake Rubus sp., Bistorta sp., Artemesia wallichiii, Coriaria terminalis var. xanthocarpa, Daphne cannabina, Prinsepia utilis, Neillia rubiflora, Ribes sp. and Rosa sericea with common herb species such as Anaphalis sp., Primula capitata, Impatiens falcifer, Hemiphragma heterophyllum, Juncus sp., and Carex sp., etc.
Seabuckthorn is a high value medicinal plant whose fruit is edible, rich in vitamins, often made into jam and has good medicinal properties. The oil is used as an Photo 4: Paris polyphylla ointment for treating burns. A high-quality medicinal Another versatile medicinal plant species, Paris oil is made from the fruit and used in the treatment polyphylla locally called as ’Satuwa’ was encountered of cardiac disorders, it is also said to be particularly along the sampling path. Paris polyphylla was found effective when applied to the skin to heal burns, growing at an elevation of 3100 m asl in partial shade, eczema and radiation injury, and is taken internally in humus rich soil and moisture places under the canopy the treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases . of Betula utilis and Acer campbellii. Common shrubs found in the area are Viburnum erubescens, Ribes sp, and Rosa sericea including many ferns and fern-allies species in the forest floor Photo[ 4]. Paris polyphylla has versatile medicinal properties and has been listed under vulnerable category by IUCN. P. polyphylla has anti-tumor active constituents from the rhizome parts of Paris polyphylla var. yunanensis in China (Zhongguo, 2007). Yan et al., 2009 mentioned that Paris polyphylla is used to treat anti cancer activity of steroid saponins isolated from the rhizomatic parts of the plants. That means regeneration potential of medicinal plants was Photo 3: Seabuckthorn higher inside. Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 47 On the way, random sampling plots were laid and and Rhododendron thomsonii, etc., with the shrubs/ inventoried the plant species, and enjoying with scrubs species such as Rhododendron anthopogon, beautiful flowers, beautiful landscape, mountain and Rhododendron camelliiflorum, Rhododendron rivers along the trekking route. ciliatum, Rhododendron lepidotum and Rhododendron setosum, etc. The forest floor under the dense canopy Next morning, the survey team started from Tallem is largely covered by ferns and fern-allies, herbs and to Jakthang [Photo 5]. The prominent tree species forbs. Rubia cordifolia and Clematis montana were available between Tallem to Jakthang are Abies densa, the common climber species encountered all along the Betula utilis, Salix sikkimensis, Sorbus sp., and Acer sampling path in temperate to temperate coniferous campbellii. The middle canopy comprises of species forest. like Pieris ovalifolia, Ribes sp., Rhododendron barbatum, R. arboreum and R. thomsonii were recorded. The forest floor cover-up by herbaceous plant species The shrub species recorded in the trail are Polygonum such as Satryium nepalensis, Allium sp., Heracleum molle, Rubus sp., Bistorta sp. and Artemesia wallichiii, wallichiii, Gaultheria sp., Vaccinoides sp., Berberis etc. sp., Aster sp., Bistorta sp., Poa sp., Cyperus sp.,
Photo 5: Way to Tallem - Jakthang Photo 6: Temperate Coniferous Forest
On reaching the temperate coniferous forest, the Hemiphragma heterophyllum, Anaphalis sp., vegetation is replaced by temperate coniferous Meconopsis sp., Saussarea sp., Smilax rigida, Clematis tree species such as Rhododendron hodgsonii-Acer sp., Rumex nepalensis, Lonicera sp., Rosa sericea, caudatum-Tsuga dumosa along the sampling path Ribes sp., Juncus sp., Prunella vulgaris and Sambucus [Photo 6]. The seedling and sapling of Rhododendron sp., etc. A variety of mushrooms and lichen species hodgsonii were observed to have higher regeneration were also recorded along the trekking route. The most potential in the temperate coniferous forest as dominant taxa are Bistorta species and Heracleum compared to other tree species (Personal observation). wallichii along the trekking route. As evident character of the forest is the availability of a Satyrium neplaensis and Gaultheria semi-nifera vast seedling emergence for healthy forest ecosystem. were encountered from Tallem to Jakthang along the The habitat of Rhododendron hodgsonii-Tsuga sampling path. Satyrium nepalensis is a rare terrestrial dumosa were found widely distributed along 3200m orchid found growing at Tallem forest floor along the to 3497m asl which was lying between 27o46’39.9”N trekking route. and longitude 88o27’53.0”E along the sampling path [Photo 7a & b]. In Sikkim, Rhododendrons Next morning, the destination was to reach Jakthang are enormous taxa forming an important component to Yabuk at an elevation of 3999 m asl in temperate of temperate to alpine ecosystem. The prominent coniferous forest to sub-alpine forest [Photo 8]. Rhododendron species found along this altitudinal Random sampling plot which lying between latitude ranges are Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron 27o45’46.8”N to 27o46’27.6”N and longitude 88o23’ barbatum, Rhododendron campylocarpum, 56.7”E to 88o27’20.8”E and the elevation ranges from Rhododendron campanulatum, Rhododendron fulgens 3463 m to 3997m asl. The uppermost canopy cover
48 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Photo 7a & b: Glimpse of the field activities in the temperate coniferous forest species such as Abies densa, Betula utilis, Sorbus sp., and Acer campbellii were encountered. In the middle canopy forming species such as Pieris ovalifolia, Salix sikkimensis, Salix sp., Rhododendron hodgsonii, Sorbus sp. were recorded. Polygonum molle, Rubus sp., Bistorta sp., Artemesia wallichiii, Rhododendron campanulatum, Rhododendron thomsonii, Rhododendron barbatum, Rosa sericea, Lonicera sp., Gaultheria hookeri, Gaultheria trichophylla, Smilax rigida, Rubus sp., Spirella bella, Berberis sp., etc., were recorded. Coriaria terminalis var. xanthocarpa was the common scrub species recorded. Heracleum wallichiii is the dominant taxa whose fruit is used for indigestion purposes and has high value in local market. The umbel Photo 8: Jakthang to Yabuk part is used to make ‘Chutney’ by the local people. Next morning, the aim was to reach Yabuk to Rest The forest floor is densely covered with Anaphalis camp along the trekking route [Photo 10 & 11]. At adnata, Anaphalis triplinervis, Anaphalis contorta, the point of Yabuk, we came across the tree line. The Anaphalis margaritaceae, Aralia sp., Arenaria random sampling plots were laid along Yabuk to Rest sp., Astragallus sp., Berbersi angulosa, Carex sp., camp; there is a large stretch of landslide area upto Juncus sp., Hemiphragma heterophyllum, Elshotzia the initial point of the Green Lake. Afterwards, the sp., Delphinium sp., Cardamine macrophylla, trekking route is very straight to reach final destination. Rumex nepalensis, Thalictrum virgatum, Triosetum The tree line is complete from Yabuk [Photo 9] which himalayanum, Ranunculus sp., Sassurea sp., Shangwua is a beautiful place covered by beautiful mountain denticulata, Stellaria sp., Impatiens sp., Potentilla and landscape, the grassland is covered by different penducularis, Prunella vulgaris, Primula glomerata, varieties of Rhododendrons species. The random Primula denticulata, Hypericum sp., Bistorta sp., sampling plots were laid which was lying between Persicaria capiata, Persicarai runcinatata, Astible latitude 27o45’09.6”N to 27 o46’09.6”N and longitude rivularis, Astible sp., Juncus thomsonii, Juncus 88o20’01.09”E to 88 o23’ 03.9”E and the elevation sikkimensis, Juncus himalensis, Smilacina oleracea, ranges from 4202m to 4657 m asl. The forest is Selinum sp., Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Plantago characterized by the sub-alpine type and the tree major, Ligularia fischeri, Satyrium nepalensis, Viola species are less prevalent in this area. Few tree species sp. and Fragaria nubicola along the trekking route. such as Abies densa, Betula utilis and Sorbus sp., etc Bergenia purpurascens was encountered at 3581 m asl were recorded in Yabuk and its surrounding area. After which was lying between latitude 27o46’11.90”N and this sampling path, the ground surface was covered by longitude 88o26”16.95”E along the trekking route. The the common scrub species such as Rhododendrons sp., beautiful lichen species Usnea himalayana was seen to Juniperus sp., Cassiope fastigiata along the trekking favour the Ribes species in the forest. route. Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 49 Photo 9a & b: Inventory of plant species at Yabuk Area
Photo 10 & 11: Yabuk to Rest camp
The alpine grassland of Yabuk to Rest Camp is Leontopodium alpine and many other grass (Poaceae, commonly characterized by hemicryptophytes Juncaceae & Cyperaceae) species. The rocky surface life-forms and thorny pillows. At 4327 m asl, the was covered by the scrub of Rhododendron lepidotum, common scrub species such as Berberis sikkimensis, Rhododendron anthopogon, Rhododendron setosum Cassiope fastigiata, Ribes sp., Rosa sericea, Salix and Rhododendron nivale. sp., Gaultheria trichophylla, Myricaria rosea, Bistorta sp., etc are the dominant taxa. The ground The random sampling plots were laid along the Rest flora of the area are represented by Bistorta affinis, Camp and its surrounding areas which was lying o o Fragaria nubicola, Juncus himalensis, Meconopsis between latitude 27 46’07.8”N to 27 46’08.9”N and o o paniculata., Hemiphragma heterophyllum, Potentilla longitude 88 19’15.8”E to 88 19’39.2”E and the penduncularis, Rumex nepalensis, Stellaria sp., elevation ranges from 4624m to 4657m asl [Photo 14]. Astragalus sp., Runuculus sp., Sibbaldia sp., Saxifraga The Rest Camp is at a height of 4500 meters covered sp., Sedum sp., Rhodiola sp., Leontopodium alpinum, with alpine vegetation of scrubs and grasses along Poa sp., Juncus sp., Anaphalis sp., Senecio sp. and with rhododendron species such as Rhododendron Ephedra gerardina, etc. anthopogon, Rhododendron nivale, Rhododendron setosum, Juniperus sp., Potentilla sp., Gentiana sp., Cassiope fastigiata are very common with scrubby Taraxicum sp., Aster sp., Astragalus sp., Oxytropis Rhododendron species [Photo 12]. The rhododendron sp., Delphinium sp., Ranunculus sp., Lonicer sp., species such as Rhododendron aeruginosum, R. etc. The species numbers decrease very strongly setosum, R. nivale and R. anthopogon were the with increasing altitude. Mostly in alpine grassland, dominant taxa along the trekking route. The valley is Poaceae, Juncuceae and Cyperaceae were the dominant full of other ground vegetation such as Anaphalis sp., taxa along the trekking route [Photo 13]. 50 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Photo 12: Cassiope fastigiata (Habitat) Photo 13: Alpine grassland
Faunal Diversity sampling path. Himalayan bluesheep is scientifically During the survey period, a number of fauna and called as “Pseudois Nayaur”. The Bharal is considered avi-fauna species were encountered and some were by the International Union for the Protection of Nature recorded based on the presence of scats, pellets, and and Natural Resources (IUCN) as the Least Concern. feathers and digging signs. The commonly found Mostly they feed on the grass like Poaceae, Cyperaceae animal in this trekking route are Himalayan black and Juncaceae that are hardy herbaceous plants. Pellets bear whose habitat is Tallem forest. Other species of goral and barking deer were observed along the such as barking deer, Common leopard and many forest trails. Scats of Fox, Civet, Marten and Red fox other faunal species including Serow and Goral were also encountered along the trail indicating their are common along the trekking route. Himalayan presence in the area. During the survey, many indirect bluesheep was encountered at 4277 m asl lying latitude evidences of avi-faunal like droopings, feathers and 27o46’07.63”N and longitude 88o22’38.09”E along the call and butterflies species were also recorded.
