Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report - II

Thalictrum sp.

Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim Dendrobium nobile

Published by : Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim, Deorali, Gangtok - 737102, Sikkim, India All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim, Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be sent to the Project Director, Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project, Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim. Citation: Bharat Kr. Pradhan, Suraj Subba, Sabita Dahal, Dorjee Chewang, Meena Tamang (2015). Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report - II. Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), FEWMD. Government of Sikkim, Deorali, Gangtok, East Sikkim.

Photo Credit: Bharat Kr. Pradhan, Suraj Subba, Dorjee Chewang, Sabita Dahal, Nima Lepcha, Mika Lepcha, Dupden Lepcha.

4 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Contents Page No. 7 Message 8 Foreword 9 Preface 10 Acknowledgement 11 Introduction 13 Inventory and Monitoring of Biodiversity 14 Tholung - Kishong sampling path, Khangchendzonga National Park, North Sikkim 49 Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary - Shiv Mandir Sampling Path, North Sikkim 74 Rapid Biodiversity Survey with special focus on Rhododendron niveum 94 Annexure - I 96 Annexure - II 111 Annexure - III 112 Annexure - IV 119 Annexure - V 127 Annexure - VI 128 Publications under Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 5 Bistorta affinis, Tholukpe (KNP), Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim

6 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Message Sikkim is known the world over for its important tool to document information biodiversity richness and cultural uniqueness. from the field and contribute in determining This fact is the basis of our inspiration to propose best management practices, for biodiversity for the inscription of our Khangchendzonga conservation. I am pleased to release the book National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage titled “Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report Site based on its Outstanding Universal Value – II” on this occasion of the “International on both cultural and natural criteria. conference on conservation of natural and cultural values of Khangchendzonga National The interrelated nature of biological diversity, Park”. The compilation of such scientific data traditional knowledge and culture necessitate is of utmost importance to verify changes in a comprehensive approach to the conservation biodiversity and thereby determine the status of biological diversity. The loss of cultural of our ecosystem and aid policy makers to diversity has been directly linked to loss of formulate best practices towards conservation biodiversity. Biodiversity is the foundation of of our biological diversity. a healthy ecosystem and sustainable human development. It is due to the richness and I wish the Department of Forests, Environment variety of life on earth which makes it possible & Wildlife Management all success in their for us humans to utilize the ecosystem services. future endeavours and urge its officers to Hence it is crucial that regular monitoring take into consideration the fine linkage of and documentation of changes in structure, natural and cultural factors when determining function and composition of our eco-systems best biodiversity conservation initiatives and is carried out so that remedial actions can be policies in the State. planned well in advance to prevent irreversible degradation. Exploration of our floral and faunal wealth is an ongoing exercise for forest, environment and wildlife management. Data and information collection is a constant process and Rapid Biodiversity Survey is one such (Pawan Chamling) Chief Minister of Sikkim

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 7 Foreword It gives me immense pleasure to present the Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report – II. The first report was released by the Honourable Chief Minister on the 10th March 2015. I am glad that the part II of the same report is being released on this prestigious occasion of the “International conference on conservation of natural and cultural values of Khangchendzonga National Park.” There is growing scientific consensus that climate induced changes T.W. Lepcha in biodiversity and ecosystem services are occurring. The study and measurement of effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem is a challenging task. Changes in species composition and habitat can only be determined if accurate baseline date is available. This Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report will provide additional guidance to forest managers for better planning and field implementation. In fact such surveys should be undertaken every few years to determine any noticeable changes. I am certain that report will be of immense help to students, researchers, policy planners, tourists and civil society. The forest department has through the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation & Forest Management Project initiated the process of scientifically collecting basic line data of the forest biodiversity and I sincerely appreciate their efforts. I wish the SBFP team all success in collecting and collating such crucial data that should find its use in developing a policy framework that recognizes the inter-dependence of climate-change, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

(T.W. Lepcha) Minister for Forests Environment & Wildlife Management Department/Mines, Minerals & Geology,Science and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim.

8 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Preface Sikkim is a small Himalayan State spanning 7,096 sq.km. in area with unique geomorphic features and an altitudinal gradient ranging from 2,000 ft to over 15,000 ft. The State is characterized by moderately high rainfall and near-pristine environmental conditions over most part of its area. These features provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of flora and fauna to thrive in the State and hence are responsible for its biodiversity richness. Dr. Thomas Chandy The JICA assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project was initiated in the year 2010 in the State of Sikkim. The major objective of the project as the name signifies is biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity is the variety of life forms on earth and the ecosystem services it provides is most fundamental to human survival; therefore its sustainable management is most essential. This project has been formulated keeping in mind the interdependence of people and biodiversity. It strives for sustainable management of forest resources by promoting alternate means of livelihood that is directly dependent on the conservation of biodiversity like eco-tourism and joint forest management. It has been planned to conduct Rapid Biodiversity Survey all over Sikkim and designate specific areas that represent fragile biodiversity as “Conservation reserves”. One important discovery made during one such survey was the discovery of Rhododendron mekongense in the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary. This species had been earlier reported only in China and Arunachal Pradesh. The present edition of the Rapid Biodiversity Survey report is the second in a series of reports that will cover almost all of the protected areas of the State. We hope that through this survey the Department is able to utilize the data in better management of our natural resources.

(Dr. Thomas Chandy) IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest-cum Principal Secretary, Sikkim Conservation and Forest Management Project, Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 9 Acknowledgement

This book titled the “Rapid Biodiversity Survey- Report II” is part of the report that was released by the Honorable Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Chamling on the 18th February 2015. This, in order to make available to forest managers and planners handy reference of baseline data for effective forest resource management by providing a broad information base by way of inventory. The making and compilation of this book consumed a lot of hard work, research and dedication. It would not have been possible without the support of many individuals and organizations and acknowledging each one will not be possible. However on behalf of the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project, Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim, I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of the following institutions and individuals. Firstly we are thankful to Japanese International Co-operation Agency for their support and providing necessary guidance concerning project implementation. To our GIS and Survey team of SBFP, heartfelt thanks for their wonderful inputs and their support in field work. A big thank to Ms. Sabita Dahal, Junior Research Fellow (SBFP) for her contribution. Last but not the least, special thanks to Dr. Bharat Kumar Pradhan, Survey Expert (SBFP) to whom the credit goes for compilation of this report. Without whose dedication, competence, diligence and hard work, this report may not have been possible. We hope that he continues to make significant contributions in this field so that the project is able to achieve significant milestones.

Dechen Lachungpa Divisional Forest Officer SBFP (BC & NE).

10 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Introduction

Sikkim is the 22nd State and the 2nd smallest a record of >450 tree species, 38 species of state of Indian Union with only 7096 sq. km. rhododendrons, >500 species of medicinal total geographical area. It is located in the plants, 523 orchid species, 362 species of Eastern Himalaya and is a part of the Indo- fern and its allies, 8 tree fern species, 11 Burmese biodiversity hot-spot. The state has oak species, 16 conifer species, 23 bamboo unique geographical features having wide species, 60 primula species and 150 species range in altitude (220 m asl to 8598 m asl), of wild edible plants. Sikkim is famous for high precipitation, etc., which makes it a its orchids and rhododendrons and harbors home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna 72 percent of the rhododendron species of from tropical region to arctic region.. the country. For its floral richness, several botanical explorations have been made in The state has 82.31 percent of the total Sikkim by famous botanist and naturalist from geographical area under the forest cover, all over the world including Sir J.D. Hooker, which is highest in the country, harbouring Sir G. King, C.B. Clarke, G.H. Cave, W.W. approximately 4500 species of flowering Smith, and J.M. Cowan who accounted their plants (26 percent of the country). There are collection in different books.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 11 Sikkim is a home to several endemic Sikkim also represents the highest bird floral species, viz. Abies densa, Acronema richness in terms of total geographical pseudotenera, Anaphalis cavei, Anemone area. About 50 percent of the bird species demissa, Betula utilis, Bulbophyllum of the Indian sub-continent (1400 species) trichocephalum var. capitatum, Calanthe are present in Sikkim. The Blood Pheasant anjanii, Calanthe yuksomnensis, Coelogyne (Ithaginis cruentus), Crimson horned Pheasant treutleri, Cremastra appediculata var. (Tragopan satyra), Forest eagle owl (Bubo sonamii, Cymbidium whiteae, Dendrobium nipalensis), Himalayan golden eagle (Aquila eriiflorum var. sikkimensis, Larix griffithii, chrysaetos daphanea), Monal Pheasant Mahonia sikkimensis, Pantlingia paradoxa, (Lophophorus impejanus), Lammergeyer Podophyllum sikkimense, Rhododendron (Streptopelia orientalis), Tibetan snowcock sikkimense, Rhododendron baileyi, (Tetraogallus tibetanus), etc., are listed Rhododendron camelliiflorum, Rhododendron in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) ciliatum, Rhododendron glaucophyllum, Act, 1972. It has also been reported that Rhododendron grande, Rhododendron lanatum, Rhododendron lindleyi, species like the Black necked Crane (Grus Rhododendron wallichii, Rhododendron nigricollis), the Himalayan Griffon Vulture wightii, etc. (Gyps himalayensis), the Tibetan Snowcock The state harbours wide variety of faunal (Tetraogallus tibetanus), Snow Partridge diversity, which includes 150 species of (Lerwa lerwa), Snow Pigeon (Columba mammal, 552 species of birds, 700 species leuconota), Snow Finch (Montifringilla sp.), of butterflies and 1500 species of moth, 29 Mountain Finch (Leucosticte brandti), etc., species of reptiles, 10 amphibian species and have become endangered in Sikkim. over 48 fish species. Amongst the important and rare animals found in Sikkim, the Snow In order to protect the rich biodiversity of leopard (Uncia uncia), Red Panda (Ailurus the state, 46.93% of the total geographical fulgens), Musk deer (Moschus sp.), Barking area has been brought under the Protected deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Himalayan Area Network (PAN). This includes the Thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Goral Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (the (Naemorhedus goral), Blue sheep (Pseudois highest Biosphere Reserve in the country), nayaur), Serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii), Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Tibetan Gazella (Procapra picticaudata), Alpine Sanctuary, Barsey Rhododendron Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus), Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Kitam Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Leopard Bird Sanctuary and Pangolakha Wildlife cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Jungle cat Sanctuary. (Felis chaus), Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana), etc. are prominent. Many of Khangchendzonga National Park (the core these species are now listed in the IUCN red zone of KBR) with its Outstading Universal data book. Some of these animals have also Value in terms of both cultural and natural been included in Schedule I of the Wildlife has been proposed to be nominated as a (Protection) Act, 1972, including the Blue UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and so far sheep, Clouded leopard, Himalayan Thar, the KNP has been included in the UNESCOs Musk deer and Red Panda. tentative list.

12 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Inventory and Monitoring of Biodiversity Biodiversity Conservation which aims to hotspot of the state will be laid covering all the enhance the global, social and economic value four ecosystems. The output of the same will be of biodiversity and improve livelihoods in and 1. Generation of biodiversity information on around protected areas (PAs), buffer zones and four ecosystems to be used in the production reserve forests. It seeks to achieve this objective of thematic maps for management so that through the establishment and implementation key areas are protected; of sound management plans and the dissemination of biodiversity information for 2. Stored at the GIS/RS laboratory promoting public awareness on the significance Rapid biodiversity Survey (RBS) is being of biodiversity. carried out in different parts of Sikkim. In the It is one of the 05 different components of first phase, protected areas were targeted for JICA assisted SBF Project, having different carrying out the survey. Prior to the RBS, there sub-components including Inventory and has been a long series of studies undertaken to Monitoring of Biodiversity; the basic document the biological wealth of Sikkim and objectives of which are the RBS is envisage in building upon this. 1. To develop baseline information on key This report is actually the Part II or the second biological elements in forest, alpine, series of the earlier report published ie. Rapid freshwater and agro ecosystem for Biodiversity Survey – I. This earlier report monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of was released in the 10th March 2015 by the forest and biodiversity management. Honourable Chief Minister, Governmnet of Sikkim. Since studies and surveys related to 2. To identify critical areas that requires biodiversity is a continuous process, this report immediate protection. in addition to containing the reports of survey To achieve these objectives, Rapid Biodiversity of new locatons also has an enhanced version of Survey will be conducted by laying 1000 random the earlier reports. Similar such reports will be plots in whole of the sate of Sikkim covering compiled in the future as and when the Rapid all the four ecosystems. Simultaneously, 300 Biodiversity Survey is undertaken in select additional plots in the known biodiversity locations. Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 13 Tholung – Kishong sampling path, Khangchendzonga National Park, North Sikkim Team: Dr. Bharat Kumar Pradhan, Suraj Subba, Dorjee Chewang Bhutia