Photo 14: Above rest camp at an elevation of 4657m asl
Photo 15: Inventory of plant species in Alpine grassland
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 51 Table 1: Checklist of fauna species encountered (Direct/indirect sighting) along the Green Lake sampling path in North Sikkim Sl. No. Scientific Name Common Name Family 1 Procapra picticaudata Tibetan gazelle Bovidae 2 Equus kiang Kiang Equidae 3 Canis lupus chanco Tibetan wolf Canidae 4 Marmota flaviventris Marmot Sciuridae 5 Vulpes sp. Tibetan sand fox Canidae 6 Pseudois nayur Himalayan bluesheep Bovidae 7 Ursus thibetanus Himalayan black bear Ursidae 8 Paguma larvata Civet Viverridae 9 Martes flavigula Marten Mustelidae 10 Vulpes vulpes Red fox Canidae
INDIRECT EVIDENCES
A B
C D Scats of Red Fox
E F Foot mark & Dropping (Avi-faunal species) 52 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 G H
I J Pug mark
CONCLUSION We also thanks to Shri. M. L. Srivastava, IFS (PCCF According to the survey, the area is a natural, cum Principal Secretary & Chief Project Director) undisturbed and virgin forest. There are two districts and Shri. Bhuwan Pradhan, IFS (CCF cum Project (North and West) falling under the Khangchendzonga Director), Mrs. Karma Choden Bhutia, SFS (DFO/ National Park where Green Lake (North Sikkim) is one BC), Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest of them having a rich biodiversity and least explored, Management Project (SBFP), Govt. of Sikkim. Lastly, and less anthropogenic footprint as compared to especially thanks to KNP/KBR field staff Shri. Sonam Yuksam-Dzongri trekking route, West Sikkim. More Gyatso Lepcha with colleague for their cooperation field exploration in an unexplored area is needed to and support for making the survey tour a success. check the availability of species. Many of the floras REFERENCES still need to be documented in different flowering season. Frequent landslides occur along the trekking • (https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/ route. It may cause great loss of biodiversity. Hence, Willowleaved%20Sea%20Buckthorn.html). it is concluded that the area is one of the biodiversity • Yan, L.L. Zhang, Y. J. Gao, W.Y. Man, S.L. Wang, hotspots in the Eastern Himalayan Region. Y. 2009. INVITRO AND IN VIVO ANTICANCER AKNOWLEDGEMENTS ACTIVITY OF STEROID SAPONINS OF PARIS POLYPHYLLA VAR. YUNNANENSIS. Exp Oncol. Authors are thankful to the Japan International 31, 1, 27-32. Cooperation Agency (JICA) Assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management • Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2007. Anti-tumor Project (SBFP) of Department of Forests, Environment constituents from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. and Wildlife Management, Govt. of Sikkim, for Us National Library of Medicine National Institute providing the necessary facilities and encouragement. of Health. 32 (14): 1425-8.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 53 Field expedition of Muguthang, North Sikkim, India
SANCHI SUBBA Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Government of Sikkim, Gangtok *Correspondence Author:[email protected]
Muguthang is located in North district of Sikkim Survey was conducted along Lhonak-Lasher Valley between latitude 27o54’22.81”N to 27 o53’36.19”N complex during October-November 2018. We covered and longitude 88o25’48.16”E to 88 o24’33.87”E 37 sampling plots, covering an area of 0.37 ha. Out of and its an elevation of 4556m asl (Photo 1). The these, 7 random sampling plots were laid in Muguthang Muguthang valley is under Lachen Range of high valley and its surrounding. Plateau connecting with the Tibetan Plateau (Trans- This article highlights about the Muguthang valley and Himalayan Region) and the valley is rich in floral and its significance. The main entry point of Muguthang faunal diversity. The slope angle of this area is mild and Valley is via Lachen-Thangu-Kalapatthar-Lungnak La the aspect is NW facing. Muguthang shares its border which is accessible by road. During our survey, we over the Goma Chu River in the Chola Range. This covered the trek on foot due to heavy snowfall and road valley requires special permission for tourist because blockage. The forest type of this region is alpine and of the International Border (China). Rapid Biodiversity alpine meadows. The climate is very cold and a windy
Photo 1: Overview of Muguthang Valley, North Sikkim
54 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Field expedition of Muguthang, North Sikkim, India
SANCHI SUBBA Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Photo 2: Androsace tapete Photo 3: Cotonaester sp. Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Government of Sikkim, Gangtok *Correspondence Author:[email protected]
Photo 4: Rhododendron nivale Photo 5: Cremanthodium oblongatum
Photo 6: Koenigia islandica Photo 7: Rhododendron anthopogon
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 55 place with the temperature falling below zero degrees in high demand in local market fetching upto Rs. 1000 celsius. The valley is surrounded by several mountains per kilogram. The skin fur is used as a blanket/carpet covered by snow, glaciers, lake, beautiful landscape and the white fur tail is used for special worship, the and beautiful flowers. The main vegetation in an around dung of yak is dried and used as a convenient source the Muguthang valley are Rhododendron nivale, of renewable fuel. The yak fur is separated from the Rhododendron anthopogon, Rhododendron setosum, skin and is used to make pillow cover and warm clothes Rhododendron campanulatum and associated species etc. Lastly, the agricultural practice is not possible of Juniperus indica, Epherda gerardiana, Salix sp., in Muguthang valley, however, once in a year they Ribes sp., Potetilla arbuscula, Taraxacum eriopodum, cultivate potatoes for consumption in kitchen garden. Koenigia islandica, Cremanthodium oblongatum are Otherwise, the yak meat is the alternative option for the dominant taxa. The herbaceous plant species such as consumption. Yak is a versatile animal which depends Saxifraga sp., Androsace sp., Gentiana sp., Cotonaester upon the inhabitants. sp., Aster sp., Cyananthus sp., Anaphalis sp., Aralia sp.,, Arenaria sp., Astragallus sp., Berberis angulosa, Carex sp., Juncus sp., Hemiphragma heterophyllum, CONSERVATION, RECOMMENDATION AND Elshotzia sp., Delphinium sp., Rumex nepalensis, CONCULSION Ranunculus sp., Saussurea sp., Stellaria sp., Prunella vulgaris, Primula glomerata, Primula denticulata, During Rapid Biodiversity Survey, we observed major Hypericum sp., Bistorta sp., Juncus thomsonii, Juncus threats to biodiversity in Muguthang valley in terms sikkimensis, Juncus himalensis, Geranium polyanthes, of both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. With Lonicera sp. and Aconitum sp., etc. the increase in feral dog, the population is growing as a serious threat to the wildlife and migratory bird. Other For faunal diversity, the valley is a common habitat for existing threats to the biodiversity of the area observed Snow leopard, Pika, White rabbit and Wild dog. The are construction of roadways and boulder in the most common bird species in this area are Red-billed valley. R. anthopogon is extracted from the area and if Chough, Guldenstadt’s Redstart (male & female) and sustainable harvesting practice is not implemented, the Robin Accentor. As per the local Dokpa (Chogyal), the species may get extinct in future. Hence, it is concluded migratory bird called Tung Tung in Tibetan language that the area is under threat. So, it needs conservation comes in a year during summer season. But in recent strategy for future purposes. times, this bird is not visible as compared to previous observation due to the increase of Feral Dog or other predator species. Acknowledgements
Apart from the biodiversity, Muguthang is a small The authors are grateful to JICA-assisted Sikkim village and the settlement is inhabited by 7 Dokpa Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management families. There is a Forest Guest House and a Project (SBFP) of Department of Forests, Environment Governmen Primary School at Muguthang valley. This and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim for area is protected by the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan providing the necessary facilities and encouragement. Border Police (ITBP) in the Sikkim Himalayan Region. We would also like to express our gratitude to Shri. M. The main livelihood option of Dokpas families is yak L. Srivastava, IFS, PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary and and they have approx. 150 individual of yaks per family. Chief Project Director, Shri. Bhuwan Pradhan, IFS, As per the local sources, the yak dung is a good manure CCF-cum-Project Director and Mrs. Karma Choden for the vegetation growth of ground flora. The grazing Bhutia, SFS (DFO/BC). Special appreciation to Mrs. is done at one time and shifted to another location to Kusum Gurung, SFS, (Joint Director) for her constant avoid over grazing as they maintain the forest alpine support and encouragement during this survey period. ecosystem in the Himalayas. Yak is the only livelihood Thanks to Shri. Bhaichung Lachenpa, Field staff, (KNP/ of Dokpas families because they give milk products North (T)), Mrs. Lyangmit Lepcha, GIS Engineer, (Cheese, Butter and Curd). One of the famous milk (Working Plan) and survey team (SBFP/BC) for their product that is made out of yak milk is Churpi which is support and guidance.