View of Lingzya Village, Upper Dzongu

Introduction It holds striking beauty, with pristine glacial Dzongu, the homeland for the original streams, countless waterfalls and hot springs inhabitants of Sikkim, the Lepchas, lies but very tough landscapes to access. A major in the north district of Sikkim. Dzongu portion of area is covered by thick virgin landscape, as a whole, spreads along 700 forests harbouring astonishing floral and m asl to 6000 m asl, belonging to different faunal diversity. Physiographically, the area is ecological zone falling within and outside the characterized by diverse snowy mountainous boundary of Khangchendzonga Biosphere landscape with steep and narrow valleys and Reserve / Khangchendzonga National Park, gorges. representing tropical forests to alpine pastures. Dzongu valley is the special reserve area

14 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II designated for the Lepcha tribe and has and Sikkim relics from the Gorkhas. Now those its historic and cultural significances, as relics are kept in Tholung Gumpa (ca. 2500 the Lepcha is considered to be the original m asl) under the Ecclesiastical Department inhabitant or indigenous tribe of Sikkim is (Government of Sikkim) and are taken out believed to have settled in Sakyong village once in every 3 years in the presence of Lamas in Dzongu. The Rong-kup or Lepcha claims and the officials of concerned Department that they have originated from “Ney Meyel during the month of April. To witness the Lyang” (the land of hidden paradise), “Ne same, believers from Dzongu as well as Male Lyang” (land of internal purity), a from far off places including Darjeeling and legendry kingdom on the slope of Kong- Kalimpong (West Bengal) assemble at the chen-chu, as pronounced by the Lepchas for Tholung Gumpa. Lepcha tribe believes that, Mt. Khangchendzonga (Pradhan and Badola whoever comes to visit Tholung Gumpa has 2008). They consider Kong-chen-chu as their to seek permission from the Nature god at guardian deity and believe it to be the eldest Tumlong Nay situated at an altitude of ca. 2000 son of the Nature god. m asl in the midst of lush green oak forest. The same is believed to be the protecting deity When the then capital of Sikkim, Yuksom, of the Tholung Gumpa. If one fails to do so, faced frequent threats of being attacked by the he will have to face the wrath of the Nature Gorkhas from adjacent Nepal, Lama Lhatsun god. There are several other cultural heritage Chempo, one of the 3 monks who consecrated around Tholung area like Kong-cha-chu (hot the first Chogyal / Spiritual leader of Sikkim water spring), Sinjibadong waterfall, Chorten had made his way to north Sikkim with all the of Lama Lhatsun Chempo and King Chagdor important relics via the same route. It was him Namgyal, Leek Gomchen, dresses of Lama who built the Tholung Gumpa (Monastery) in Lhatsun Chempo, stone formed male genital early 18th century to hide the sacred Buddhist organ, etc. (Pradhan et al. 2014).

Representation of temperate, sub-alpine and alpine forest along Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report, Series-II 15 Survey Area dense forest cover, the ground bears nothing The current survey was carried out along except ferns (Pteris sp., Dryopteris sp., etc.) Tholung - Kishong sampling path (Figure where the humus content is very high and 1), a much promoted trekking trial under the ground always remains moist. The tree Dzongu Eco-tourism Promotion Zone by the species at the lower altitude are represented by Government of Sikkim through Department Alnus nepalensis, Belischmedia sikkimensis, of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Castanopsis purpurella subsp. Purpurella Management vide Notification no. 1975/F (Syn. Castanopsis hystrix), C. tribuloides, dated 11.12.2006 in Khangchendzonga Sloanea dasycarpa (syn. Echinocarpus National Park / Khangchendzonga Biosphere dasycarpus), Golchidion acuminatum, Prunus Reserve. The altitude of the study area ranged undulate (syn. Laurocerasus acuminata), from 1900 m asl to 4300 m asl (approximately Macaranga denticulata, Rhus succedanea, etc. Rhododenron arboreum and R. grande 30 km stretch) lying between 27036’ to 27043’N are scatteredly available. The small tree Longitude and 88026’ to 88028’ E Latitude. species comprise of Brassaiopsis hispida, The faunal survey was done upto 5000 m asl B. mitis, Tetraenium trichotum (syn. Evodia (approximately 45 km). fraxinifolia), Ficus nemarolis, Meliosma The floristic wealth of the Dzongu and its wallichii, Lyonia ovalifolia, Saurauia surrounding area is rich and diverse, both nepaulensis, etc. The shrubs are represented by in composition and value. Forests represent Edgeworthia gardneri, Maesa rugosa, Rubus a variety of plant communities that include ellipticus, R. reticulatus, Urtica parviflora, diverse vegetation types corresponding to Viburnum nervosum, etc. variation in climate and edaphic factors. The Ascending above 2000m, the species viz., valley is enriched with variety of woody Acer campbelli, A. caudatum, Cinnamomum tree species, shrubs, lichens, epiphytes and impressinervium, Machilus edulis, Magnolia mosses. The forest in the Dzongu valley is doltsopa (syn. Michelia excelsa), Quercus characterized by the tropical forest (700 to lamellosa, etc. becomes prominent. Small tree 1000m); sub-tropical forest (1000 to 1800m); species, viz., Eurya acuminata, Symplocos wet temperate mixed broad leaved forest glomerata, Symplocos Kuroki (syn. Symplocos (1800 to 3000m); sub-alpine forest (3000m theaefolia), etc., completely dominates – 4000m); alpine forest (4000m and above). the area. Aconogonum molle and Mahonia Along the sub-tropical region, the tree species napaulensis is one of the dominating shrub at widely distributed are Alnus nepalensis, ca. 2100m along with Viburnum nervosum. Juglans regia, Macaranga denticulata (syn. Along 2400 to 2700m, the forest is Macaranga pustulata), Oroxyllum indicum, completely dominated by the tree species Choerospondias axillaries (syn. Spondias viz., Acer campbelli, Acer stachyophyllum, axillaries), etc. Pandanus furcatus (shrub) can Cinnamomum impressinervium, Ilex be seen all along the Teesta valley. sikkimensis, Lithocarpus pachyphylla, The wet temperate mixed forest comprises of Machilus edulis, Magnolia campbelli, evergreen tree species, which are completely Magnolia doltsopa, Quercus glauca, Quercus covered by the moss and the large number lamellosa, Rhododendron arboreum, etc. The of epiphytes. The ground is densely covered shrubs are represented by Daphne bholua (syn. by the shrubs, herbs and ferns. Under the

16 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Dapnhe canabina), Viburnum nervosum, etc. The small tree species viz., Micromeles thomsonii, Myrsine semiserrata, Prunus armeniaca (syn. Prunus nepalensis), etc., are abundantly available along with Eurya acuminata, Lyonia ovalifolia, Symplocos kuroki, etc. The ground species becomes less prominent along the increasing altitude. Nearing at 3000m altitude, the temperate mixed forest is abruptly changed to Abies - Rhododendron forest. In this part of the KBR along transect, Tsuga dumsa is very sparsely available at an altitude of 2900m. Prunus armeniaca, Symplocos kuroki are among the small trees and Daphne bholua, Viburnum nervosum are among the shrub species available. Himalayacalamus sp. also forms patches at this altitude along with rhododendrons. Above 3000m altitude, Abies densa trees appear as dominant species, along with scattered presence of Acer pectinatum, Acer caudatum trees. The dominance of Abies Figure 1 Rapid Biodiversity Survey sites along Tholung - densa could be seen till 3600m asl. The Kishong sampling path shrub species are represented by various species of rhododendrons; amongst them, the Different species of rhododendrons prominent rhododendron species found along dominates the area above this altitude. The this altitudinal range are Rhododendron common rhododendron species available campylocarpum, Rhododendron between 3600 m asl to 4200 m asl altitude are ciliatum, Rhododendron glaucophyllum, Rhododednron anthopogon, Rhododendron Rhododendron hodgsonii, Rhododendron aeruginosum, Rhododendron fulgens, niveum Rhododendron thomsonii, etc. Small Rhododendron lepidotum, Rhododendron bamboos can also be observed along 3200m setosum and Rhododendron wightii. The – 3300m altitude. Gaultheria trochophylla, Gaultheris nummuruloides, Juniperus recurva, Rosa Ascending above 3600m altitude, the slope sericea are some some of the common shrubs became steeper and the ground bouldery; the present along these altitude. Along 4200m soil hardly contains any significant humus due altitude, Juniperus recurva, Juniperus indica, to sandy texture. The tree species completely Rhododendron anthopogon and Rhododenron disappears above this altitude and different setosum becomes more prominent and the shrub species become more prominent. The valleys turns into very steep (almost 60 – ground becomes inaccessible due to the 70 degree) as well as rocky/bouldery slope denseness of the shrub species. covered with Aconitium sp., Kobresia sp.,

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 17 Rhododendron forest along Tholung – Kishong Sampling Path

Oxyria dignya, Primula sp, Silene sp., etc. Langur, Himalayan Langur, Blood Pheasant, The common species available above this Kalij Pheasant, Monal Pheasant, etc. To protect altitude are Rhododendorn anthopogon, the rich biological diversity of Dzongu valley Rhododendron setosum, Juniperus recurva, from emerging threats, several conservation Juniperus indica, Rheum nobile, Saussurea zones such as Dawathong Himalayan Thar obvallata, Saussurea gossypiphora, Swertia Conservation Zone, Thepa La (north-east) multicaulis, etc. The area above 3000 m asl Alpine Bird Conservation Zone, Thepa La remains under perpetual snow cover during (south-west) Medicinal Plant Conservation winter. Zone, Panch Pokhari (Lungdoh Nay) Musk Deer Conservation Zones, etc., have been The thick virgin forest along Tholung - designated along the Tholung-Kisong eco- Kishong transect is enriched with numerous trail. varieties of butterflies, birds and animals and some of the rare and threatened faunal and Methododlogy avifaunal species includes Himalayan Tahr, Prior to making field visit, intensive literature Musk Deer, Red Fox, Tibetan Sand Fox, Red review was done to have general idea on the Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan biodiversity of the area covering both flora

18 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II as well as fauna. The checklist for both flora most of the species for the future reference. and fauna were prepared and were taken to Web references (www.eFloras.org; www. the field to confirm their presence in the study flowersofindia.net) were made and expert’s area. The field visit was made during August - help taken after returning from the field, September 2013. on species verification and identification. Flora Global / regional threat status of each species was identified using web resources (www. In the field, floral biodiversity of the area was iucnredlist.org) and the available published recorded using a standard quadrat method, literatures. the site characteristics of which are given in Annexure I. The plot of 20m x 20m was laid The data were quantitatively analyzed for in 31 plots at every 0.5 to 0.6 km approximate density, frequency, abundance, basal area, etc. distance, depending upon the site feasibility, Importance value index (IVI) was determined covering a total area of 1.24 ha. Within the as the sum of percentage density and main plot, all the standing tree species were percentage basal area. The adult individuals enumerated and girth (1.3 m above the ground (diameter >10cm) were grouped into different for large tree species) were measured for the classes on the basis of diameter as, C: 10 – 20; individual trees having CBH >30 cm. Within D: 20 – 30; E: 30 - 40; F: 40 - 50; G: 50 - 60; the mother plot, 5 sub-plots measuring 5m H: 60 - 70; I: 70 - 80; J: 80 - 90; K: 90 - 100; x 5m were laid (4 in the corner and 1 at the L: >100cm. centre) for recording the number of saplings Species diversity for each plot was determined (height >20 cm but diameter <10 cm); the with the Shannon and Wiener information same plots were used to record the presence of function, which reads as, the shrub/scrub species. The seedling (height upto 20 cm), availability were recorded using S 10 number of 1m x 1m quadrat, which were H’= -∑ (ni/N) log2 ni/N) placed at the 2 alternate corners of the 5m x 5m quadrat; the same plot was used for recording i=1 the percent cover of the herb species in the where, ‘ni’ represents total number of area. Parameters such as coordinates and individuals of particular species, and ‘N’ altitude of each site were recorded using hand represents total number of individuals of all held GPS (Garmin etrex); slope aspect and species. slope angle were recorded for each site using Species richness was calculated using Sunnoto Clinometer and the humus depth were measured using standard steel scale. Margalef’s index as General listing of all the tree/shrub/herb/ I=(S-1)/ln(N) climbers/epiphytes/bamboo species, outside where ‘S’ = the number of species in the sample the plots as well as along the sampling path, and ‘N’ = the total number of individuals in were also done to have fair idea on the species the sample. availability in the area. Species were identified Species evenness was determined by Shannon in the field using previous field experiences index of evenness as, as well as the published references including standard floras. Photographs were taken for E=H/ln(S)