56 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 ANALYSIS OF BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS, PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES AND TREE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN CLOSED PERMANENT PRESERVATION PLOT AT TUMLABONG RESERVE FOREST IN RANGPO BLOCK, EAST SIKKIM
Pema Yoden Bhutia, Senior Research Fellow (WP)
INTRODUCTION Permanent Preservation Plots (PPPs) in natural forests plays a significant role in assessing the impact of climate change on forests. The ecological studies would help to observe and record the changes in species diversity, composition and growth pattern over a period of time. Understanding the variation in diversity is essential pre-requisite for scientific management and conservation of these natural resources (Condit et al., 1998).This article efforts to provide quantitative information on the tree species diversity, biomass and phytosociology of forest in Tumlabung Reserve Forest, Rangpo Block, East Sikkim. Plate 1. Map showing the location of Closed Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabung RF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Location and general Information It is the Closed Permanent Preservation Plot type which is located at Tumlabung RF under Rangpo Block. Below is the map showing the location of the site.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 57 Table 1. Location and general Information 1 Forest Block Rangpo 13 Forest Origin High Forest (Natural Regeneration) 2 Forest Range Singtam 14 Soil Type Red soil 3 Forest Division East 15 Soil Texture Sandy loam 4 Name of RF Tumlabong 16 Configuration Undulating 5 Location Lapche taar below Sakhu village 17 Gradient Low gradient 6 Altitude 715m - 759m 18 Wildfire Sighting Fire Prone Area 7 Aspect South 19 Fire occurrence Annually 8 Slope 10-35˚ 20 Illicit felling Nil 9 Latitude 27˚11’43.6” 21 Encroachment Nil 10 Longitude 88˚30’17.0” 22 Grazing frequency Nil 11 EPE 6.7 m 23 Area of PP Plot 1 hectare 12 Forest Type Dry Deciduous Forest Plot layout and enumeration The total area of the plot is 1 hectare i.e., 100 m x 100 m which is further divided into 16 sub plots i.e., 25 m x 25 m. The PP plot is given with the dry stone wall boundary which is why the name “Closed PP Plot”. 1 hectare LEFT RIGHT
100m D1 L D2 L D3 R D2 R
75m C1 L C2 L C1 R C2 R
VERTICLE 50m B1 L B2 L B1 R B2 R
25m A1 L A2 L A1 R A2 R
0 m 25m 50m 75m 100m HORIZONTAL
Fig 1: Layout of the Closed PP plot. All the trees were enumerated to determine the stand density or number of plants per hectare. The stem diameter over bark was measured at 1.37 m (DBH) above ground level. The phytosociological parameters were studied from the basic data viz., number, girth/diameter, height and basal area collected for the PP plot using different formulae (Raunkiaer, 1934; Misra, 1968; Menon and Balasubramanyan, 1985). Calculation of different stand parameters on per ha basis is done from the field data.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION There are total 240 trees in the 1 ha Closed PP plot. The findings are presented in three parts to facilitate the interpretation of results in accordance with topics. The first part deals with the Growth parameters and the second part deals with the Phytosociological studies of trees and third part deals with the Diversity indices.
GROWTH PARAMETERS Volume (m3/ha) The data revealed that the highest volume (m3/ha) of standing tree species was observed in Terminalia myriocarpa (2.33 m3/ha) followed by Albizia lucida (1.87 m3/ha) and then by Shorea robusta (1.76 m3/ha). The lowest volume (m3/ha) of standing tree species was observed in Spondias mangifera (0.05 m3/ha). 58 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Table 2.Table of Volume (m3/ha) of tree species in 1 ha Closed Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabong RF, Rangpo Block
Sl.No Species Volume (m3/ha) Sl.No Species Volume (m3/ha)
1 Shorea robusta 1.76 15 Holarrhena puescens 0.25 2 Schima wallichii 0.76 16 Spondias mangifera 0.05 3 Terminalia crenulata 0.34 17 Mangifera indica 0.35 4 Alstonia scholaris 0.34 18 Garuga pinnata 0.34 5 Albizia spp 0.50 19 Eurya japonica 0.35 6 Castanopsis indica 0.76 20 Grewia vestita 0.35 7 Toona ciliata 1.35 21 Aporosa dioica 0.35 8 Bombax ceiba 0.91 22 Albizia lucida 1.87 9 Daubanga grandiflora 0.13 23 Chukrasia tabularis 0.34 10 Terminalia myriocarpa 2.33 24 Engelhardtia spicata 0.34 11 Lagerstroemia spp 0.18 25 Callicarpa arborea 0.37 12 Lagerstroemia parviflora 0.21 26 Syzyium spp. 0.49 13 Mallotus phillipinesis 0.47 27 Guykhurey 0.34 14 Gmelina arborea 0.51 28 Dudrungey 0.34
Fig 2. Graph of Volume (m3/ha) of tree species in 1ha Closed Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabong RF
However, there are 127 nos. of Shorea robusta trees followed by Schima wallichii with 88 nos. whereas there are only 2 nos. of Terminalia myriocarpa and Albizia lucida trees in the Permanent Preservation plot. Hence, the volume depicted above is the mean volume (m3) in which the highest volume is revealed in Terminalia myriocarpa followed by Albizia lucida inspite of having only 2 nos. of trees in the Permanent Preservation Plot. Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 59 60 Diameter class (cm)
The diameter class data showed that the highest number of Shorea robusta (19 Nos.) falls in the range of 25-30 cm whereas total 30 nos. of the trees are above 50 cm diameter as observed in the diameter class data. The highest number of Schima wallichii (19 Nos.) falls in the range of 10-15 cm diameter class.
Table 3. Diameter class (cm) of trees in Closed Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabong, Rangpo Block
Diameter class (cm) Shorea robusta Schima wallichii ciliata Toona Bombax ceiba crenulata Terminalia Albizia lucida spp Lagerstroemia Lagerstroemia parviflora spp. Syzygium Albizia spp. Gmelina arborea Chukrasia tabularis indica Mangifera myriocarpa Terminalia arborea Callicarpa Mallotus phillipinesis Aporosa dioica scholaris Alstonia Garuga pinnata spicata Engelhardtia Eurya japonica Spondias mangifera Holarrhena puescens Daubanga grandifolia vestita Grewia indica Castanopsis Dudrungey Guykhurey
10-15 8 19 1 ˗ 2 ˗ 5 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗
15-20 3 8 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗
20-25 11 9 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ 1 1 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
25-30 19 12 ˗ 3 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 2 ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗
30-35 14 12 2 2 2 ˗ 1 ˗ 3 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 5 1
35-40 17 10 3 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 2 ˗
Panda 40-45 11 10 ˗ 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
|Vol.11 45-50 14 2 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
50-55 13 4 ˗ 1 1 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
| Issue1 55-60 9 2 ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
60-65 7 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ | 2018-19 >65 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
Total 127 88 6 10 6 2 7 4 7 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 1 Diameter class (cm) Shorea robusta Schima wallichii ciliata Toona Bombax ceiba crenulata Terminalia Albizia lucida spp Lagerstroemia Lagerstroemia parviflora spp. Syzygium Albizia spp. Gmelina arborea Chukrasia tabularis indica Mangifera myriocarpa Terminalia arborea Callicarpa Mallotus phillipinesis Aporosa dioica scholaris Alstonia Garuga pinnata spicata Engelhardtia Eurya japonica Spondias mangifera Holarrhena puescens Daubanga grandifolia vestita Grewia indica Castanopsis Dudrungey Guykhurey
10-15 8 19 1 ˗ 2 ˗ 5 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗
15-20 3 8 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗
20-25 11 9 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ 1 1 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
25-30 19 12 ˗ 3 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 2 ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗
30-35 14 12 2 2 2 ˗ 1 ˗ 3 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 5 1
35-40 17 10 3 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 2 ˗
40-45 11 10 ˗ 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
45-50 14 2 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
50-55 13 4 ˗ 1 1 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
55-60 9 2 ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
60-65 7 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
>65 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
Total 127 88 6 10 6 2 7 4 7 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 1 Panda Height class (m)
|Vol.11 The height class data showed that the highest number of Shorea robusta (39 Nos.) falls in the range of 25-30 m whereas total 16 Nos. of the trees are above 30 m height as observed in the height class data. The highest number of Schima wallichii (26 Nos.) falls in the range of 10-15 m height class.
Table 4. Height class (cm) of trees in Closed Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabong, Rangpo Block | Issue1 | 2018-19 Height Class (m) Shorea robusta Schima wallichii ciliata Toona Bombax ceiba spp. Syzygium crenulata Terminalia Garuga pinnata indica Mangifera arborea Callicarpa spp Lagerstroemia parvi- Lagerstroemia flora spicata Engelhardtia Albizia lucida Daubanga grandifolia Spondias mangifera Mallotus phillipinesis Aporosa dioica Albizia spp. indica Castanopsis Chukrasia tabularis scholaris Alstonia Gmelina arborea Eurya japonica vestita Grewia myriocarpa Terminalia Holarrhena puescens Guykhurey Dudrungey
<10 6 16 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ 2 1 3 2 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
10-15 25 26 3 ˗ 2 3 1 ˗ 2 3 1 ˗ ˗ 1 1 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 1
15-20 18 16 2 2 3 ˗ 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗
20-25 23 16 1 4 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 4
25-30 39 11 ˗ 4 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 4
>30 16 3 ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗
Total 127 88 6 10 7 6 3 2 3 7 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9 61 62 PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
Species Composition The data revealed that Shorea robusta was recorded the highest numbers of species present in all the 16 numbers of quadrates/blocks i.e., 127 Nos. followed by Schima wallichii i.e., 88 Nos. and then by Bombax ceiba (10 Nos.). The total number of species recorded in 1ha Closed Preservation Plot was 290 Nos.
Table 5. Species Composition in different Blocks/Quadrates in 1ha Closed Permanent Preservation Plot atTumlabong, Rangpo Block
LEFT RIGHT
1 2 1 2 TOTAL Sl.No. Species Family NO. OF SPECIES A1 L B1 L C1 L D1 L A2 L B2 L C2 L D2 L A1 R B1 R C1 R D1 R A2 R B2 R C2 R D2 R
1 Albizia spp. Fabaceae 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1
2 Albizia lucida Fabaceae ˗ 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 2
3 Aporosa dioica Euphorbiaceae ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 1
4 Alstonia scholaris Apocyanaceae 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1
5 Bombax ceiba Malvaceae ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ 1 1 3 ˗ 1 ˗ 2 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ 10
6 Chukrasia tabularis Meliaceae ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1
Panda 7 Callicarpa arborea Lamiaceae ˗ 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 3
|Vol.11 8 Castanopsis indica Fagaceae ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1
9 Daubanga grandifolia Lythraceae ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 | Issue1 10 Engelhardtia spicata Juglandaceae ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 2 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 2
11 Eurya japonica Theaceae ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ 1 | 2018-19 12 Gmelina arborea Verbanaceae ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1 ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 1
13 Garuga pinnata Burseraceae ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ ˗ 3 ˗ ˗ ˗ 3 Relative Density (RD) The data revealed that Relative Density was observed the highest in Shorea robusta (43.79%) followed by Schima wallichii (30.34%). The lowest relative density i.e., 0.34% was observed in the following tree species: Albizia spp., Aporosa dioica, Alstonia scholaris, Chukrasia tabularis, Castanopsis indica, Daubanga grandifolia, Eurya japonica, Gmelina arborea, Grewia vestita, Holarrhena puescens, Spondias mangifera, Terminalia myriocarpa, Guykhurey.
Table 6. Relative Density of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF Sl.No. Species Relative density (RD)% Sl.No. Species Relative density (RD)% 1 Albizia spp. 0.34 15 Holarrhena puescens 0.34 2 Albizia lucida 0.69 16 Lagerstroemia parviflora 1.38 3 Aporosa dioica 0.34 17 Lagerstroemia spp 2.41 4 Alstonia scholaris 0.34 18 Mangifera indica 0.69 5 Bombax ceiba 3.45 19 Mallotus phillipinesis 0.34 6 Chukrasia tabularis 0.34 20 Shorea robusta 43.79 7 Callicarpa arborea 1.03 21 Syzygium spp. 2.41 8 Castanopsis indica 0.34 22 Schima wallichii 30.34 9 Daubanga grandifolia 0.34 23 Spondias mangifera 0.34 10 Engelhardtia spicata 0.69 24 Toona ciliata 2.07 11 Eurya japonica 0.34 25 Terminalia crenulata 2.07 12 Gmelina arborea 0.34 26 Terminalia myriocarpa 0.34 13 Garuga pinnata 1.03 27 Dudrungey 3.10 14 Grewia vestita 0.34 28 Guykhurey 0.34
Plate 2. Over view of the Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF
Plate 3. Tree enumeration Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 63 Relative Frequency (RF) Table 7. Relative Frequency of Closed PP plot at Tumlabung RF Sl.No. Species Relative frequency (RF)% Sl.No. Species Relative frequency (RF)% 1 Albizia spp. 1.18 15 Holarrhena puescens 1.18 2 Albizia lucida 1.18 16 Lagerstroemia parviflora 3.53 3 Aporosa dioica 1.18 17 Lagerstroemia spp 3.53 4 Alstonia scholaris 1.18 18 Mangifera indica 1.18 5 Bombax ceiba 8.24 19 Mallotus phillipinesis 1.18 6 Chukrasia tabularis 1.18 20 Shorea robusta 18.82 7 Callicarpa arborea 2.35 21 Syzygium spp. 4.71 8 Castanopsis indica 1.18 22 Schima wallichii 16.47 9 Daubanga grandifolia 1.18 23 Spondias mangifera 1.18 10 Engelhardtia spicata 1.18 24 Toona ciliata 7.06 11 Eurya japonica 1.18 25 Terminalia crenulata 7.06 12 Gmelina arborea 1.18 26 Terminalia myriocarpa 1.18 13 Garuga pinnata 1.18 27 Dudrungey 7.06 14 Grewia vestita 1.18 28 Guykhurey 1.18
The data revealed that Relative Frequency was observed the highest in Shorea robusta (18.82%) followed by Schima wallichii (16.47%) and then followed by Bombax ceiba (8.24%). The lowest relative frequency i.e., 1.18% was observed in the following tree species: Albizia spp. Albizia lucida, Aporosa dioica, Alstonia scholaris, Chukrasia tabularis, Castanopsis indica, Daubanga grandifolia, Engelhardtia spicata, Eurya japonica, Gmelina arborea, Garuga pinnata, Grewia vestita, Holarrhena puescens, Mangifera indica, Mallotus phillipinesis, Spondias mangifera, Terminalia myriocarpa and Guykhurey.
Relative Basal area (RBA) The data revealed that Relative Basal Area was observed the highest in Albizia lucida (10.36%) followed by Chukrasia tabularis (8.41%) and then by Terminalia myriocarpa (7.90%). The lowest relative basal area was registered in Eurya japonica (0.37%).
Table 8. Relative Basal area of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF Sl.No. Species Relative basal area (RBA) % Sl.No. Species Relative basal area (RBA) % 1 Albizia spp. 3.34 15 Holarrhena puescens 1.59 2 Albizia lucida 10.36 16 Lagerstroemia parviflora 1.38 3 Aporosa dioica 0.58 17 Lagerstroemia spp 1.17 4 Alstonia scholaris 4.83 18 Mangifera indica 1.51 5 Bombax ceiba 4.51 19 Mallotus phillipinesis 2.78 6 Chukrasia tabularis 8.41 20 Shorea robusta 5.73 7 Callicarpa arborea 2.48 21 Syzygium spp. 3.21 8 Castanopsis indica 5.02 22 Schima wallichii 3.36 9 Daubanga grandifolia 0.90 23 Spondias mangifera 0.56 10 Engelhardtia spicata 6.67 24 Toona ciliata 3.55 11 Eurya japonica 0.37 25 Terminalia crenulata 4.78 12 Gmelina arborea 3.47 26 Terminalia myriocarpa 7.90 13 Garuga pinnata 3.81 27 Dudrungey 3.53 14 Grewia vestita 1.08 28 Guykhurey 3.13
64 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Importance Value Index (IVI) The data revealed that an Importance Value Index was registered the highest in Shorea robusta (68.35) followed by Schima wallichii (50.17) and then by Bombax ceiba (16.19). The lowest value was registered in Eurya japonica (1.89).
Table 9. Importance Value Index of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF Sl.No. Species IVI Sl.No. Species IVI 1 Albizia spp. 4.86 15 Holarrhena puescens 3.11 2 Albizia lucida 12.22 16 Lagerstroemia parviflora 6.29 3 Aporosa dioica 2.10 17 Lagerstroemia spp 7.12 4 Alstonia scholaris 6.35 18 Mangifera indica 3.38 5 Bombax ceiba 16.19 19 Mallotus phillipinesis 4.30 6 Chukrasia tabularis 9.93 20 Shorea robusta 68.35 7 Callicarpa arborea 5.87 21 Syzygium spp. 10.33 8 Castanopsis indica 6.54 22 Schima wallichii 50.17 9 Daubanga grandifolia 2.42 23 Spondias mangifera 2.08 10 Engelhardtia spicata 8.54 24 Toona ciliata 12.68 11 Eurya japonica 1.89 25 Terminalia crenulata 13.91 12 Gmelina arborea 4.99 26 Terminalia myriocarpa 9.42 13 Garuga pinnata 6.02 27 Dudrungey 13.69 14 Grewia vestita 2.60 28 Guykhurey 4.65 Fig. Graph of Important Value Index of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF
Fig. 3. Graph represents RD, RF and RBA of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF
DIVERSITY INDICES
Species Richness
The data revealed that the Species Richness was observed the highest in Shorea robusta with the value of 0.22782 followed by Schima wallichii with the value of 0.16724 and then by Bombax ceiba with the value of 0.05397. The lowest Species richness v alue was observed in Spondias mangifera followed by Eurya japonica with the values of 0.00694 and 0.00630 respectively. Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 65 Table 10. Species Richness of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF Species Rich- Sl.No. Species Species Richness Sl.No. Species ness 1 Albizia spp. 0.01620 15 Holarrhena puescens 0.01037 2 Albizia lucida 0.04074 16 Lagerstroemia parviflora 0.02097 3 Aporosa dioica 0.00700 17 Lagerstroemia spp 0.02372 4 Alstonia scholaris 0.02118 18 Mangifera indica 0.01126 5 Bombax ceiba 0.05397 19 Mallotus phillipinesis 0.01434 6 Chukrasia tabularis 0.03310 20 Shorea robusta 0.22782 7 Callicarpa arborea 0.01956 21 Syzygium spp. 0.03444 8 Castanopsis indica 0.02179 22 Schima wallichii 0.16724 9 Daubanga grandifolia 0.00807 23 Spondias mangifera 0.00694 10 Engelhardtia spicata 0.02846 24 Toona ciliata 0.04227 11 Eurya japonica 0.00630 25 Terminalia crenulata 0.04637 12 Gmelina arborea 0.01663 26 Terminalia myriocarpa 0.03141 13 Garuga pinnata 0.02006 27 Dudrungey 0.04564 14 Grewia vestita 0.00866 28 Guykhurey 0.01549
Fig. 4. Graph of Species Richness of Closed PP Plot at Tumlabung RF
CONCLUSION Species composition wise the stand is rich having one of the superior tree species i.e., Shorea robusta recorded the dominant followed by Schima wallichii having maximum numbers of trees per hectare, IVI and species richness in the Closed Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabung RF. Long-term monitoring, by using permanent plots, will clearly reveal that the applied management is in accordance with the conservation goals. Since long-term plot research is the most appropriate method to distinguish between trends and fluctuations, this method should generally be used in the evaluation of vegetation development. Changes in species composition, indicative of such developments, always start at a small scale, either as a change in vegetation structure or in population characteristics of vulnerable species. Therefore, a combination of monitoring both the vegetation and the population dynamics of (some) target species in the same permanent plot should be stimulated in future research. This knowledge of the ecosystem allows flexibility in necessary management practices for preservation. To obtain this knowledge on vegetation succession, long-term permanent plot monitoring is an appropriate research tool.
66 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I express my sincere gratitude to the Forests, Environment and Wildlife management Department, Working Plan circle for the establishment of Permanent Preservation Plot at Tumlabung RF which is funded by JICA assisted Sikkim Biodiversity and Forest Management Project (SBFP) Government of Sikkim.
I would like to extent my gratitude to our Conservator of Forests (WP), Divisional Forests Officer (WP) for their guidance and I humbly place my sincere thanks to Shri Bhuwan Kumar Pradhan, JTO (WP), for his hardwork and suggestions during the plot enumeration as well as Ms Lyangmith Lepcha, GIS Engineer (WP) for preparation of the PP Plot map.
My special thanks to Shri G B Chettri, JTO (WP) and Shri D K Tamang JTO (WP) for their encouragement, endless help and valuable guidance during the compilation of this article.
No acknowledgement is ever complete, if I have missed anyone; dear friends, it was not deliberately and I plead your pardon.
Finally my contribution in this work is very trivial compared to many people, who have directly and indirectly supported in carrying out this work. I thank all of them very sincerely.
REFERENCES
Condit, R., Hubbell, S. P., Lafrankie, J. V., Sukumar, R., Manokaran, N., Foster, R. B. and Ashton, P. S. 1998. Species area and species individual relationships for tropical trees: a comparison of three 50-ha plots. Journal of Ecology, 84: 549-562.