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 19 where ‘H’ = Shannon’s Index of diversity and Apart from that, whatever species (birds, ‘S’ = number of species in the sample. mammals, etc) whether through direct sighting or calls or indirect evidences like droppings/ Concentration of dominance was measured scats, feathers, foraging mark, pug mark, etc., by Simpson’s Index, which reads as, were encountered along the sampling path, S they were recorded. Further, camera traps were installed at different locations to ascertain the D = ∑ (n /N)2 i presence of the animals to capture the faunal i=1 species in the area. Standard literatures and published materials were referred for species where ‘n ’ represents total number of i identification (Ali, 1989; Arawatia & Tambe, individuals of particular species and ‘N’ 2011; Grimette et al., 2011). represents total number of individuals of all species. Result The coefficient of community similarity Flora (%) was worked out as On the basis of elevation, three different J = a/(a+b+c) X 100 forest types were identified from the Tholung – Kishong sampling path in Dzongu where, ‘a’ is the number of species common landscape in Khangchendzonga National to both communities, ‘b’ is the number of Park / Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, species only in community 1, and ‘c’ is the north Sikkim i.e., Temperate forest (1900 – number of species only in community 2, 3000 m asl), Sub-alpine forest (3000 – 4000 respectively. m asl) and Alpine forest (above 4000 m asl) The abundance to frequency ratio was used from which a total of 304 plant species were recorded during general field observation to interpret the distribution pattern of the (Table 1; Annexure II). On actual plot based species. The value <0.025 indicated regular field survey in 31 plots (1.24 ha area), a total distribution, 0.025 to 0.05 indicated random of 167 species including 19 large tree species distribution and >0.05 indicated contagious (14 genera, 9 families), 20 small tree / large distribution. shrub (14 genera, 10 families, 1 unidentified), Fauna 23 shrub / shrublet species (14 genera, 18 families), 87 herb species (63 genera, 34 To record the faunal element, trail sampling families), 16 fern and fern allies (13 genera, (walking through the trail) and sign surveys 9 families) and 2 bamboo species (1 genera, 1 (recording of digging sign, foraging sign, families) were recorded, and are marked with hoof mark, etc) were carried out by visiting (*) in Annexure II. Family wise analysis the feasible areas away from the regular trek revealed that Lauraceae was the dominant route / sampling path at places like Tumlong, family (4 species) for large tree species; Tholung, Thigong Bhutti Nay, Temrong, Ericaceae was the dominant (6 species) for along Jhumthul Chu, Thijom to Phyaguteng small tree / large shrub; Ericaceae (7 species) cliff, Tholukpe, way towards Kisong La, followed by Rosaceae (5 species) for shrub Dikithong top, Migyeth La, Kaali taar, base of species and Asteraceae (12 species) for herb Lama Angden Peak, etc. species.

20 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Table 1 Distribution of floral species along Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Habit Species Genus Family Unidentified Large Tree 33 21 14 0 Small Tree / Large Shrub 30 19 14 1 Small shrub / Shrublet 41 18 13 0 Herb 154 110 48 0 Fern and Fern allies 32 25 15 0 Climber/Epiphyte/Orchid 11 10 9 0 Bamboo 3 2 1 0 Total 304 205 114 1 Cumulatively for all the species including campbellii var. serratifolium, which showed large trees, small trees / large shrubs, shrub/ random distribution but none of the species scrub and herbs, the number of species did showed regular distribution (Table 2). The not show any significant correlation with the highest IVI value was recorded for Alnus increasing altitude (r = -0.134), latitude (r = nepalensis (27.46) followed by Tsuga dumosa -0.092), longitude (r = 0.080) [Figure 2a,b,c], (26.69), Rhododendron grande (23.95), humus depth (r = 0.104) and degree slope (r Lithocarpus pachyphylla (20.22) and Acer = 0.058). Of the 19 large tree species recorded campbellii var. serratifolium (18.59) [Table from temperate forest (cumulatively for 15 2]. Of the four large tree species present in plots), the adult individuals of Alnus the sub-alpine forest, Acer caudatum (62.50 + 47.96 ind/ha) had the highest density as well nepalensis (58.33 + 150.25 ind/ha) followed as IVI (96.68) while Abies densa (266.30 m2/ by Rhododendron grande (51.67 + 46.57 ind/ ha) had the maximum total basal cover; all ha) recorded the highest density; whereas the species revealed contagious distribution in terms of total basal cover, Tsuga dumosa (Table 2). The highest frequency of occurrence (1517.78 m2/ha), Quercus lamellosa (949.35 was observed for Acer campbelli (46.47%) in m2/ha) and Lithocarpus pachyphylla (852.30 temperate forest while in sub-alpine forest, m2/ha) had the highest value (Table 2). The Abies densa and Acer campbellii had the abundance to frequency ratio revealed all highest frequency (40.0% each) [Figure 3]. the adult individuals of large tree species Large tree species were completely absent to be contagiously distributed except Acer from the alpine forest.

Carex sp., Kishong, Upper Dzongu

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 21 Commelina benghalensis Coriaria terminalis

Anemone vitifolia Aconogonum molle

Cynanthes lobata Crassocephalum crepidiodes

22 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 2 Species distribution along Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 23 ------SE Seedling 67.11 + 819.23 67.11 66.67 + 816.50 201.34 + 813.68 939.60 + 3305.52 1140.94 + 2622.25 1140.94 + 2313.41 1100.00 1879.19 + 1707.67 3959.73 + 3369.40 1409.40 + 2814.06 1400.00 + 1676.38 1500.00 + 1256.30 1500.00 + 1643.78 Density (ind/ha) + ------SE Sapling 32.00 + 71.74 88.00 + 87.94 64.00 + 76.38 37.33 + 114.99 21.33 + 184.75 213.33 + 237.71 282.67 + 494.53 288.00 + 200.26 176.00 + 164.21 Density (ind/ha) + IVI 3.11 6.33 2.03 1.28 6.00 3.08 3.54 9.88 6.65 0.86 2.94 4.38 8.24 11.83 18.59 27.46 20.22 21.78 23.95 26.79 65.26 96.68 29.83 0.11 0.16 0.30 0.15 0.04 1.31 0.15 0.15 0.30 0.07 0.30 0.07 0.09 0.23 0.07 0.15 0.60 0.19 0.15 0.06 0.16 0.09 0.20 A/F ratio A/F Important value index value Important / 2 ha) Adult 89.70 43.00 78.58 44.13 16.95 35.35 69.23 21.93 111.07 119.85 246.05 640.40 419.45 146.63 852.30 246.37 192.93 949.35 348.32 161.65 266.30 236.91 1517.78 TBC (m + SE 1.67 + 6.45 1.67 + 6.45 6.67 + 8.57 1.67 + 6.45 5.00 + 9.91 6.67 + 12.44 3.33 + 12.91 3.33 + 12.91 6.67 + 25.82 6.67 + 12.44 5.00 + 15.81 23.33 + 10.99 28.33 + 43.23 13.33 + 31.95 18.33 + 13.67 16.67 + 16.14 10.00 + 19.82 18.33 + 13.00 51.67 + 46.57 22.50 + 14.97 62.50 + 47.96 20.00 + 19.00 58.33 + 150.25 Density (ind/ha) IVI: ratio; frequency Abundance to A/F Ratio:

serratifolium var. Species Total basal cover; TBC: Total error; Standard Acer campbellii Acer caudatum Alnus nepalensis Beilschmiedia sikkimensis Machilus edulis Machilus odoratissima sikkimensis Rhus succedanea var. Acer caudatum dumosa Tsuga Magnolia campbellii Betula utilis Cinnamomum impressinervium Betula utilis Betula cylindrostachya Elaeocarpus lanceaefolius Lithocarpus pachyphylla lineata Quercus arboreum Rhododendron grande Rhododendron dumosa Tsuga Sub-alpine Forest Abis densa Temperate Forest Temperate Abis densa Quercus lamellosa Quercus Availability and distribution of Large tree species in Tholung - Kishong sampling path tree species in and distribution of Large 2 Availability Table SE:

24 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 3 Frequency of tree species (adult individuals) in different forest types along Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Figure 4 Frequency of saplings in different forest types in Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 25 Figure 5 Frequency of seedlings in different forest types in Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Oxyria digyna Lobelia sp. Capsule in Rhododendron fulgens

26 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II In temperate forest, the highest sapling density was evidenced for Rhododendron grande (288.00 + 200.26 ind/ha) followed by Alnus nepalensis (282.67 + 494.53 ind/ha) and Acer caudatum (213.33 + 237.71 ind/ha); while the highest and the lowest seedling density was observed for Acer caudatum (3959.73 + 3369.40 ind/ha) and Abies densa (66.67 + 816.50 ind/ha) followed by Lithocarpus pachyphylla (67.11 + 819.23 ina/ha), respectively in sub-alpine forest (Table 2). The maximum frequency of occurrence for sapling was observed for Rhododendron grande in temperate forest and Acer caudatum in sub-alpine forest (Figure 4); whereas, the maximum seedling frequency was evidenced for Acer caudatum in temperate forest and for Abies densa in sub-alpine forest (Figure 5).

Figure 6 Class-wise availability of tree species in the sampling site

On the basis of diameter class, the individuals falling in D diameter class had the highest density in both temperate (110.0 ind/ha) and sub-alpine forest (82.50 ind/ha) followed by E diameter class in temperate forest (61.67 ind/ha); individuals falling in H, I, J, K diameter class were completely absent from the sub-alpine forest (Figure 6). Temperate forest had more number of individuals falling in L diameter class than sub-alpine forest, comparatively. Diameter class distribution for some of the dominant species in both temperate forest and sub-alpine forest are depicted in Figure 7 and Figure 8, which reveals that, for no species, individuals falling in all the diameter class were recorded from the study sites.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 27 Table 3 Availability and distribution of Small Tree / Large Shrub along Tholung - Kishong sampling path A/F Species Density (ind/ha) + SE Frequency (%) Ratio Temperate Forest Alangium begoniaefolium 101.33 + 134.06 9.33 0.29 Brassaiopsis mitis 58.67 + 172.71 4.00 0.92 Daphniphyllum himalayense 5.33 + 46.19 1.33 0.75 Eurya acuminata 112.00 + 110.82 12.00 0.19 Hydrangea heteromalla 74.67 + 95.27 9.33 0.21 Leucosceptrum cannum 26.67 + 134.23 2.67 0.94 Lyonia ovalifolia 10.67 + 92.38 1.33 1.50 Macaranga denticulata 5.33 + 46.19 1.33 0.75 Rhododendron falconeri 480.00 + 292.61 20.00 0.30 Rhododendron hogdsonii 144.00 + 362.63 5.33 1.27 Sorbus ursine 250.67 + 464.78 6.67 1.41 Symploccos kuroki 5.33 + 46.19 1.33 0.75 Tetradium trichotomum 58.67 + 277.80 2.67 2.06 Viburnum erubescence 821.33 + 130.43 62.67 0.05 Unidentified 5.33 + 46.19 1.33 0.75 Sub-alpine Forest Eurya acuminata 24.00 + 88.71 4.00 0.38 Hydrangea heteromalla 56.00 + 198.03 4.00 0.88 Lyonia ovalifolia 80.00 + 98.97 12.00 0.14 Pentapanax leschenaultia 24.00 + 88.71 4.00 0.38 Rhododendron barbatum 64.00 + 116.83 8.00 0.25 Rhododendron hogdsonii 1528.00 + 378.25 50.00 0.15 Rhododendron thomsonii 496.00 + 349.58 24.00 0.22 Rhododendron wightii 72.00 + 106.54 10.00 0.18 Sorbus ursina 48.00 + 203.16 4.00 0.75 Viburnum erubescence 256.00 + 95.54 34.00 0.06 Viburnum nervosum 144.00 + 113.52 18.00 0.11 Alpine Forest Rhododendron wightii 93.33 + 101.66 16.67 0.08 SE: Standard error; A/F Ratio:Abundance to frequency ratio

28 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Table 4 Availability and distribution of shrubs/scrubs species in different forest types along Tholung - Kishong sampling path Species Density ind/ha + SE Frequency (%) A/F Ratio Temperate Forest Berberis sp.1 10.67 + 45.87 2.67 0.38 Daphne bholua 37.33 + 66.89 6.67 0.21 Maesa rugosa 32.00 + 44.60 8.00 0.13 Mahonia napaulensis 21.33 + 91.75 2.67 0.75 Rosa sericea 21.33 + 91.75 2.67 0.75 Rubus ellipticus 5.33 + 46.19 1.33 0.75 Rubus paniculatus 48.00 + 75.74 8.00 0.19 Rubus lineatus 21.33 + 91.75 2.67 0.75 Solanum aculeatissimum 10.67 + 45.87 2.67 0.38 Ilex intricata 16.00 + 45.56 4.00 0.25 Vaccinium retusum 10.67 + 92.38 1.33 1.50 Sub-alpine Forest Aralia sp. 288.00 + 499.86 8.00 1.13 Berberis sp.2 24.00 + 169.71 2.00 1.50 Daphne bholua 16.00 + 55.99 4.00 0.25 Juniperus recurva 240.00 + 333.20 10.00 0.60 Maesa sp. 48.00 + 68.95 10.00 0.12 Rhododendron anthopogon 80.00 + 213.81 6.00 0.56 Rhododendron campylocarpum 56.00 + 140.05 6.00 0.39 Rosa sericea 40.00 + 96.19 6.00 0.28 Rubus paniculatus 88.00 + 215.28 6.00 0.61 Rubus sp. 376.00 + 168.75 30.00 0.10 Salix psilostigma 208.00 + 176.68 16.00 0.20 Vaccinium retusum 128.00 + 230.14 8.00 0.50 Alpine Forest Gaultheria hookeri 266.67 + 404.57 13.33 0.38 Rhododendron anthopogon 413.33 + 129.94 53.33 0.04 Rhododendron aeruginosum 40.00 + 70.47 10.00 0.10 Rhododendron fulgens 266.67 + 134.25 33.33 0.06 Rhododendron setosum 293.33 + 135.39 40.00 0.05 Rosa sericea 13.33 + 73.03 3.33 0.30 SE: Standard error; A/F Ratio:Abundance to frequency ratio