Misra R. 1968. Ecology workbook. Oxford and IBH Publishers, India. 241p
Menon A R R and Balasubramanyan K. 1985. Species relation studies in moist deciduous forests of Trichur forest division (Kerala). KFRI, Research report 32. 194p.
Raunkiaer C. 1934. The life forms of plants and Pema Yoden Bhutia statistical plant geography. The collected paper of C. [email protected] Raunkiaer. Claredon Oxford.632p. Senior Research Fellow Working Plan Circle
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 67 The Teesta An overview of potentially polluted river stretches in Sikkim
D.R. DAHAL* & VIMAL KHAWAS* * *Assistant Professor, Department of Eastern Himalayan Studies (EHS) Government College Rhenock, Rungdung―737133 ** Department of Peace, Conflict Studies & Management, Sikkim University, Tadong-737102 e-mail: [email protected] * Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract regarded as Teestah.2 The legend of the Teesta river is Teesta, the life blood of Sikkim is a giant transboundary mentioned in Kalika Purana. Among the other rivers river in the Eastern Himalayan landscape. It has of northern India, Teesta is also called as the younger been sustaining biodiversity, agriculture, mega and daughter of the Himalaya. There is a legend about it in micro hydel power projects & pharmaceuticals units Kalika Purana. It is said that once Lord Shiva became in the mid & down-stream stretch of Teesta. Owing pleased from the hard penance of the demons and gave to contemporary climate change, environmental them blessings. That particular demon was the devotee degradation and anthropogenic interventions, of Lord Shiva but he did not like Goddess Parvati, the catchment of Teesta has degraded in many forms wife of Lord Shiva. Parvati took this as an insult to which has degraded the quality of river water. Besides, her. As a result, a war started between the demon and Parvati. The demon was injured in the war and he was levels of NO2, PM10 and PM 2.5 have increased in the last 5 years due to rapid industrial development feeling thirsty. He requested Lord Shiva to save his life and urbanization in the Sikkim state. The total length by quenching his thirst. Lord Shiva became pleased and of river Teesta within Sikkim state is about 1581 km from his inspiration, a stream of nectar-like milky water (source- Teesta―Rangit confluence) near Melli, started flowing from the Parvati’s breast. This stream Kalimpong, West Bengal. was called as Teesta river and this river is fulfilling the Key terms: Teesta, Sikkim Himalaya, environmental desires of the people even today. pollution, Pharmaceuticals. Rudra (2018) opined that the name Teesta was derived Introduction from Trisrota, meaning three segregated streams ―the Karatoya, the Attayee and the Purnabhaba. The literal meaning of the word Teesta (sic) [Teestah] Although one derivation cited by RC Majumdar and is Trishna (desire) which never ends. In the Pali others attributes the etymology of the river name Tista language, Teesta is called as Tanda. It is often, to the Sanskrit word ‘Trisrota’ , noting that the river
2The Treaty of Segouli one of the oldest agreement/treaty signed between East India Company & Maharaja of Nipal in 1815 and it had a passing mention of river Teesta as TEESTAH. Later the word Teestah was corroborated to Teesta when topographical maps were prepared by Survey of India during 1960s. 1In order to find out the actual length/course of Teesta in the Sikkim State, corresponding author has utilized LISS-IV satellite image having spatial resolu- tion of 5.8m and river path was digitized at 1:10K in a ArcGIS platform to know its actual length within Sikkim state. Many authors claimed that it almost flows for 151 km in Sikkim state but this study deny the above fact and confirmed that it flows for almost 158 km in the Sikkim state.
68 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Figure1: Course of Teestah in North and East district of Sikkim. River course has been digitized in an ArcGIS platform at 1:10K on LISS- IV satellite data of 5.8m spatial resolution by the authors once divided up into three distributary channels ―the Tangon, Purnabhaga and the Atrai. As per Rudra (2018) Teesta is the most significant river of Sikkim and North Bengal. It originates from the snout of Teesta Kangse glacier descending from the névé fields of Pauhungri (23386’) in NNE of Sikkim in the Chhombo Chu catchment and flows through Sikkim, West Bengal and Bangladesh and finally falls into the Jamuna or Brahmaputra near Chilmari in Bangladesh. Other Figure 2: Polluted stretches of Teesta and its tributaries in Sikkim important source of Teestah on its way to Gaygaon in North Sikkim includes bluish water of Chholahmo and in Sikkim. The longitudinal range viz., Chola, Dongkia, Gurudongmar lakes and stream flowing down from the Pangolakha range in the ENE, Chorten Nyima La in Mirdo (Gyam Chhona lake). It flows for ±158 km in the North and Singalila in the WNW determine the the Himalayan state of Sikkim and enters North Bengal boundary of Teesta in Sikkim. According to Goyal & in Melli in the Kalimpong district, West Bengal. Goswami (2018), Meetei et al. (2007), Mukhopadhyay (1982) the upper portion of the catchment area of As per Rudra (2018) the length of the river is about 414 Teesta river is mostly covered with snow and glaciers km, and it flows about 172 km through the mountains and lower portion covered with forest. The Teesta of Sikkim on before debouching the alluvial plains of River exhibits large variability in geography such the Himalayan front. The Teesta flows 123 km through as undulating elevated profile. The glacial and peri- Indian plains before it crosses the Indo-Bangladesh glacial deposition, uneven elevation dissected valleys, border. It flows for about 121 km in Bangladesh. The undulating plains and floodplains, valley-side slopes catchment area of Teestah river covers 12,370 km2. and landslide slopes, forest, rich fauna and flora. According to Mandal & Chakrabarty (2016) The Teesta The landforms in the Teesta river basin is the result river is a right bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, of continuous denudation and deposition processes draining approximately 8,600 km2 of Sikkim Darjeeling that are constantly modifying the newly formed land Himalaya. forms in the upper reaches existing land forms in the The State of Sikkim in the Eastern Himalaya is known lower reaches. Teesta river is 414 km long with a total for its unique biodiversity & climatic belts varying catchment area of 12,159 km2. Teesta basin is home to between tropical to alpine. Sikkim state hosts around around 30 million people, 2% in Sikkim, 27% in West 104 turbulent rivers, 84 glaciers and 534 lakes and Bengal; and 71% in northwest Bangladesh of which more than 700 springs. Teesta is the major river system 78% are rural and 22% urban.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 69 Table 1. River Teesta and its conflicting length and basin area
Length Trans-boundary SL.No. River Author/authors (Km) basin area (Km2)
1. Teesta 315 12,540 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teesta_River 2. Teesta - 12,159 Khawas, 2015 3. Teesta 414 12,370 Rudra, 2018 4. Teesta 414 12,159 Asia Foundation, 2013
5. Teesta 414 12,159 Gauri Noolkar-Oak,2017
6. Teesta 309 12,500 Goyal and Goswami,2018 7. Teesta 414 12,159 HI-AWARE,2017 8. Teesta 402 11,650 Islam,2016 9. Teesta 315―400 - Bari & Haque, 2016 10. Teesta 315 12,540 Verma, 2018 11. Teesta 414 - Sarkar, 2018 12. Teesta 309 1,2540 Rai, 2018 13. Teesta 414 - Yasuda et al. 2017 15. Teesta 309 12, 540 Basumatary,2018 16. Teesta 309 12,540 Jain et. al. 2007 17. Teesta 414 - ISAS Insights, 2017
18. Teesta 315 - Mullick et al., 2011 Source: Compiled from various sources by the authors Polluted Stretch of Teesta in Sikkim vis-à-vis Recent Development State Pollution Control Board (2016) reported that seasonal variation impacts the water quality in Sikkim. Sikkim solely depends on surface water bodies. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors water quality of Sik- kim under Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources System (MINARS). Five rivers of Sikkim are being monitored at 14 locations by CPCB and the findings revealed that 14 locations are not complying with the water quality criteria. The rivers in which these locations lie is highlighted below:
Table 2. Polluted River Stretches of Sikkim Sl. Approx. length of River Stretch identified Towns Identified No. the stretch (km) 1. Dikchu Nampong to Dikchu Dikchu 4 2. Maney Khola Adampool to Burtuk Adampool 2 3. Rangit Dam site (NHPC) to triveni Legship, Jorethang, triveni 20 4. Rani Chu Namli to Singtam Ranipool, Namli, Singtam, Gangtok 15 5. Teesta Melli to Chungthang Melli, Rangpo, Singtam 60 Source: CPCB, 2014, FOREST ENVIS, 2016 The streams and rivers get polluted due to haphazard sand & gravel mining, release of mud and debris directly to the river banks during back-cutting & widening of the roads, landslides, decayed biomass in the water impoundment areas, heavy construction activities in the up-stream and mid-stream (construction of hydel dams and barrages) stretch of river Teesta , Rangit & its tributaries (Table 3). 70 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Table 3. Hydro power projects in and around the polluted river stretches in East & West Sikkim Sl. Power generation capacity Name the power project District Name River stretch No. (MW)
1. Teesta Urja Ltd. 1,200 North Teesta at Chungthang
2. Sneah Kinetics 105 North/East Dikchu
3. NHPC-V 510 East Teesta at Balutar
4. Teesta-VI 500 East Teesta at Reshap/Sirwani
5. Madhya Bharat Power Ltd. 96 East Rongni Chu at Nimtar
6. Rangit-III 60 South Rangit at Sagbari
7. Bhasmey 51 East Rangpo Khola near Rorathang Source: Compiled from various sources by the authors PM10 and PM 2.5 released by GC in 2015 & 2016 was 6 µg/m3, 73 µg/m3, 61.4 µg/m3. The level of NO2, PM10 released by AL in 2016 was 51 µg/m3 and 61 µg/ m3. TP has released the highest levels of MP10 (90.17 µg/m3), PM2.5 (52.33 µg/m3) PM10 (82.5 µg/m3) and PM2.5 (47.5 µg/m3) in 2015 and 2016. The level of PM10 released by ZW&ZHC in 2016 was 72.4 µg/m3 and 63 µg/m3 respectively (FE&WMD, GoS, 2016). Conclusion Teesta, the life blood of the Sikkimese flows for almost Photo 1. Exposed bed of Teesta at Addarsh Gaon, opposite, 158 km in the mountainous region of Sikkim. National Goshkhan Dara, Singtam, East Sikkim. River bed is exposed Geographic (NG) in 2017 reported that eight mighty due to decreased base flow of river and because of huge water rivers including Teesta running as Dry River because impoundment in the mid- stream stretch of Teesta for power generation. it has been tapped for several purposes in the mid and down-stream regions and other uses that it has largely Besides, small and large scale pharmaceuticals units dried up. Further, fishermen are no longer able to make are located along the right and left banks of river Teesta a living along its banks, and thousands of farmers and Rangit in East, South and West districts of Sikkim. have lost their water supply. Besides, it has immensely The commissioned and un-commissioned hydro pow- impacted sand and stone mining/quarrying activities er projects which lie in and around the polluted river along the banks of Teesta in Sikkim, Darjeeling/ stretches are highlighted above (Table 3). A number of Kalimpong Dooars and Bangladesh. Authors site pharmaceuticals units arrived in Sikkim between 1994- visits & field observation in the up-stream, mid- 2018 owing to Industrial policy (NEIPP, 2007) opted stream and down-stream stretches of Teesta in the last by government of Sikkim. Presently, about 40 pharma- 10 years revealed similar results. Eight mighty rivers ceuticals units are operating in Sikkim which plays a running dry from overuse includes Colorado, Indus, major in environmental & water pollution. The annual Amu Darya, Syr Darya, Rio Grande, Yellow, Murray monitoring of industrial air quality reveals that emis- and turbulent Teesta of Sikkim. sions are within the permissible limits; however, the Acknowledgements
exceeding levels of NO2, PM10 and PM 2.5 have been The authors thank all the contributors whose work recorded and reported for the pharmaceuticals units on Teesta basin has been reflected in the manuscript. which include Golden Cross (GC), Alkem Laboratories Further, authors also thank NRSC & Department of (AL), Torrent Pharmaceuticals (TP), Zydus Wellness Science & Technology & Climate Change, Gos for the LISS-IV satellite image of Sikkim. & Zydus healthcare (ZW&ZHC). The levels of NO2, Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 71 Bibliography 14. Moktan, R, (2004). Sikkim-Darjeeling, Compendium 1. Bari, Estiaque & Haque, Enamul, A. K. (2016). The of Documents. In Treaty of Segouli (1815).R.Moktan & Economics of Taming Teesta River: Limits the Choice Sumaralaya, p.5. of Agricultural Crop Diversification Asian Journal of 15. Mukhopadhyay, S.C. (1982).The Tista Basin― A Study Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, pp.1- in Fluvial Geomorphology.K.P.Bagchi & Company, 14. 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72 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Climate Change How Vulnerable is Sikkim?