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 29 With respect to small tree / large shrub, 15 frequency (16.67%) [Table 3]. All the species (including 1 unidentified), 11 and 1 species, in the three forest types showed contagious respectively, were recorded from temperate, distribution [Table 3]. sub-alpine and alpine forest (Table 4). Of In the case of shrub / scrub species, a total of 11, the 15 species recorded in temperate forest, 12 and 06 species, respectively were recorded Viburnum erubescence had the maximum from temperate, sub-alpine and alpine forest, density (821.33 + 130.43 ind/ha) and frequency of which, maximum and minimum density (62.67%) followed by Rhododendron was observed for Rubus paniculatus (48.00 falconeri (density: 480.00 + 292.61 ind/ha; + 75.74 ind/ha) and Rubus ellipticus (5.33 + frequency: 20.0%); whereas Daphniphyllum 46.19 ind/ha) in temperate forest; Rubus sp. himalayense, Macaranga denticulata, (376.00 + 168.75 ind/ha), and Daphne bholua Symploccos kuroki and unidentified species (16.00 + 55.99 ind/ha) recorded the maximum had poor availability (5.33 + 46.19 ind/ha and minimum density in sub-alpine forest and each) and frequency (1.33% each) in addition Rhododendron anthopogon (413.33 + 129.94 to Lyonia ovalifolia (1.33%) [Table 3]. In ind/ha) and Rosa sericea (13.33 + 73.03 ind/ sub-alpine forest, Rhododendron hodgsonii ha) showed the highest and the lowest density (1528.00 + 378.25 ind/ha) had the maximum in alpine forest (Table 4). The minimum density followed by Rhododendron thomsonii and maximum frequency of occurrence (496.00 + 349.58 ind/ha); while the frequency ranged between 1.33% (Rubus ellipticus was high for Rhododendron hodgsonii and Vaccinium retusum) and 8.0% (Maesa (50.0%) followed by Viburnum erubescence rugosa and Rubus paniculatus) in temperate (34.0%). Rhododendron wightii was the only forest; it ranged between 2.0% (Berberis species belonging to small tree / large shrub sp. 2) and 30.0% (Rubus sp.) in sub-alpine category in alpine forest with the average forest and 3.33% (Rosa sericea) to 53.33% density of (93.33 + 101.66 ind/ha) and (Rhododendron anthopogon) in alpine forest

30 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II class distributions for some of the dominant tree species in temperate forest along Tholung – Kishong sampling path class distributions for some of the dominant tree species in temperate forest along Figure 7 Diameter Figure

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 31 (Table 4). All the species revealed contagious distribution except Rhododendron anthopogon in alpine forest, which witnessed random distribution (Table 4). In the case of herbaceous species including the fern and fern allies, cumulatively for the 15 sites, of the 60 species recorded form temperate forest, the maximum percent cover was recorded for Dryopteris redoactopinnata (11.67%) followed by Aconogonum molle (9.37%) and the minimum was observed for Anaphalis margaritacea (0.03%) followed by Astilbe rivularis, Odontosaria chinensis, Pilea umbrosa and Senecio sp. (0.07% each) [Table

Figure 8 Diameter class distributions of tree species in sub-alpine forest along Tholung – Kishong sampling path

Acer caudatum Galium sp.

32 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 5]. Similarly, in sub-alpine forest, the lowest and the highest percent cover ranged between 0.05% (Lycopodium sp.1) and 6.65% (Fragaria nubicola). Other species which revealed high percent cover was Aconogonum polystachyum (6.45%), Primula sikkimensis (6.15%), Impatiens urticifolia (5.05%), etc (Table 5). In the case of alpine forest, Potentilla peduncularis (13.33%) and Aconogonum polystachyum (11.0%) recorded the highest and Gentiana sp. (0.08%) and Euphorbia sikkimensis (0.17%) recorded the lowest percent cover (Table 5). Of the 60 species recorded from temperate forest, 23.33% of the total species recorded the frequency of occurrences over 10.0% (minimum: 10.0%, Coniogramme procera; maximum: 46.0%, Pilea scripta) [Table 5]. Likewise, 37.5% of the total species in sub-alpine forest recorded frequency of occurrence over 10% (minimum: 10.0%, Dryopsis apiciflora, Primula sikkimensis and Selenium tenuifolium; maximum: 30.0%, Fragaria nubicola) [Table 5]. In the case of alpine forest, 51.61% of the total species recorded over 10.0% (minimum: 10.0%, Bistorta vaccinifolia and Tetraenium wallichii; maximum: 48.33%, Potentilla peduncularis) frequency of occurrence (Table 5). In temperate forest, large trees species showed greatest number of species richness followed by small tree / large shrub and shrub / scrub species (Table 6). In sub-alpine forest, maximum species richness was recorded for shrub / scrub followed by small tree / large shrub and large trees whereas in alpine forest, shrub / scrub species were dominant over other species, comparatively (Table 6). In terms of species diversity, large tree species showed maximum species diversity in temperate forest while in sub-alpine forest, shrub/scrub species evidences maximum species diversity (Table 6). All the three forest types showed very low similarity in species composition amongst each other (Table 7). For example, the species in temperate forest showed only 26.43% and 2.86% similalrity with the species in sub-alpine and alpine forest; similarly, only 12.12% species were similalr in sub-alpine forest and alpine forest. Table 5 Availability and distribution of herb species in different forest types along Tholung - Kishong sampling path

Average Percent Cover/m2 Frequency (%) Species TF SAF AF TF SAF AF Aconitum ferox ------0.50 ------1.67 Aconogonum molle 9.37 ------15.33 ------Aconogonum polystachyum --- 6.45 11.00 --- 27.00 31.67 Allium prattii ------1.42 ------16.67 Anaphalis contorta 0.20 0.20 --- 1.33 1.00 --- Anaphalis margaritacea 0.03 ------0.67 ------Anaphalis sp. ------1.25 ------8.33 Anemone sp. ------1.67 ------13.33 Aralia sp. --- 0.20 ------2.00 --- Arisaema concinnum 0.33 ------1.44 ------

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 33 Arisaema griffithii --- 0.30 ------3.00 --- Arisaema intermedium 0.77 0.70 --- 4.67 5.00 --- Arisaema nepenthoides --- 0.70 2.83 --- 5.00 15.00 Artemesia sp. ------1.00 ------5.00 Artemisia wallichiana 0.73 2.55 --- 5.33 14.00 --- Aster himalaicus --- 0.35 0.67 --- 4.00 6.67 Astilbe rivularis 0.07 ------0.67 ------Astilbe sp. --- 0.65 ------5.00 --- Begonia rubella 0.27 ------2.00 ------Begonia sp. 1.07 ------6.00 ------Bergenia pacumbis ------5.33 ------25.00 Bistorta affinis ------8.00 ------36.67 Bistorta vaccinifolia --- 0.85 2.08 --- 6.00 10.00 Boehmeria platyphylla 0.27 ------1.33 ------Boehmeria sp. 0.47 ------2.00 ------Botrychium sp. --- 0.80 ------5.00 --- Cardamina hirsuta 0.73 ------3.33 ------Carex setigera 1.03 1.75 --- 5.33 11.00 --- Carex sp. 1.63 ------11.33 ------Cassiope fastigata ------9.25 ------31.67 Centella asiatica 0.40 ------2.00 ------Chirita urticifolia 0.97 ------4.67 ------Colocasia sp. 0.37 ------2.67 ------Coniogramme procera 2.90 ------10.00 ------Cynodon radiatus 7.77 3.40 --- 14.67 15.00 --- Delphenium sp. --- 1.50 ------8.00 --- Diplazium dilatatum 0.77 ------4.00 ------Diplazium stoliczkae 1.60 ------4.67 ------Dryopsis apiciflora 3.07 3.20 --- 14.67 10.00 --- Dryopteris redoactopinnata 11.67 2.70 --- 19.33 9.00 --- Dryopteris sp. --- 0.50 1.00 --- 3.00 6.67 Elatostema platyphyllum 9.07 0.30 --- 39.33 3.00 --- Elatostema sp. --- 0.60 ------2.00 --- Elsholtzia sp. --- 0.55 ------2.00 --- Eragrostis ferruginea 0.20 ------0.67 ------Eragrostis sp. 3.17 ------15.33 ------Euphorbia sikkimensis 0.20 1.10 0.17 1.33 6.00 1.67

34 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Fragaria nubicola 1.83 6.65 2.83 10.00 30.00 13.33 Galium sp. --- 0.50 ------3.00 --- Gentiana sp. ------0.08 ------1.67 Geranium sp.1 --- 0.40 ------2.00 --- Geranium sp.2 ------0.75 ------5.00 Hackelia sp. 0.50 ------2.67 ------Heracleum nepalense ------1.17 ------6.67 Hypericum sp. --- 0.90 ------6.00 --- Impatiens racemosa 4.37 ------22.00 ------Impatiens urticifolia 1.90 5.05 --- 10.67 24.00 --- Inula sp. --- 0.75 ------5.00 --- Juncus himalensis --- 0.70 3.92 --- 5.00 26.67 Juncus thomsonii 0.13 1.85 --- 0.67 13.00 --- Kobresia sp. ------7.25 ------30.00 Laportea bulbifera 1.30 ------10.67 ------Lecanthus peduncularis 1.63 ------6.67 ------Lycopodium sp.1 0.10 0.05 --- 1.33 1.00 --- Lycopodium sp.2 --- 1.60 ------6.00 --- Matteuccia intermedia 0.73 ------4.00 ------Meconopsis sp. ------2.25 ------11.67 Nepeta sp.1 0.97 ------4.00 ------Nepeta sp.2 0.47 3.20 --- 2.00 24.00 --- Odontosoria chinensis 0.07 ------1.33 ------Osmunda sp. --- 4.15 ------16.00 --- Parochetus communis 0.13 1.15 --- 2.00 7.00 --- Pedicularis siphonantha ------0.83 ------6.67 Persicaria capitata 2.60 ------10.00 ------Persicaria runcinata 1.63 1.90 0.58 7.33 11.00 3.33 Pilea scripta 8.70 2.75 --- 46.00 16.00 --- Pilea sp. --- 3.25 ------21.00 --- Pilea umbrosa 0.07 ------0.67 ------Plagiogyria pycnophylla 0.47 0.30 --- 1.33 1.00 --- Polystichium sp. --- 4.85 ------18.00 --- Potentilla peduncularis ------13.33 ------48.33 Primula sikkimensis --- 6.15 ------10.00 --- Primula sp. ------2.50 ------13.33 Pteris wallichiana 0.20 ------1.33 ------Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 35 Ranunculus sp. 0.67 --- 0.75 3.33 --- 6.67 Rheum acuminatum ------1.00 ------6.67 Rhodiola fastigiata ------0.67 ------5.00 Rohdea nepalensis 2.50 ------14.67 ------Rubus nepalensis 0.20 1.95 --- 2.00 13.00 --- Rumex nepalensis 0.80 1.05 --- 4.67 9.00 --- Salvia sp. 1.30 ------8.00 ------Saussurea andersonii ------1.75 ------11.67 Saussurea fastuosa --- 0.40 ------2.00 --- Saussurea uniflora ------1.17 ------5.00 Saxifraga sp. 0.57 ------2.67 ------Selaginella sp. 0.40 ------2.00 ------Selenium tenuifolium 1.43 1.90 --- 9.33 10.00 --- Senecio sp. 0.07 1.55 --- 0.67 8.00 --- Smilacina sp. 0.13 3.35 --- 0.67 17.00 --- Strobilanthes alatus 0.47 ------2.00 ------Strobilanthes gossypina 0.40 ------3.33 ------Tetraenium wallichii --- 0.65 1.33 --- 7.00 10.00 Thalictrum chelidonii 0.27 0.60 --- 2.00 3.00 --- Trifolium repens 0.87 ------2.00 ------

TF: Temperate forest; SAF: Sub-alpine coniferous forest; AF: Alpine forest

Table 6 Species diversity and distribution in different forest types along Tholung-Kishong sampling path

Temperate Forest Sub-alpine Forest Alpine Forest Parameters LT ST/LS S/S LT ST/LS S/S LT ST/LS SS/S Diversity index (H) 2.48 1.88 2.23 1.10 1.52 2.14 0.00 0.00 1.51 Concentration of 0.11 0.22 0.12 0.40 0.34 0.14 0.00 1.00 0.24 dominance (D) Species richness index (I) 18.81 14.83 10.74 3.74 10.82 11.81 0.00 0.86 5.78 Species evenness index 0.84 0.69 0.93 0.79 0.63 0.86 0.00 0.00 0.84 (E)