Tso Lhamu Lake situated at an elevation of ca. 5330 m asl, North Sikkim
Dr. Bharat Kumar Pradhan Sikkim Biodiversity Board, FEWMD
Some say, climate change is just a hoax and according Himalaya since 1982 and Indian glaciers alone have to some, climate change is a reality. Whatever it is, the lost 10 percent of its volume in the last four decades change is a natural phenomenon and is inevitable. The and the figure is quite worrisome. change in climatic conditions is going to have significant impact on the biodiversity, hydrology, natural resources Let us not talk about what is happening at the global and the human lives as well. As compared to the lower level but focus our attention on the changes that is taking altitudes, the climate may change more rapidly in the place at the regional level. In Sikkim, 39.2 percent of higher altitudes and the Himalayas would be worst the total geographical area lies above 3000 m asl and affected. Studies have indicated an increase of 1.5 we have 80 glaciers and 677 high altitude lakes (area degree C temperature and 163 mm rainfall in the entire covered 32.26 km2) that is situated above this elevation
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 73 of which 320 are glacial lakes i.e., formed by the melting interest subsidy on working capital loan and even of glaciers. Most of these lakes are situated in North reimbursement of 100 percent insurance premium and district (506 lakes) followed by East district (97 lakes) attractive freight subsidy. In addition, Government of and West district (74 lakes). Scattered reports have India has introduced North East Industrial Development indicated that in Sikkim, the minimum temperature in Scheme 2017 which ensures various incentives to Tadong, Gangtok have increased by 1.9 degree C and all new industrial units located in eight north-eastern the rainfall has increased by 124 mm in the past three states in manufacturing and services sector of the state. decades. On the other hand, the number of rainy days Today we have as many as 15 major pharmaceutical has decreased by 14 days. There are number of reasons companies in Sikkim and is expected to increase in associated with the regional climate change in Sikkim the coming years. We cannot imagine the detrimental such as rapid industrialization, urbanization, mass impact of the pharma production on our environment. tourism, increase in vehicle number, developmental These companies are the source of GHGs like CO2 and activities, garbage, etc. SPM (suspended particulate matter) emission into the air and the discharge of untreated effluents into the In the past two decades, unprecedent number of water which produces GHGs like methane and CO2 as industries especially pharmaceuticals have been set a result of anaerobic digestion of waste water. It will up along the Teesta and Rangit river and its tributaries also have negative impacts on the humans and other due to various incentives provided to them by the biodiversity. For example, the people residing in and government of Sikkim such as 100 percent excise around the pharma companies in Sikkim have been duty exemption on the finished products, 100 percent regularly complaining about the taste of anti-biotics in exemption on income tax, 30 percent subsidy on the air which will slowly enter into the blood stream capital investment in plant and machinery, 3 percent of the humans and the animals. This will promote the
Industrial effluent flowing in Rangpo River, East Sikkim (Source: Binod Bhattarai)
74 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 development of anti-biotic resistant pathogens which will be harder to treat. Several complaints regarding the dumping of pharma waste into the water during the heavy rains have been received in the recent times. Such practice is largely unregulated and leads to contamination of water and food resources which directly affects the people living near to the production plants. Further, people living downstream especially in West Bengal have reported that the river brings huge number of dead fish especially during the heavy rains and the fish has the taste and smell of anti-biotics.
Despite regulation and legislation the pharmaceutical companies are continuously discharging untreated or inappropriately treated waste into the river and this has contaminated our entire river ecosystem causing huge negative impact on our environment and the biodiversity.
Many of the scientific studies conducted in rivers in UK and Europe through 2004 to 2009 reported the display of ‘intersex’ in male fish i.e., the male fish displaying female sexual characteristics, including female reproductive anatomy. Some males were even found to produce vitellogenin, a protein normally found in eggs that can be induced in males by hormone exposure. This phenomenon is blamed upon pollution of the contraceptive pill and its API, ethynyl oestradiol. Such mutations in the humans and animals in Sikkim cannot be denied in the longer run.
Figure 1 Annual visit of tourists in Sikkim 1https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/pharma-and-the-environment-pollution-trend/
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 75 Figure 2 Annual increase of vehicle in Sikkim (Source: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, GoI)
There are other industries like ISPAT, breweries, distilleries, food industry, foam industry, etc. which emits several GHGs and aerosols contributing to the regional climate change. In addition, there are numerous stone crusher plants and bitumen mix plants installed which is releasing huge quantities of CO2 and SPMs in the atmosphere.
Sikkim is a popular tourist destination and the number of tourists (both domestic and foreign) visiting Sikkim is increasing annually. There is a significant increase in both domestic (r = 0.769; α = 0.05) and foreign (r = 0.829; α = 0.05) tourists in Sikkim through 2011 to 2017 (Figure 1), which is disastrous for Sikkim from environment point of view.
In 2018, the number of tourists visiting Sikkim crossed 2.0 million which is 3 times more than the total populations of Sikkim (0.62 million) which means the amount of garbage generated, CO2 released through the process of respiration and water consumption by the tourists in one day is equivalent to the garbage generated, CO2 released and water consumed in 3 days by the total populations of Sikkim. It is been estimated that over 5000 tourists visits the high altitude areas in North and East district per day during the peak tourist season through April – May and this has direct implications on the local climate and biodiversity due to Author with the Rheum nobile at an elevation of ca. 4300 m asl 76 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 heat, air and the noise pollution. It is interesting to note • Shako Cho Lake situated at the snout of the Shako that in 2017, over one lakh tourist visited Sikkim per Cho glacier above Thangu in north district has month through January to June and the figure crossed increased by nearly two times between 1965 and two lakh during March (2.2 lakh) and April (2.7 lakh), 1989. The lake has a high outburst potential and a record high monthly figure till date. poses a considerable threat to downstream villages (Wormi et al 2014). “In case if the Shako Cho’s There is a significant increase in the number of vehicle dam burst, a torrent as large as Niagra Falls as well. We have over 50,000 registered vehicles in would strike causing catastrophic flood and will Sikkim which is increasing at the rate of approximately wash away entire or most of the houses along its 3000 to 5000 vehicle a year (Figure 2). course in Thangu, Yatang and Lachen and further In addition, innumerable vehicles belonging to army, downstream”. para-military forces, BROs, and also the vehicles • South Lhonak Lake is continuously increasing in from neighbouring state of West Bengal ply regularly size in last few years. The lake was around 18 ha in in Sikkim and they release unquantifiable amount of 1976 which increased to more than 126 ha in 2013 GHGs into the atmosphere in addition to causing with a maximum depth of 260 ft. distress and inconvenience to the local people and the wildlife. Developmental activities especially road • The area of one of the lakes in the Gurudongmar widening and new road connectivity is in full swing Chho complex has increased nearly four times throughout the state currently and the number of trees between 1965 and 1989. being felled during the process is alarming. The trees • The Khanchung Chho, origin of the River Teesta act as a carbon sink and mass tree felling results in is another moraine dammed lake which has accumulation as well as release of carbon into the grown noticeably over past few years. Its area has atmosphere thereby leading to rise in local temperature. increased nearly 1.5 times between 1965 and 1989 Similarly, rapid urbanization or rather concretization and approximately one-tenth of its size between is leading to development of “Urban Heat Island” 1989 and 2010. resulting in increase in local temperature. There are several other factors that are responsible for regional • The Tso Lhamo, a glacial lake has grown in size temperature rise. significantly. By 1989, its area has increased by 1.5 times than its size in 1965. Scientific studies reveal that Sikkim is at high risk of devastating flood due to glacial lake outburst or GLOF We have already experienced the catastrophe caused by (glacial lake outburst flood). Some of the studies on GLOF in Zemathang along Zema chu in 2005 and cloud glaciers in Sikkim have come out with the following burst in upper Dongu in 2006, both in north district. observations, Since Sikkim is very young state and it does not have • East Rathong glacier in west district has already long term data on climate; hence, traditional ecological receded by 460 m between 1976 to 2009, at the rate knowledge is equally important in comparing the past of 14 m per year. and the present conditions for predicting the future scenario. • Another lake in west Sikkim is Green Lake (Tikuchia Pokhari), which is a moraine dammed lake, has Personal interactions with the elderly citizens, most formed due to the retreat of glacier near Goecha La. commonly, barefoot scientists residing in high altitude areas reveal several distressing facts such as reduced • The moraine dammed lake feeding Tikip Chhu in snowfall, accelerated snowmelt, unseasonal rain, west Sikkim has increased noticeably by nearly five unusual weather, receding glaciers, short winters, long times since 1965. summers, early as well as late flowering, failed crops, • The Zemu Glacier in north district has retreated by mosquitoes, crows and incident like forest fires in high 300 m during 1975 – 1990 at the rate of around 20 altitude areas and increase in intensity of landslides metres per year. and avalanches. According to them, the total snowfall ahttps://www.eastmojo.com/in-depth/2019/05/14/why-are-yaks-dying-in-hundreds-in-north-sikkim?