LT: Large tree; ST/LS: Small tree/Large shrub; S/S: Shrub/Scrub

36 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Codonopsis sp. Magnolia campbellii

Silene sp. Rhodiola rosea

Bidens pilosa Gaultheria fragrantissima

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 37 100 TK 31 100 31.0 TK 30 100 25.0 25.0 TK 29 100 29.6 34.6 10.0 TK 28 100 18.5 28.0 18.8 45.0 TK 27 100 34.6 20.7 22.2 10.3 16.0 TK 26 3.1 6.5 0.0 100 15.4 22.7 15.4 TK 25 7.3 2.5 2.7 8.3 100 12.8 10.7 17.1 TK 24 5.3 0.0 6.3 9.4 100 14.3 12.5 15.6 70.4 TK 23 7.5 7.1 2.6 2.8 8.6 100 13.2 14.3 75.0 64.3 TK 22 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3 0.0 3.2 100 13.2 17.6 16.7 TK 21 7.7 0.0 3.6 0.0 0.0 2.6 2.8 100 23.1 25.0 23.7 36.7 TK 20 2.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.4 0.0 6.9 7.7 100 11.4 13.9 20.7 21.2 TK 19 5.6 2.7 4.2 0.0 3.2 2.9 3.1 100 18.9 24.2 19.4 19.4 30.3 24.1 TK 18 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 7.1 5.1 5.6 8.3 6.1 100 11.4 17.2 13.8 TK 17 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 6.1 7.0 4.9 9.8 8.1 100 25.8 22.2 18.8 23.3 TK 16 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.6 0.0 2.7 3.1 100 14.3 15.6 24.0 40.0 20.0 TK 15 2.7 0.0 0.0 2.9 3.2 0.0 6.5 100 11.8 18.9 17.1 19.4 19.4 23.5 12.5 22.2 25.0 16.7 TK 14 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.6 9.4 100 11.1 10.8 17.9 18.2 13.8 25.0 30.4 37.0 28.0 TK 13 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 7.7 8.6 8.8 5.4 100 12.5 12.8 13.2 63.6 18.2 24.2 28.6 21.4 TK 12 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.2 8.1 9.1 2.9 2.8 100 10.3 10.5 65.2 10.8 41.7 15.6 18.2 21.4 10.3 TK 11 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.6 6.3 9.1 0.0 8.6 100 12.9 12.1 10.0 13.8 10.7 TK 10 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 7.3 3.8 6.1 5.9 4.3 3.9 4.3 8.5 100 11.9 11.4 17.5 14.3 19.0 12.2 17.9 10.0 TK 9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.7 0.0 8.0 6.3 100 11.5 22.9 36.4 10.7 13.8 15.4 TK 8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.4 0.0 2.4 3.8 6.3 6.0 6.8 4.4 6.5 4.0 7.1 9.5 7.1 4.3 7.5 8.7 100 11.6 23.5 28.3 39.4 TK 7 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.7 0.0 2.6 2.0 6.8 2.1 4.9 7.1 6.7 7.9 7.3 8.3 9.5 100 31.7 15.2 25.0 27.3 10.3 10.5 12.8 10.8 TK 6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9.4 0.0 8.8 2.6 3.0 9.1 6.5 0.0 8.6 100 11.9 20.0 27.8 20.0 21.4 10.0 10.7 TK 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.1 2.5 4.9 2.2 5.3 2.6 5.0 5.4 0.0 2.8 4.8 100 21.2 37.1 18.6 12.5 20.9 14.3 TK 4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9.1 0.0 8.6 2.5 9.7 6.1 8.8 9.7 0.0 8.3 100 36.7 40.0 26.5 27.0 19.2 17.5 25.0 10.3 TK 3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.3 4.2 0.0 3.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100 TK 2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.9 0.0 2.8 0.0 3.1 3.0 2.9 0.0 0.0 6.9 2.7 100 25.0 17.6 13.3 13.5 15.0 15.4 14.6 13.3 TK 1 TK1 TK 2 TK 3 TK 4 TK 5 TK 6 TK 7 TK 8 TK 9 TK 31 TK 11 TK 30 TK 29 TK 28 TK 27 TK 26 TK 25 TK 24 TK 10 TK 23 TK 22 TK 21 TK 12 TK 20 TK 13 TK 19 TK 14 TK 17 TK 18 TK 15 TK 16 Table 7 Similarity coefficient of speciesTable composition in different forest types along Tholung Kishong sampling path, Khangchendzonga Biospeher Reserve, north Sikkim

38 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Impatiens falcifer Hoya linearis

Gaultheria trichophylla Impatiens urticifolia

Neonatis ingrata Oxalis debilis

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 39 Rhododendron edgeworthii Rhododendron hodgsonii

Rhododendron campylocarpum Rhododendron ciliatum

Rhododendron glaucophyllum Rhododendron thomsonii

40 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Fauna During the trail sampling, a total of 14 species of mammals and 27 bird species were recorded along Tholung – Kishong trail (approximately 45 km) [Table 8 & 9]. Amongst the mammalian species, Assamese macaque and Goral have been assessed as near threatened by the IUCN whereas Himalayan black bear as Vulnerable. Of the 27 bird species recorded, most of the bird species occupied disturbed forest. Table 8 Mammal species encountered in the trail sampling along Tholung – Kisong transect Altitudinal Range IUCN Species Zoological Name Evidences1 (m asl) Status2 Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis 1000-3000 PC NT Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak 2000-2600 P, HM LC Goral Naemorhedus goral 2000-3800 HM NT Himalayan Black Bear Ursus thibetanus Upto 4300 DS, FS VU Himalayan Langur Presbytes entellus Upto 4000 S NA Himalayan Pika Ochotona himalayana 2400 - 4200 S LC Jackal Canis aurens <2500 C LC Jungle cat Felis chaus 1750 - 3950 C LC Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis 1750 - 2750 PM LC Orange-bellied Himalayan Dremomys lokriah 900 - 3000 S, PC LC Squirrel Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 3750-4500 S LC Tibetan Sand Fox Vulpes ferrilata >4500 S LC Wild Boar Sus scrofa Below 3000 DS LC Yellow Throated Marten Martes flavigula 1500 - 4500 S LC 1C: Call, DS: Digging sign, FS: Foraging sign, HF: Hoof mark, P: Pellet, PC: Photo capture, PM: Pug mark, S: Sighting 2LC: Least concern, NA: Not assessed, NT: Near threatened, VU: Vulnerable

Camping ground, Dawathong, Upper Dzongu

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 41 Habitat Occupied Disturbed forest Alpine pasture Disturbed forest Disturbed forest Disturbed forest Water bodies Water Undisturbed temperate broad-leaved forest Disturbed forest Water bodies Water Open secondary forest Alpine shrubs Undisturbed temperate broad-leaved forest Undisturbed temperate broad-leaved forest Disturbed forest Disturbed forest 2 LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC NA NA NA IUCN Status 1 S S S S S S S S S S S S S PC PC Evidences 900 - 2800 900 - 3800 900 - 3800 900 - 3800 900 - 4500 900 - 3800 900 - 3800 Altitudinal 1100 - 2700 1100 2800 - 4500 3000 - 4500 1900 - 3800 1500 - 2700 2800 - 4500 2800 - 4500 1800 - 3800 Range (m asl) Local Name Jureli Chibey Kuturka Chilimey Cheel Kalchura Doday Koilee Ruppi Tuti Chichink Kotey Pewra Kolkolay Kag Kaleej Zoological Name Hypsipetes leucocephalus Hypsipetes Dicrurus macrocerus Megalaima asiatica Ithaginis cruentus Ictinaetus malayensis Myophonus caeruleus Cissa chinensis Acridotheres tristis Acridotheres epaulette Pyrrhoplectes Parus monticolus Arborophila torqueola Arborophila Zoothera dixonii Corvus macrorhyncus Lophura leucomelanus Lanius schach Species Black Bulbull Black Drongo Blue Throated Barbet Blood Pheasant Black Eagle Blue Whistling Thrush Blue Whistling Common Green Magpie Common Myna Golden Naped Finch Green Tit Backed Hill Partridge Long tailed thrush Lareg billed Crow Kaleej Pheasant Long-tailed shrike Checklist of bird species encountered along Tholung – Kisong transect 9 Checklist of bird species encountered along Table

42 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Alpine shrubs Disturbed forest Undisturbed temperate broad-leaved forest Disturbed forest Disturbed forest Disturbed forest Disturbed forest Kisong Lake Water bodies / Water temperate coniferous forest Disturbed forest Undisturbed temperate broad-leaved forest Disturbed forest LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC NT NA S S S S S S PC PC PC PC PC PC Upto 4000 900 - 2800 900 - 2800 900 - 4500 600 - 2600 900 - 4500 900 - 3800 900 - 4500 900 - 3800 3800 - 4500 1800 - 4500 2700 - 4000 Dhukkar Hans Tuti Rani Chara Kolkolay Hareney Halesso Megma Mudal Makhmali Matta Dhobi Chara Lamphusray NA : Not assessed, NT Near threatened Streptopelia orientalis Streptopelia Tadorna ferruginea Tadorna Carpodacus rodochroa Pericrocotus flammeus Pericrocotus Garrulax striatus Eumyias thalassinus sphenura Treron flavicollis Yuhina Tragopan satyra Tragopan Sitta himalayensis Chaimarrornis Chaimarrornis leucocephalus Urocissa flavirostris Urocissa LC : Least concern, 2 S : Sighting Oriental Turtle Dove Turtle Oriental Rudy Shelduck Rose Finch Scarlet Minivet Striated Thrush Laughing Flycatcher Verditer tailed Green Wedge Pigeon Yuhina Whiskered Satyr tragopan White Tailed Nuthatch Tailed White White capped Redstart Yellow billed blue- Yellow Magpie PC : Photo capture, 1

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 43 Discussion seek restricted area permit to enter the area Tholung – Kishong eco-trail is very rich in which causes inconvenience for the visitors. terms of floral and faunal biodiversity and is Further, for being shy, the Lepchas of the especially preserved, as majority of the area Dzongu area are very reluctant to open up falls within Khangchendzonga National Park, with the visitors. Nonetheless, such restriction where illegal activities relating to wildlife are and conservative behavior of the people has punishable offence. The area is not so famous helped, to great extent, in preserving and as compared to Yuksom Dzongri trail in west exploitation of the precious biodiversity of the Sikkim because it was not open for tourism till area. 2006; nevertheless, even after its promotion in Till today, the inner valleys of Dzongu still 2006, it has not been able to attract national remains unexplored which might be harbouring and international attention due to lack of the biodiversity of enormous significance and documentation work. Further, till today, the new to the modern world. For example, area is restricted for outsiders and one has to Rhodendron niveum and Rhododendron

Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus inpejanus)

44 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster)

maddenii, which were considered to be rare hidden in the unexplored valleys. During in Sikkim and is confined to some specific the survey, few individuals of rare species area, have been recorded from Dzongu valley Rhododendron edgeworthii was also recorded (Pradhan et al., 2014). Dzongu also harbours just few meters inside the Khangchendzonga many species of cane and ratten which were National Park boundary along Tholung chu. assumed to be extinct from the wild. During The first rhododendron species that can our survey, we covered three types of forest be witnessed is Rhododendron grande in system viz, temperate, sub-alpine and alpine association with oak, chestnut, laurels, etc. having their own importance and species which extends upto ca. 2700 m asl and is composition. We witnessed very low intensity replaced by Rhododendron falconeri having of anthropogenic disturbances in the area and very low altitudinal amplitude (2700 – 3000 m the forest is intact in the entire stretch from asl = 300 m) in the valley. The rhododendron Tshana to Phyaguteng cliff except scattered species that is most widespread in the valley in minor disturbances. There is no human Rhododendron hodgsonii which ascends from habitation as such along the entire stretch but Temrong (3200 m asl) upto Thijom (3600 log houses does exist in areas like Tholung m asl). The important characteristics of the Gumpa, Temrong, Tholukpe, etc. which are Tholung valley is that being very steep, one used by the pilgrims during their visit to can evidence different vegetation types from sacred Tholung gumpa and Kishong lake once temperate to sub-alpine to alpine from one in a while. We also observed that the Tholung end, which is not at all possible in any of the – Kishong valley is very rich in regard to other parts in Sikkim. The forest in and around rhododendrons; we encountered 20 species Tholung Gumpa consists of Lithocarpus of rhododendrons during the field survey and pachyphylla and Rhododendron griffithii with do believe that there might be more species few scattered individuals of Acer species. The