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 77 and the snowfall period has drastically reduced; earlier, health of the pasture as well as causing the shrinking they used to get snowfall from December till February and fragmentation of the pastureland and they fear the which is now restricted to December and scanty acute shortage of food in future will have devastating during January and gets barely 2 ft snow as compared effect on the yak populations. to 10ft, some 10 – 15 years back. They fear that less snow coupled with early rain may lead to acute water Climate change will not only lead to global warming crisis in the future. They report of crop fail due to but also results in severe cold. The result is in front unseasonal rain, diseases and pests because of which of our eyes. The latest death of as many as 1000 yaks they are slowly giving up the traditional agro-farming in Muguthang, Tso Lhamu and Yumthang in north practices. The increase in volume of river water as a district during the month of April-May 2019 is a cause result of unseasonal heavy downpour and accelerated of serious concern. Local herders revealed that there snowmelt is causing land erosion due to which they are was 7 – 9 times more snow this year starting from late- 1. The death could be related to losing their agricultural land inch by inch every year. January till April end the combined effect of western disturbance and Polar The landslides caused due to heavy downpour is paving Vortex which pushed the cold icy air from the north pole a way for the species like Alnus nepalensis, Rumex towards the south causing extreme cold and prolonged nepalensis, Gerardiana diversifolia, Artemisia indica, snowfall due to which the rangeland were completely bamboos, etc. toward higher elevations thus replacing under the snow cover for 3 months preventing the plant the indigenous species. Even the species like Rheum growth causing acute shortage of food and the yaks nobile and Primilas are shifting its range beyond its died of starvation. The scientists assume Polar Vortex natural habitat. to be linked with the global warming. The rapid snowmelt due to the short and warm winter Similarly, people living in middle and lower elevations is leading to early flowering in many of the species shares that since last 15 years, they are experiencing while in some species, the chilling requirements are long dry spell, unseasonal rainfall, intense heat during not met, thus resulting in late flowering. The growth of winter leading to increase in intensity of forest fires non-palatable species in the rangeland is affecting the
Dead yaks at Muguthang (Source: www.eastmojo.com)
5Sharma G, Rai L. 2012. Climate change and sustainability of agrodiversity in traditional farming of the Sikkim Himalaya. In Arawatia ML, Tambe S (Eds.): Climate change in Sikkim – patterns, impacts and initiatives. Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim, 193-217.
78 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 causing compaction of soil and degradation of soil borne diseases like malaria and dengue at low lying health. In addition to change in plant phenology like areas like Rangpo and Singtam which is directly related early flowering and fruiting, invasive species such as to human influx and travel of infected tourists; however, Mikania micrantha, Lantana camara, Chromolaena climate change has potential to increase the human odorata, etc. are colonizing the open areas in the forest exposure risk or disease transmission due to prolonged very fast thereby decreasing the forest productivity and summer months during which the mosquitoes carrying food availability for the wildlife, leading to increase the pathogens becomes active. crop depredation by Asiatic Black Bear, Deer, Wild pig, Porcupine, etc. The climate change has not only affected the humans but it has huge impact on the other groups of animals Further, there are several reports of drying up of that are sharing the ecosystem with us. Acharya and springs and stream which is directly related to erratic Chettri (2012)3 reported late breeding or breeding rain. The heavy downpour increases the surface flow failure among birds and early breeding in amphibians, and prevents percolation of rainwater into the soil and biased sex ratio towards females in snakes. They even recharge of aquifer. Whatever little amount of water is reported that drying springs and erratic rainfall pattern percolated, either it gets drained out through tunnels or has affected breeding activity of amphibians causing gets released to the atmosphere as a result of increase decline in its population. Similarly, long dry spells has in surface evaporation rate and evapo-transpiration rate caused the near disappearance of turtles from Sikkim. due to high temperature thereby causing drying up of There is a report of accumulation of soot or black carbon streams in low lying areas. Heavy downpour is also and dust in the Arctic circle and the Himalayaswhich causing landslides leading to loss of the productive is darkening the colour of glacier and snowpacks, agricultural lands. causing them to absorb more solar heat and melt more Villagers reported the shift in weather pattern which has quickly, and earlier in spring4.This will have serious affected the traditional agricultural farming practices. implications on the mountain people; in addition to They stated that the jharis (local name assigned to acute shortage of water due to fast melting of glaciers, continuous rains for two to three days) are not common the water in the Himalayan region will be unsafe to these days especially Sawaney jhari during mid-June drink due to the contamination. to mid-July, a time for paddy sowing (Sharma and There are clear indications that climate change is a Rai, 20122). Traditional varieties of rice requires large amount of water and there is hardly any rain during reality and not a hoax and it is going to have cascading these period because of which many villagers have effect in our life. It is the human who is accelerating now abandoned paddy cultivation or are growing the the process due to our unsustainable activities and the drought tolerant varieties to adapt to the changing greed to stand taller and it is the human who can only weather pattern. This has serious implications on our reduce the problem. Sikkim being a mountainous region long conserved traditional varieties of rice as we have will be adversely affected due to climate change and already lost most of it. Erratic rainfall has caused we have been experiencing increase intensity of forest reduction in fodder production thereby affecting the fires, prolonged snow, erratic rainfall, intense heat, animal husbandry practices. They further reported severe cold, storms, etc. annually. The situation may the outbreak of new diseases which has caused huge become worse in the future if we do not take measures damage to the cash crops like cardamom, mandarin today. Hence, government agencies, civil societies, orange, zinger, etc. Growth of unwanted weeds in NGOs, students, scientists and policy makers need cultivable lands and outbreak of pathogens such as leaf to come together in fighting this global problem. We blight in iskush (Sechium edule) and pest infestations need to formulate stringent management policies at the are affecting the food productivity thus putting question regional level like river policy, environment policy, the on the future food security. rangeland management policy, etc. to safely handover the planet earth to our future generations. Lately, there has been an increasing cases of vector
6Acharya BK, Chettri B. 2012. Effect of climate change on birds, herpetofauna and butterflies in Sikkim Himalaya: a preliminary investigation.In Arawatia ML, Tambe S (Eds.): Climate change in Sikkim – patterns, impacts and initiatives. Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim, 141-160. 7https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/06/140610-connecting-dots-dust-soot-snow-ice-climate-change-dimick/.
Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 79 Article Revisited [1st edition published in PANDA Vol 10 2017-18] HARIYO MAKHA (SIKKIM AGAINST POLLUTION) LOMAS DHUNGEL FOUNDER CUM DEVELOPER HARIYO MAKHA
A bee feeding on yellow pollens of White Rose plant ( A type of SWACCHA BHARAT ABHIYAN that works on generating innovative ideas on ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT, PROPER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT)
The greatness of Mother Nature can be understood from the fact that a small dead rat spreads unpleasant foul smell in the whole area where it lies, but another dead animal as large as an elephant will never emit any smell if it is properly buried. So strong is the potential of nature that it has the ability to absorb all our problems allowing us a beautiful world all within herself.
MORAL UPLIFTMENT & VALUE EDUCATION protection at a tender age of 8-10 years would serve While teaching environment at schools it is equally as an asset who would further motivate many like him. important to equip the students with a first-hand We have been directly engaging students and practical experience towards its importance. For e.g. empowering them with meaningful activities for helping them develop a habit of recycling of papers working on ideas of “harnessing pollution” and earning can be the best alternative to burning that causes air small revenues that are completely utilised in helping pollution. With more than half of our country being needy students in their education. This act of kindness rural and most of them lacking in municipality, the idea and charity in terms of Value Education would serve as of upbringing “Student Volunteers” seems promising. a “Life-Time Achievement” for each one of them. At A motivated child participating in environmental any stage of life when they get depressed for not having 80 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 done anything big in life, the hard work, patience and integrity earned by them would surely become a life- long inspiration.