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 45 ground contains high humus and is densely Even distribution of adult individuals in all covered with Dryopteris redoactopinnata, the diameter class, except D and E diameter Odontosoria chinensis, etc. class with high value, is the indicative of the healthy ecosystem in temperate forest During the survey in temperate forest, we but for species like Tsuga dumosa, which recorded high density but low frequency for had very low density of adult individuals in the adult individuals as well as the saplings both temperate and sub-alpine forest, all in and seedlings of Alnus nepalensis. The high D diameter class and no new regeneration, density might be due to the fact that the site puts a question on the future survivability of (especially plot 2) was located along the this species from these area if conservation river bed and seemed to be affected by the measures are not taken on priority. Similalry, land slide or the flash flood in the recent past for some of the important species like which allowed the gregarious growth of Alus Cinnamomum impressinervioum, Elaeocarpus nepalensis, as this species has the tendency to lanceefolius, Magnolia campbellii, Quercus regenerate in areas with low nutrient content lamellosa, Quercus lineata, Rhododendron due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen arboreum, Rhus succedanea, etc., with low or areas impacted by the natural calamities. adult individuals and no new recruitment However, the species was available only in 02 i.e., seedlings and saplings, is also a cause of plots (plot 02 and plot 09) which resulted in concern from the conservation point of view low frequency for the species. because these species will become susceptible The decrease of species richness along the to succession by the other small tree species / increasing altitude is a general phenomenon large shrub species in temperate region. and similar result was obtained in our study. The Tholung – Kishong valley also harbours Such decrease is due to the fact that as the numerous medicinal plants of high value such altitude increases, the vegetation cover as Paris polyphylla, Panax sikkimensis, Panax decreases and becomes dominated by the bipinnatifidum, Aconitum sp., Picrorhiza common type of vegetation whereas in the kurroa, Rheum acuminatum, etc., in addition lower altitudes, the vegetation composition to highly traded medicinal mushroom, changes frequently supporting variety of Ophiocordyceps sinensis as well as species of species leading to high species richness. high conservation value like Rheum nobile, Species diversity, dominance and the species Saussurea gossypiphora, Saussurea obvalata, evenness are interlinked in the sense that more Saussurea tridactyla, etc. In addition, the diverse the vegetation is, there is more chances Kishong valley is a home to several important for the species to be evenly distributed. When animals like Red Panda, Himalayan Black the species are evenly distributed, there is no Bear, Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Tibetan chance for a particular species to dominate the Sand Fox, Tibetan argale, etc. Finding all community. We observed the similar kind of such unique species in one valley is very relationship between these three parameters in rare and this signifies and enhances the the the present study. Still, the forest tends to be importance of the valley; nevertheless, due dominated by a particular species at the local to lack of human interferences, the forest has level which depends on factors viz., ability become dense and the animals, especially to withstand the existing environmental Himalayan Black bear, in the search of food conditions, compete with other species, faster and open areas appear in the fringe villages, as growth rate etc. 46 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II reported, leading to man animal conflict. One forest, Thyugong Bhutti Nay, Kishong Lake, of the the significant observation made during hot water spring, etc., which is linked with the the survey was that a particular Rubus species Lepcha culture and this may attract national has widely spread between 3000 – 4200 m and international visitors if worked out asl which may become a problem in future if seriously. not controlled because invasive species has a Though the altitude between 3900 – 4500 m potential to encroach and adapt to any kind of asl consisted of good pastures, the wildlife was climatic condition. completely absent, except few bird species, Dzongu valley witnessed the massive from the area and this is very important from destruction of the era, caused due to the conservation and ecological point of view. 18th September 2011 earthquake, which Even the Blood Pheasant, which normally has severely damaged the forest and the are found from 3000 m asl was available wildlife of the area in addition to the human above 4500 m asl. The reason could be the settlements. Along the trail, we witnessed non availability of the foraging ground due to 12-13 major landslides between Bey village excessive regeneration of the non-palatable (the starting point of the trail situated at plant species which is directly linked with the an altitude of ca. 1750 m asl) and Thijom presence/absence of the wildlife or may be during our survey period. Further, Bey used the animals have shifted to higher regions in to be human inhabited area some years back search of good pasture. is now totally erased by the earthquake. Conclusions Areas like Tumlong (ca. 2000 m asl), along the Ringpi Chu having cultural significance • Tholung – Kishong eco-trail is very rich in and lush green vegetation of Oak and Acer biodiversity as evidenced from the present species, have entirely been wiped out by the survey; however, certain species needs landslides resulting in habitat degradation immediate conservation measures without of the important faunal elements of the area. any further delay to maintain the status Similarly, Thijom (ca. 3600 m asl) a potential of the forest. Anthropogenic pressure is habitat for the Rhododendron niveum has met almost nil but the natural disturbances with the same fate and the population of the have devasted the large tract forest and this species does not exist now. However, a new calls for massive afforestation programme small population of Rhododendron niveum inorder to prevent the area from being was observed along Jhumthul Chu towards invaded by some alien species. Further, Jhumthul Phuk glacier. This indicates towards the species like Rhododendron niveum probability of existence of Rhododendron has specific habitat requirement and the nivem in other wilderness areas of Sikkim and destruction of which may lead to species needs more detailed exploration. extinction. The Tholung – Kishong trail has a potential • For having historical and cultural to be developed into important eco-trail with significances, the area has huge potential to natural and cultural significance because apart be promoted for nature and cultural tourism from being rich in biodiversity, the trail passes which will provide sustainable livelihood through one of the oldest monastery, Tholung options to the local people as well as Gumpa situated amidst the Tholung Reserve help conserve and maintain the forest of

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 47 the area. Moreover under the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project, the Khangchendzonga National Park has been included in the tentative list of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. This will further enhance the ecological and cultural values of the areas. However, uncontrolled tourism is capable of effective ecological value of natural areas adversely if proper management is not in place. Hence proper plan should be developed to cause minimum disturbance to the area and at the same time creating facilities to enrich visitor experience. Monitoring of visitor and pressure on habitat na dinfrastructure should be evaluated.

Summary (821.33 + 130.43 ind/ha) and frequency 1. During the survey, a total of 31 plots were (62.67%). laid covering 1.24 ha area, from which 19 7. In sub-alpine forest, Rhododendron large tree, 20 small tree/large shrubs, 23 hodgsonii (1528.00 + 378.25 ind/ha) had shrubs/scrubs and 87 herb species were the maximum density. recorded. 8. In the case of herbaceous species including 2. Cumulatively for trees, small trees/large the fern and fern allies, cumulatively for shrub, shrub/scrub and herbs, the number the 15 sites, of the 60 species recorded of species the number of species did not form temperate forest, the maximum show any significant correlation with the percent cover was recorded for Dryopteris increasing altitude (r = -0.134), latitude (r redoactopinnata (11.67%) followed by = -0.092), longitude (r = 0.080). Aconogonum molle (9.37%). 3. Of the 19 large tree species recorded 9. In sub-alpine forest, the lowest and the from temperate forest (cumulatively highest percent cover ranged between for 15 plots), the adult individuals of 0.05% (Lycopodium sp.1) and 6.65% Alnus nepalensis (58.33 + 150.25 ind/ha) (Fragaria nubicola). recorded the highest density while Tsuga 10. In the case of alpine forest, 51.61% of dumosa (1517.78 m2/ha) recorded the the total species recorded over 10.0% highest total basal cover. (minimum: 10.0%, Bistorta vaccinifolia 4. Of the four large tree species present in the and Tetraenium wallichii; maximum: sub-alpine forest, Acer caudatum (62.50 48.33%, Potentilla peduncularis) + 47.96 ind/ha) had the highest density as frequency of occurrence. well as IVI (96.68). 11. In temperate forest, large trees species 5. On the basis of diameter class, the showed greatest number of species richness individuals falling in D diameter class while in sub-alpine and alpine forest, shrub had the highest density in both temperate / scrub species were dominant over other (110.0 ind/ha) and sub-alpine forest (82.50 species. ind/ha). 12. All the three forest types showed very low 6. Of the 15 species of small tree / large shrub similarity in species composition amongst recorded in temperate forest, Viburnum each other. erubescence had the maximum density

48 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary – Shiv Mandir sampling path, North Sikkim

Team: Dr. Bharat Kumar Pradhan, Suraj Subba, Dorjee Chewang Bhutia

Introduction around, is popular for the beauty of multiple The north district has always been an varieties of flowers including the beautiful attraction for the local, national as well as the Primulas that cover the ground during May- international visitors due to its uniqueness June giving every visitor a feeling of colourful in terms of landscape like mountains ending carpet spread on the ground. to cold deserts. These areas have been The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in explorer’s paradise since many centuries and Lachung - Yumthang valley, with an area of 43 have been visited by the famous explorers sq. km. is bordered with high rugged Chuba- like Sir JD Hooker (1847-49), G Gammie Sagochen mountain ranges on the east and (1892), JC White (1887 - 1908) and others, Chomzomei Tso extending up to Lava pass the account of which is beautifully described on the west. The sanctuary is approachable by in Himalayan Journal, Account of Botanical road. It is rich in natural vegetation and is known Tour in Sikkim during 1892, Sikhim and to harbour over 25 species of Rhododendrons Bhutan: Twenty one years on the north-east (Badola and Pradhan, 2009). For some of the frontier. Further, there lies famous Shingba rhododendron species, different form and Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yumthang valley varieties can also be seen in the valley. For and hot water spring, Yumey Samdong (syn. example, R. arboreum is known to have three Momey Samdong), and several high altitude forms with red (var. arboreum), pink (var. lakes viz., Gurudongmar, Tsho Lhamu, Gyam roseum) and white (var. alba) flower; all these Tshona (the only high altitude brackish water forms are present in the Lachung –Yumthang lake) and others. The Yumthang valley, an valley; nevertheless, white form (var. alba) is alpine pasture with snow clad mountains all very rare and are spotted well below Singring

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 49 village in Lachung valley by some of the fern species are less prevalent in sub-alpine rhododendron experts from Sikkim. Similarly, region compared to the wet temperate mixed for R. thomsonii, three forms with red, maroon broad-leaved forest. The special feature of and pink flower and for R. cinnabarinum, the area is that, with the increasing altitude, both cinnabar and pink form are present in the change in rhododendron species can easily valley. However, at the higher elevations, R. be make out even by the beginners who does arboreum, normally a tree species occurs in not have much idea about rhododendrons. It shrub form. is a natural habitat to Rhododendron niveum, the State tree of Sikkim which was known as The forest in the area being sub-alpine forest the only area having natural population of the type, the conifer tree species like Abies species till the discovery of new population of densa, Tsuga dumosa, Larix griffithii, Picea R. niveum by Badola and Pradhan (2010) in spinulosa, etc., dominates the whole area Khangchendzonga National Park. in and around the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The succession in forest tree The valley is also rich in high valued species can easily be observed from Lachung medicinal plant species like Aconitum ferox, village, the last human inhabited area, itself Panax sikkimensis, Panax bipinnatifidus, with Populas jaquemontiana being taken Paris polyphylla, Podophyllum hexandrum, over by mixed forest of Tsuga dumosa, Larix Podophyllum sikkimensis, Picrorhiza griffithii, Picea spinulosa and then by Abies kurroaa, Rheum acuminatum, Rheum nobile, densa at the upper end. Picea spinulosa is etc. The valley provides refuge to some of endemic to Sikkim and is localised to Lachung the important faunal and avifaunal species and Lachen range in north Sikkim. Those trees like Capricornis thar (Serow), Ochotona can be seen covered with numerous epiphytes sp, (Pika), Martes flavigula (Yellow including Pleione hookeriana as well as Throated Marten), Ithaginis cruentus (Blood several species of lichens and mosses. The Pheasant), Aethopyga ignicauda (Fire-Tailed

Salix sp.