CLEAN PAPER INIATIATIVE & VOLUNTEER PAPER WORKSHOP The continuous accumulation of A4 papers create SOVA DEVI SHARMA ANUGRAH CHETTRI SUNITA BARAILY problems in storage and management. It is a common scenario across all schools and offices. While confidential matters are burnt to avoid privacy leakage, others are carelessly sold to scrap vendors without completely being used. In both the cases, there is heavy loss in paper resources in terms of raw materials, revenue, energy, time and environment. Following the note that “Loss of resource is directly or indirectly related to pollution”, we started the “Clean Paper Initiative” wherein we reused all the semi-used A4 pages of our school. We are perhaps the first school in the country that uses old pages as rough were contributed for making 300 clean copies. Thus 3 copies that are given to students for free. female students SOVA DEVI SHARMA, ANUGRAH With this idea we have tried to solve the crisis in paper CHETTRI and SUNITA BARAILY were helped in waste management of not just our school but also of admissions to IGNOU. nearly 20 more schools who donated old papers to us. Roughly assuming 5000 pages per one average tree and The idea also saw the donation from public volunteers with a life span of 30 years for its growth, we could like Jay N. Sapkota (Makha), Rupesh Gautam (Makha), thus save around 40 trees and recovered a life span of Shital Pradhan (Singtam), and also agencies like Oli 1200 years by helping in reuse of 2,00,000 pages. Priniting Press (Singtam), Sujal Textbook Manufacture (Makha) and Saraw Club (Makha) who actively NATIONAL CONTEXT & CONTRIBUTION TO contributed to us. ENVIRONMENT The initiative followed the segregation of an enormous The 2011-12 MHRD report gives a data with 1.3 million 4,00,000 pages containing nearly 1.80 kg of old stapler schools in our country. Irrespective of the variation in pins or an equivalent 40,000 small pins which was the number of students, if we roughly assume that one collected and send for recycling thereby discouraging school generates an average of 10,000 semi-used pages their careless disposal leading to soil contamination. annually, then there is a possibility in reuse of: This enormous bulk also contained around 10-20% 10,000 x 13,00,000 = 13,00,00,00,000, i.e., 1300 crore clean pages that were re-converted to copies under the pages , “Volunteer Paper Workshop”. For every 100 copies With our initial calculations, we could equivalently sold one student was sponsored for admission to NIOS save 26,00,000 trees from cutting down and recovered and IGNOU. Half of the money was earned by selling a life span of 7,80,00,000 years. With hundreds of copies and remaining was voluntarily paid by me. offices and other agencies taken together, this data st In the 1 Phase, a group of 82 students working for would give unimaginable results. just 15 minutes per day volunteered nearly 1000 hours (including time for segregation) in making 100 copies. LUKEKO PAISA INITIATIVE & ZERO PAPER This helped in getting one drop-out student back to WASTE SYSTEM Class XII under NIOS. While working for A4 pages, the problem of continuous In the 2nd Phase, the motivating feedback was so positive accumulation of exam papers always occupied the that few students even began contributing an extra 20 most part of my mind. The proper management of such minutes of their lunch time. In all, another 2000 hours untidy looking bulks was by and large the greatest Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 81 of all challenges in terms of papers waste. This was accounted for 28.46% allowing only 137.36 pages for particularly for the fact that they contained sensitive writing. information like the name of students and their marks. With a loss of around a quarter of the total area the Hence while most schools were left with no option but situation was very alarming. To combat this problem to burn them, we took it as a challenge in inventing students were slowly motivated to use only plain copies some idea to convert the scrap into resources. instead of ruled copies. Thus the left, upper and lower A systematic Case Study on 18,146 SA-exam papers margins were eliminated and replaced by a single upper and 11,489 FA-test papers was conducted from February margin of width 1.2 cm and negligible lower margin in 20 to March 31, 2018. It was found that 33.75 % of plain copies. SA papers and 59.84% of FA papers had the potential Starting with just 5 students in 2015, the number of for being used as rough pages. We thus recovered an students using only plain copies for all subjects have equivalent of 121.46 dista from SA type, and also an risen to 258 this year. So far a total of 3346 plain copies equivalent of 45.70 notebooks from FA type papers. have been used instead of ruled ones. This huge paper potential led to a very simple idea Out of different copy sizes ranging from 120 to 400 of detaching the upper margins containing crucial pages, if we assume the data of 192 paged copy @ Rs information like name and marks, and using the 60, and a recovery of just 20% per copy then we would remaining as Rough papers. The idea was laborious have recovered 1,28,486 pages or equivalent 669 copies but very effective as even exam papers could now and a revenue of Rs. 26,768 with the simple ideas of be selected for reuse. Thus “the power of simple shifting from the use of ruled copies to plain copies. solutions” solved the biggest of all problems in the We are presently working with Sujal Textbook most simplest manner. Manufacture (Makha), and Oli Printing Press This incident led to the “Lukeko Paisa” (Hidden (Singtam) to develop Ruled copies with lesser marginal Treasure) initiative wherein we tried to develop a zero areas. paper-waste system at the school. The detached pieces along with other small pieces were separately collected TRIANGULAR PROBLEM & OUTSOURCE in rags to be send for recycling. The completely used RECYCLING INITIATIVE pages and rough copies after being used were torn into Very often people are found selling large sized cartons rectangular strips. to scrap vendors. The financial motivation lures them Each student was made to return these by packing to be involved in the recycling process. However none into cuboidal shapes noting the length, breadth and of them are seen to be interested in small-sized cartons height and hence the volume every time. This blend of generated from packaged items like incense sticks, perfumes, match-sticks and many more. Due to their environmental awareness together with mathematical small sizes and negligible weight they are discarded. application made the work simple and exciting. It is but by these pieces that creates triangular problems In all we were able to send 502 kg of cut-piece papers of 3 types – being discarded to soil causes landfill for recycling that would otherwise had been thrown problems, when burnt into fumes causes air pollution owing to their insignificant sizes and negligible weight. and when littered openly are blown by air into water The revenue generated was immediately utilised in bodies thereby affecting the marine ecosystem. Makha paying the school fees of one of our students. and its surrounding areas contain around 8 water bodies including the river Tista. MERO KHATA INITIATIVE This led to the “Outsource Recycling” initiative that A Case Study was conducted on the area occupied by aimed at collecting all those small pieces and sending margins in two different Ruled copies. them for recycling. A healthy competition was set up at In the first with 120 pages @ Rs 40, it was found that school wherein students collected all cartons that were the margins alone accounted for 27.97% of the total burnt in their village and brought it to school. Every copy thus allowing an equivalent of 86.52 pages to be time a rag full of cartons was dispatched, a portion used for writing. of revenue earned was utilised for gifts to the top 3 In the second with 192 pages @ Rs 60, the margin scorers, while the remaining was retained for helping 82 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 students in their education. Thus the whole of the pollution generating items were effectively converted to revenue and charity. Surprisingly a total of 160 kg have been collected in just 30 days from the village. Though the weight of items collected was very less, the idea seemed significant for the fact that we collected around 6346 small cartons which were carelessly ignored due to its negligible weight. The revenue earned from this initiative was donated to a joint venture initiated by T.R. Dahal and his team of philanthropic teachers of Namphing SS (South Sikkim) together with support from Dr. Rajen Upadhyay from the History Dept, Tadong College. Student noting the length, breadth and height of the cuboidal packets It was aimed at financially supporting a student PRATIGYA GHIMIREY in her 3-year B.Com course at the Tadong College, and we feel proud to help them in their works using the revenue earned from Outsource Recycling initiative. Some enthusiastic students have started spreading awareness among almost every shops in their locality ensuring that no cartons are burnt that could be recycled. Thus the students themselves served as volunteers spreading the message of recycling in their villages.
PYARO MAURI INITIATIVE As a child I grew up in a small village at Sang- Students showing the margins highlighted in Red and Black Tshalamthang (East) in the orchards of beautiful and Initially a total of 65 students participated. They were tasty oranges and in a pollution free environment. given home-works on spreading awareness among the Nature was at her fullest with sights of smaller insects villagers. This motivated an additional 145 common like spiders, butterflies, bees, ladybirds, dragonflies public. Later, 9 more school staffs joined the initiative etc. My childhood memories cherished around such and the total participants went up to 219. colourful faunas which I later understood to be the best A total area of 10.22 acres (4.14 hectare) of land in terms of pollinators and pest control. stretching alongside the highway from Singbel to Back in 2018, I saw some bees roaming around white Kokaley in the East were recorded. Some seeds roses. Careful observations revealed that they fed only cultivated by teachers also included the areas of on the roses with yellow pollens that turned black in Singtam, Sang, Tumin, Raley, Sichey in East Sikkim, 6-8 days. It was the month of December when flowers and Lingi in South. A total of 31 bee-hives have also were very scarce. This drew my mind to the issue of been recorded. With an average of 800 bees per hive, declining population of insects in the state particularly the initiative made attempts to help roughly 24,800 the pollinators like bees. In the absence of bees, the bees. whole process of cross-pollination would severely be disturbed. Hence every vegetable and fruit was prone GOLDEN RUPEE & VIRTUAL MUNICIPALITY to this problem. The absence of municipality in Makha has brought This incident together with the problem of declining about problems in garbage disposal. With my own population of bee in the state inspired for another experience on waste segregation since 2013 at my home initiative known as “Pyaro Mauri (Dear Bees)” which in Singtam, a small idea known as “Golden Rupee” was worked on mustard seed cultivation. It was launched set up as a part of Virtual Municipality in the village. from the school on 4th December 2019. The ideas was to collect, segregate and donate whole Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 83 Primary students bringing small cartons to school of the scraps for a “Value Price” of just “One Rupee” scrap covers generated per year is 7300 crore pieces irrespective of the volume of waste collected -- hence which is equivalent to 36.50 crore kilogram, or 219 the name Golden Rupee. crore kilogram of Carbon-dioxide if burnt and an We could thus donate 178 kg plastics items, 174 kg uncountable area of land for its disposal. Due to their paper items, and 70 kg metal items, i.e., 422 Kg of “zero resale value” they either end up in landfills scrap was donated and a total of 5 Golden Rupees releasing Methane, or burnt into fumes giving carbon- earned so far. Very recently we have also added M/s dioxide both of which are potential Green-house gases. Mohammad-de-Traders (Singtam) owned by Sheikh With the global temperature soaring heights there is Nasim as our environmental partner who would help us always a crisis in proper plastic waste management. in our works. Following the footsteps of our work, if we imagine a “Book Covering Unit” out of such plastic pieces, then SMALL SCALE INDUTRY AND SEASONAL we would be able to establish a Small Scale Industry EMPLOYMENT that can generate not just Self-employment for countless We worked on the idea of collecting and up-cycling youths, but also help in combating pollution and other the outer covers of Lays, Kurkure and other eatables demerits arising out of improper disposal. for book covers after adopting a healthy and hygienic With our idea being sustainable, cheap with zero by- mechanism for its cleaning. In all around 3200 book product emission, it can generate seasonal employment covers were made out of more than 50,000 plastic across each and every corner of India with a zero pieces that would otherwise have been discarded into dependence on raw materials. landfills or usually burnt. Let us roughly assume that one piece weighs 5 gram and that burning 1 kg of OVERVIEW plastics releases 6 kg of Carbon-dioxide in addition With some ideas creating success stories and some to other harmful gases. With this calculations we not still in experimental phase, we are also receiving only helped in up-cycling 250 kg of scrap plastics suggestions from the State Pollution Control Board and and prevented 1500 kg of carbon-dioxide emissions the ENVIS under Forest & Wildlife Dept. to the atmosphere, but also earned small revenue with Having sponsored 5 students for admissions at our works that was utilised in helping one student for NIOS & IGNOU, we have kept a vision of helping 5 admission to IGNOU back in 2017. more students this year. Working along the theme of Our idea seems very promising if we think on the Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan, our socio-environmental national context. If we assume that out of 135 crore initiative aims at combating pollution thereby helping of Indian population, if 20 crore people consume just in maintaining a clean environment of the state and the one plastic packaged item per day, then the number of nation as a whole.
84 Panda | Vol. 11 | Issue 1 | 2018-19 Bar Peepal Vivah - A spiritual marriage tradition held at Lower Gom-Belbotey, South Sikkim
An aged-old sacred ritual to integrate nature into human life by conducting spiritual marriage of bar and peepal trees was witnessed at South Sikkim on the 13th of April 2019. The event in grandeur was performed in a private function organised by Shri Thir Bahadur Nepal with the support of local residents and family members.
The Hindu tradition of marrying Bar with Peepal is considered a virtuous act. It also propagates man and nature affinity living in a harmony.