50 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II landslides which is a continuous phenomenon especially during monsoon and winters. This has caused severe damages to the biodiversity of the area. The forest is characterized by the sub-alpine forest type and the tree species are less prevalent in the area. The forest is largely dominated by Abies densa; nevertheless, other prominent tree species present in the area are Acer caudatum, Betula utilis, Larix griffithii, Prunus nepalensis, Sorbus microphylla, etc. which can be seen interspersed with the Abies densa at places. In this region, the tree species extends upto Shiv Mandir above which, the ground is covered with the shrubs and scrubs of rhododendrons, Juniperus sp. and other species. Since the valley is famous for rhododendrons which starts occurring well below Lachung valley and extends beyond the survey area to Yumey Samdong and above. Of the 36 species reported from Sikkim (Pradhan and Lachungpa, 1990), the species that is present in the valley includes Rhododendron Figure 9 Rapid Biodiversity Survey sites along Shinga Rhodo. Sanctuary – Shiv Mandir sampling path aeruginosum, R. anthopogon, R. arboreum, R. baileyi, R. barbatum, R. campanulatum, Sunbird), Dendrocopos darjellins (Darjelling R. camelliflorum, R. campyllocarpum, R. Woodpecker), Columba leuconata (Snow ciliatum, R. cinnabarinum, R. campanulatum, Pigeon), etc. R. decipens, R. fulgens, R. glaucophyllum, Survey Area R. grande, R. hodgsonii, R. lepidotum, R. nivale, R. niveum, R. pendulum, R. setosum, The current survey was carried out covering R. sikkimensis, R. thomsonii, R. triflorum, R. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary upto Shiv virgatum, R. wightii, R. wallichii, R. wightii, Mandir (approx. 30 km stretch) in Lachung and R. vaccinioides Of all these rhododendrons, range in north district of Sikkim (Figure 9). R. campanulatum and R. hodgsonii has a wide The elevation of the survey area ranged from range of distribution in the valley. Interestingly, 3200 – 4000 m asl lying between 27˚43’ all these species are regenerating profusely o o – 27˚50’ N Longitude and 88 44’ -88 41’ throughout the valley. E Latitude. The entire area is rocky and is bisected by Yumthang chu. The slope angle The common shrub/shrublet that prevails in of the sampled sites ranged between mild (5 association with the rhododendrons in the degree) to 60 degree and was faced towards E, area are represented by Berberis sikkimensis, SE and NE aspect (Annexure III). The valley Cassiope fastigata, Daphne cannabina, is heavily affected by the avalanche and the Gaultheria trichophylla, Ilex intricate, Ribes

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 51 griffithii, Rosa sericea, Salix longiflora, Salix area. The field visit was made during May - sikkimensis, Vaccinum retusum, Viburnum June 2014. erubescence, etc. The ground flora of the area Flora is represented by Aconitum ferox, Artemesia sp., Bistorta affinis, Fragaria nubicola, The forest being sub-alpine type with not much Inula sp., Juncus himalensis, Ligularia variation in the species composition, little sp., Meconopsis sp., Myricaria rosea, modification was done in plot size where floral Panax bipinnatifidus, Panax sikkimensis, biodiversity of the area was recorded using a Pedicularis siphonantha, Persicaria capitata, plot of 10m x 10m which was laid after every Potentila fruticosa, Potentila peduncularis, 0.5 to 0.6 km approximate distance. Within Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Primula the plot, all the tree species were enumerated calderiana, Primuladenticulata, Rumex and the individual tree with CBH> 30 cm (1.3 nepalensis, Ranuculus sp., Senecio sp., Viola m above the ground) was measured. Within sp., and numerous fern species. Beyond the mother plot, a quadrat of 5m x 5m was laid Yumthang valley, Cardamine macrophylla, a in the centre to record the number of saplings wild edible herb with purple flower,Fritillaria present; the same quadrat was used to record sp., with purple-white flower and Clintonia the percent cover of the shrub species. Further, udensis with white flower, are a very common a 1m x 1m quadrat was laid at the centre and sight; nevertheless, the ground are mostly 04 corners of the mother plot for recording covered with Sphagnum squarrosum and the the percent cover of the herb species. General trees are covered with Usnea himalayana. listing of all the species, outside the plots were Besides, the valley is full of edible as well as also done. On the basis of size, the trees were non-edible mushrooms. categorized into large / small tree and the shrubs were categorized into large shrubs and Methodology shrubs/scrubs. Prior to making field visit, intensive literature Floras were identified in the field using review was done to have general idea on the previous field experiences as well as the biodiversity of the area covering both flora published references including standard floras. as well as fauna. The checklist for both flora Photographs were taken for most of the species and fauna were prepared and were taken to for the future reference. Web references the field to confirm their presence in the study (www.eFloras.org; www.flowersofindia.net)

Yumthang valley, North Sikkim 52 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report, Series-II Figure 10 Family-wise distribution of herb species were also made and expert’s helps taken (E) was calculated using standard formulas. after returning from the field, for species The adult individuals of the tree species were verification and identification. categorized into different classes on the basis of the diameter of the trunk viz., C (10 to 20 Data were analyzed for density, frequency, cm), D (20 to 30 cm), E (30 to 40 cm), F (40 abundance, relative density, relative frequency, to 50 cm), G (50 to 60 cm), H (60 to 70 cm), relative dominance, IVI, etc. Species diversity I (70 to 80 cm), J (80 to 90 cm), K (90 to 100 (H), Species richness (I) and Species evenness cm), L (>100 cm).

Primula calderiana

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 53 Figure 13 Altitudinal distributions of the species in the sampling site Fauna 14 genera and 10 family); whereas, species in small tree/large shrub category were To record the faunal/ avifaunal element, represented by 12 species belonging to 7 trail sampling (walking through the trail) genera and 5 family (Table 10). Family wise and sign surveys (recording of digging sign, analysis revealed that for species belonging to foraging sign, hoof mark, etc.) were carried the small tree / large shrub and shrub / shrublet out in the wilderness areas. During the category, Ericaceae was the dominant family sampling, direct evidences like call sound with 7 and 19 species, respectively, while in and indirect evidences like feather, pellets, the case of herbs, Asteraceae (16 species) scats, droppings, etc. wherever encountered, appeared as the dominant family followed were recorded. Photo capture was also done, by Liliaceae (14 species) and Cyperaceae depending upon the feasibility. (13 species) family (Figure 1). Further, for Result herbs, 12 of the 28 families represented single Flora species each (Figure 10). From the survey area, 12 fern and fern allies (belonging to 8 A general checklist of 172 species were genera and 6 families) and 8 orchid species prepared and is presented in Annexure IV; of (belonging to 8 genera) were also recorded; which, herbs represented the highest number of nevertheless, moss, lichens and vines were species (97 species; 67 genera and 28 family) represented by single species (Table 10). including 1 bamboo species, Arundinaria maling, followed by shrub/scrubs (34 species; Table 10 Distribution of floral species along Shingba RS - Shiv Mandir sampling path

54 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 12 Relation between humus depth and the number of species in sampling site

Figure 11 Relation between altitude and the number of species in the sampling site

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 55 Figure 14 Species availability in different sampling site

Figure 15 Availability of different categories of tree species in the sampling site

56 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Habit No. of Species Genus Family plots were Betula utilis, Larix griffithii, Sorbus Tree 6 6 5 microphylla and Salix sp. Cumulatively for Small tree / trees, small trees/large shrub, shrub/scrub and 12 7 5 Large shrub herbs, the number of species showed negative Shrub / 34 14 10 correlation with the increasing altitude (r = Shrublet Herb 97 67 28 -0.061; ns) [Figure 11] and positive correlation Fern and Fern with the humus depth (r = 0.038; ns) [Figure 12 8 6 allies 12]; nevertheless, the correlation was non- Orchid 8 8 1 significant. Maximum number of species was Moss 1 1 1 recorded between 3600 – 3800 m asl elevation Lichen 1 1 1 range (Figure 13). The number of species per Vines 1 1 1 plot for tree, small tree / large shrub, shrub / scrub and herb species ranged between 1 and Total 172 113 58 3, 1 and 4, 1 and 6 and 1 and 8, respectively; During the survey, a total of 32 plots were nonetheless, species were completely absent laid covering 0.32 ha area (Annexure III; from 3.13% (Tree), 65.63% (small tree / large Figure 9), from which 5 tree, 9 small tree/ shrub), 9.38% (shrub / scrub) and 12.50% large shrubs, 14 shrubs/scrubs and 33 herb (herb) of the total plots (Figure 14). species were recorded and are marked with In the case of tree species, cumulatively for (*) in Annexure IV. Since the forest being adult, sapling and seedling, Abies densa was the sub-alpine type, Abies densa was the most present in 31 of the 32 plots and B. utilis was predominating tree species in the area; other recorded from 5 plots (7, 9, 10, 11 & 24); tree species encountered within the sampling

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 57 Figure 16 Plot-wise availability of Abies densa in the study area

Figure 17 Availability of tree species in the sample site

58 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 18 Class-wise availability of tree species in the sampling site similarly, L. griffithii was recorded from only present in two plots which ranged between 1 plot (plot 26); whereas, S. microphylla and 6 – 7 individuals and 2 – 4 individuals; Salix sp. were recorded from 2 plots each i.e., however, the adult individuals of L. griffithii plot 12 & 24 and plot 20 & 28. For some of the (7 individual) and Salix sp. (2 individual) plots (11, 13, 29, 31 & 32), adult individuals were observed only in single plot. of tree species were completely absent. Since, Abies densa was the most dominant Collectively, for all the tree species, standing tree species in the area, it had the highest stem for adults, saplings and seedlings ranged cumulative adult stem density (268.75 + between 1 to 14, 2 to 33 and 1 to 23, 53.52 ind/ha; Rel. Den.: 73.50%; IVI: 247.23) respectively. Cumulatively, for all the 32 plots [Figure 17] as well as the total basal cover and on the individual species basis, Abies (TBC: 3980.48 m2/ha; Rel. Dom.: 94.94%). On densa had the highest number of adult, saplings the other hand, the lowest adult stem density and seedlings (Figure 15) as compared to was recorded for Salix sp. (6.25 + 35.56; IVI: other species. The adult standing stem of A. 5.52) and the lowest TBC was recorded for densa ranged between 1 – 12 individuals in Sorbus microphylla (17.54 m2/ha). Betula the sample plots; nevertheless majority of the utilis being the second dominant tree species plots (7 plots) had 2 to 3 individuals (Figure had the average density of 50 + 96.16 ind/ha, 16), the highest number of the individuals was IVI 24.71 and TBC, 81.32 m2/ha; similarly, present in plot 23 (12 individuals) and plot Larix griffithii and Sorbus microphylla had 25 (10 individuals) respectively. For B. utilis the adult stem density of 21.88 + 123.74 ind/ and S. microphylla, the adult individuals was ha and 18.75 + 55.18 ind/ha, respectively. The

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 59 Figure 19 Relative Frequency of different categories of tree species in the sampling site

Figure 20 Status of small tree / large shrub in the sampling site 60 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 21 Status of small shrub / scrub in the sampling site

total adult stem density and the TBC for all the completely absent from the sampled sites. In other tree species were not comparable with terms of frequency of occurrence, Abies densa that of Abies densa. was the most frequently occurring species for all the three categories ie., adult stem (Rel. In the case of saplings, the highest density Freq.: 78.79%), sapling (Rel. Freq.: 83.33%) was recorded for A. densa (1575.0 + 138.77 as well as the seedlings (Rel. Freq.: 76.47%); ind/ha) followed by L. griffirthii (87.5 + 71.44 other species had very low frequency of ind/ha) and S. microphylla (25.0 + 35.36 ind/ occurrence (Figure 19). The sampled area was ha); saplings were not available for B. utilis not much rich in terms of tree species richness and Salix sp. in the sampling sites. Similarly, (I = 4.79) and recorded low species diversity the highest seedling density was recorded (H’ = 0.67). The abundance to frequency for Abies densa (20937.50 + 114.97 ind/ha) ratio revealed that, the adult individuals of followed by B. utilis (8437.50 + 209.0 ind/ Abies densa (A/F ratio: 0.04) showed random ha) and Salix sp. (625.00 + 35.36 ind/ha); distribution whereas the adult individuals of all however, seedlings were not recorded for L. other species showed contagious distribution griffithii and S. microphylla from the study (A/F: >0.05); Likewise, in the case of saplings sites. and seedlings, all the species present revealed On the basis of DBH class, adults falling in contagious distribution in the plots they were C diameter class recorded the highest density present. (156 ind/ha) followed by D (86 ind/ha), F (38 The small tree/large shrub recorded from ind/ha) and E (31 ind/ha) (Figure 18). Adult the sample plots are Lyonia ovlifolia, individuals falling in J diameter class were

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 61 Figure 22 Status of herb species in the sampling site

Rhododendron barbatum, R. decipiens, R. lowest availability (10 percent), whereas R. hodgsonii, R. niveum, R. thomsonii and hodgsonii and R. thomsonii had highest percent Viburnum nervosum. Of the 7 small tree / cover share (30 percent each) followed by V. large shrub species present, V. nervosum nervosum (20 percent). Of the three species had the highest frequency of occurrence present in plot 31, R. thomsonii (percent (18.75%) followed by R. hodgsonii and R. cover: 20 percent) had highest availability thomsonii (12.5% each) and Rhododendron followed by V. nervosum (percent cover: 10 barbatum (6.25%) [Figure 20]; species like percent) and R. barbatum (percent cover: 5 L. ovalifolia, R. decipiens and R. niveum percent). R. decipiens was observed only in had the lowest frequency of occurrences plot 20 in association with R. hodgsonii and (3.13% each). In respect to percent cover, had very low availability (5 percent). Plot 21 R. hodgsonii was dominant (average percent and 22 was fully covered with R. hodgsonii cover /25 m2: 10.16 %; lowest: 30%, highest: (percent cover: 100 percent each). 100%) [Figure 20]; other species had very Of the 14 small shrub / scrubs recorded from the low average percent cover. In plot number 26, sample plots, Rhododendron campanulatum L. ovalifolia was the only small tree / large and R. campyllocarpum had wide availability shrub species available and had high density in the area and was recorded from 53% and (percent cover: 100 percent). In plot 30, of the 38% of the total plots, respectively (Figure four species recorded, R. barbatum had the 21). The density in terms of percent cover for

62 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II R. campanulatum ranged between 5 percent m2 (Figure 21). In respect to number of species (plot number 5) – 100 percent (plot number 18 present in each plot, majority of the plots had 1 & 19) [average percent cover /25 m2= 19.69%] (34.4%) or 2 (31.3%) species in a plot (Figure and for R. campyllocarpum, it ranged between 14). 5 percent (plot number 10) – 70 percent (plot In the case of herbaceous species, a total of 33 2 number 8) [average percent cover /25 m = species were recorded from 32 plots, of which, 11.41%; [Figure 21]. Species like Berberis Fragaria nubicola had the highest frequency concinna, Gaultheri hookeri, Rhododendron of occurrences (53.13%) followed by Primula lepidotum, Vaccinum retusum were recorded denticulata var. denticulata (21.88%), Carex from single plots and had the percent cover alpine and Smilacina oleracea (18.75% each), of 5, 20, 30 and 25 percent respectively, and Anaphalis busua and Arisaema griffithii species like Rosa sericea and Salix longiflora (15.63% each), Anaphalis adnata, Anaphalis were recorded from two plots each and had the hookeri, Bistorta affinis, Carex fragilis and percent cover of 20 - 40 [average percent cover Cardamine macrophylla (12.50% each) 2 /25 m = 1.83%] and 10 -100 percent [average [Figure 22]. Other species had low frequency 2 percent cover /25 m = 3.44%], respectively. of occurrences ranging from 3.13% to 9.38%. Similarly, Rhododendron wightii, Viburnum In respect to number of species available per erubescence and Rhododendron cinnabarinum plot, 25.0, 15.6, 15.6, 12.5, 12.5 percent of the were recorded from 13%, 17% and 19% of the total plots were represented by 4, 1, 2, 5 and 6 total plots with the average percent cover value species, respectively (Figure 17). With regard of 2.03 (lowest: 5%; highest: 30%), 2.19 (lowest: to average density in terms of percent cover, 5%; highest: 30%), and 5.0 percent, (lowest: F. nubicola (percent cover: 5 – 100 percent; 10%; highest: 70%), respectively [Figure 21]. average percent cover /m2: 14.69%) was Other species which were recorded from the dominant over other species, comparatively. sampling plots were Juniperus recurva, Ribes Species viz., Carex fragilis, Primula sp., and Salix calyculata (Frequency: 3.13% denticulata var. denticulata, Anaphalis hookeri each) having the average percent cover of had the average percent cover of 6.56, 4.84, 0.63%, 1.88% and 1.25% respectively, per 25 4.53 percent / m2, respectively (Figure 22).

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 63 Acer sp. Cotoneaster sp.

Arisaema griffithii Berberis sp.

Meconopsis sp. Myricaria rosea

Polygonatum sp. Piptanthus sikkimensis

64 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Prinsepia utilis

Fauna During the trial sampling, existence of a total of 3 mammalian species was confirmed through direct sighting and indirect evidences (Table 11). In addition, 40 bird species belonging to 4 Order and 19 families were recorded from the survey area (Table 12). Table 11 Faunal species encountered along Singhba – Shiv Mandir transect, North Sikkim

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Evidence IUCN Status Yellow Throated Marten Martes flavigula PC,DS LC Pika Ochotona sp. PC,DS LC Serow Capricornis thar DS,P,HM NT Discussions North Sikkim is known widely for its rich repository of biological diversity especially rhododendrons, and Sikkim is the only state in India and perhaps in the whole world to have designated / notified Rhododendron Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in north district and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in west district. Sir JD Hooker during his exploration in Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalaya during 1847- 49 has reported 45 species of Rhododendrons from Sikkim including the species from Darjeeling; nevertheless, over 36 species of Rhododendron have been reported only from Sikkim by Pradhan and Lachungpa (1990). Recently, researchers have reported some new rhododendron species from Sikkim, but are yet to be confirmed.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 65 S S PC,S S PC,S PC,S PC,S S PC,S S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S EVIDENCE Passeriformes Passeriformes Columbiformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Charadiformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Piciformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes ORDER Turdidae Motacillidae Columbidae Campephagidae Corvidae Laniidae Paridae Fringillidae Nectariniidae Scolopacidae Certhiidae Fringillidae Picidae Turdidae Turdidae Muscicapidae Turdidae Dicaeidae Pycnonotidae Sylviidae FAMILY Dhukur Rani chari Kag Chi Chink Kotey Tuti Balchi Sulsuley Tuti Laachey Bhaekura Kalchura Kolkoley Chibey Jureli LOCAL NAME LOCAL Zoothera mollissima Anthus sp. Streptopelia orientalis Streptopelia Pericrococtus sp. Pericrococtus Corvus macrorhynchos Lanius tephronotus Parus monticolus Pyrrhoplectes epaulette Pyrrhoplectes Aethopyga ignicauda Scolopax rusticola Certhia familiaris Carpodacus nipalensis Dendrocopos darjellensis Dendrocopos Garrulax erythrocephalus Myophonus caeruleus Phoenicurus frontalis Garrulax affinis Dicrurus macrocercus Hypsipetes leucocephalus Phylloscopus maculipennis SCIENTIFIC NAME Plain Thrush Backed Pipit Oriental Turtle Dove Turtle Oriental Minivet Large Billed Crow Large Grey Backed Shrike Green Tit Backed Golden Naped Finch Fire Tailed Sunbird Fire Tailed Eurasian Woodcock Eurasian Eurasian Treecreeper Eurasian Dark Breasted Rosefinch Darjeeling Woodpecker Darjeeling Chestnut Crowned Laughing Thrush Blue Whistling Thrush Blue Whistling Blue Fronted Redstart Black Faced Laughing Thrush Black Faced Laughing Black Drongo Black Bulbul Bird species encountered along Singhba – Shiv Mandir Transect, North Sikkim Transect, 12 Bird species encountered along Singhba – Shiv Mandir Table COMMON NAME Warbler Ashy Throated

66 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II PC,S S PC,S S PC,S PC,S S PC,S S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S PC,S EVIDENCE Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Columbiformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes Passeriformes ORDER Motacillidae Corvidae Rhipiduridae Timaliidae Turdidae Muscicapidae Sylviidae Turdidae Sylviidae Turdidae Columbidae Turdidae Timaliidae Paridae Muscicapidae Leiothrichidae Fringillidae Corvidae Muscicapidae Fringillidae FAMILY Laampucharey Kanchirna Megma Dhobi Chara Megma Malewa Megma Fista Tuti Tuti LOCAL NAME LOCAL Motacilla flava Urocissa flavirostris Urocissa Chelidorhynx hypoxantha Chelidorhynx Yuhina flavicollis Yuhina Turdus albocinctus Turdus Chaimarrornis Chaimarrornis leucocephalus Alcippe vinipectus Turdus unicolor Turdus Yuhina gularis Yuhina Garrulax ocellatus Columba leuconota Zoothera dauma Yuhina occipitalis Yuhina Periparus rubidiventris Ficedula strophiata Minla ignotincta Pyrrhula erythrocephala Pyrrhula Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax Rhyacornis fuliginosa Leucosticte nemoricola SCIENTIFIC NAME PC : Photo capture Yellow Wagtail Yellow Yellow Billed Blue Magpie Yellow Yellow Bellied Fantail Yellow Whiskered Yuhina Whiskered White Collared Blackbird White Capped Redstart White Browed Fulvetta Tickell’s Thrush Tickell’s Stripe Yuhina Throated Spotted Thrush Laughing Snow Pigeon Scaly Thrush Rufous Vented Yuhina Rufous Vented Rufous Vented Tit Rufous Vented Rufous Gorgeted Flycatcher Rufous Gorgeted Red Tailed Minla Red Tailed Red Headed Bullfinch Red Billed Chough Plumbeous Water Redstart Plumbeous Water COMMON NAME Plain Mountain Finch S : Sighting,

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 67 Grey-backed Shrike Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush

Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Male) Dark-breatsed Rosefinch (Female)

White-collared Blackbird (Juvenile) Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher

Rufous-vented Tit Spotted Laughingthrush

68 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Even though, our survey was confined between The open slope above Yakchey reserves Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Shiv enormous population of Rhododendron Mandir (approx, 30 km stretch covering 700 niveum but its categorization into tree needs to m altitudinal amplitude), we encountered 19 be redefined because from nowhere it resemble of the 29 rhododendron species known to true tree if one carefully looks at its straggling exist in the Lachung valley including Yumey form and structure. Even though the species Samdong area. The valley before the entrance has woody structure but lacks true trunk due to to Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary harbours which, R. niveum has been listed as small tree good patch of Picea spinulosa in association / large shrub in the checklist prepared by us with Tsuga dumosa, Abies densa and Larix (Annexure IV). Further, its vulnerable status griffithii. The review of literature reveals that needs reconsideration because the species was Picea spinulosa is endemic to Lachung and found regenerating gregariously in the area; Lachen valley in Sikkim and Larix griffithii, further, in addition to new population record though endemic to Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan for the species in Khangchandzonga National is confined to Lachung and Lachen range in Park (Badola and Pradhan, 2010), a new patch Sikkim, as per our previous field observations. of R. niveum was recorded by us during August- It is interesting to note that the Rhododendron September, 2013 along Tholung – Kisong trail arboreum, which is included in the Guinness towards Jumthul Phuk glacier along Jumthul chu. The altitude between 3400 and 3600 in book of world record as the world’s largest the survey site witnessed gregarious growth rhododendrons, with all the 3 forms i.e. red of Rhododendorn hodgsonii, R. thomsonii, (var. arboreum), pink (var. roseum) and etc. which may have resulted in lowest white (var. alba) are available in the valley. number of species occurrence along this Of the 3 forms, white form is very rare in altitudinal range as the dense growth of these occurrence and is not reported till date from species appeared as the important factor in any other part in Sikkim except Lachung controlling the growth of the other understory valley in north district of Sikkim state. It is / ground species. Similarly, R. hodgsonii is so distributed between 1800 to 3600 m asl; at extensively available in Khangchendzonga the lower elevations, the species can be seen National Park/Khangchendzonga Biosphere as well developed trees with huge trunk and Reserve (Yuksom Dzongri, Tholung-Kishong, tall height; nonetheless, with the increase in Indo-Nepal border) that from nowhere, the elevation, the same species are seen in the species appears endangered or vulnerable form of shrubs rarely exceeding 2.5 to 3 m in Sikkim. The rare status of Rhododendron height. This may be the effect of the variation cinnabarinum needs to be redefined in Sikkim in climatic condition from temperate to sub- because likewise R. hodgsonii, the species alpine type but is creating confusion on has wide availability in KNP/KBR in west the real form (tree or shrub) of the species. district (Pradhan et al., 2013) and Shingba During our survey, it was observed that Abies Rhododendron Sanctuary in north district. densa formed the pure forest as well as was During our survey, it was observed that the dominating tree species, had high sapling highest number of species concentration along and seedling density which indicates that the 3600 – 3800 m elevation which falls in the forest is in good health; nevertheless, the area Yumthang valley and above; this may be due is low in regard to tree diversity. to the high disturbances caused by the large

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 69 annual influx of tourists, grazing, etc. which flash flood caused due to heavy snowfall and created open spaces allowing other species to torrential rain is a common natural disaster in invade and establish in the area. In general, the area resulting in huge vegetation loss. In species richness is negatively correlated some places, the entire area was open with the with the increasing altitude; similar trend, remnant of numerous cut stumps as a result though, insignificant, have been observed in of earlier mass felling of tree species, Abies our present study. Some species have specific densa, Betula utilis, etc. and rhododendrons habitat requirement and those species are very for house construction and firewood collection, prone to extinction if their habitat is disturbed an indication of unregulated mass tourism by any means. During the survey, R. decipiens in the area. Though the vegetation in some was recorded from only one sampling plot of these areas was found to be regenerating; which means that it is specific to that location; nevertheless, the continuous occurrence of nonetheless, just beside its location, huge area such calamities/activities may affect the have been washed away which might have ecology thereby altering the vegetation taken away other individuals of R. decipiens. composition of the area. The vegetation loss This increases its chance of extinction if the whether by natural or anthropogenic means habitat is not restored immediately. On the contributes to climate change or rise in local other hand, there is every possibility that the temperature in the longer run and makes the individuals being washed away will emerge in area prone to invasion by alien species which other area with suitable habitat requirement. has a tendency to grow and adapt in any harsh climatic conditions. These alien species have Another species of importance available high seed viability and faster growth rate due in the valley was Enkianthus deflexus with to which they will not take much time to spread beautiful pink-yellow mix bell-shaped flower and cover the entire area thereby suppressing occurring between 3000 to 3200 m asl which the germination and growth of the indigenous has not been recorded by us from other species. survey locations in Sikkim. The area further holds species that has been categorised as The Yumthang valley as a whole is one of the vulnerable like Rhododendron pendulum and important tourist destinations in Sikkim and endangered such as Aconitum ferox by IUCN, is easily approachable by road; nevertheless, which further enhances the importance of the the road passing through the valley often Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Besides, gets blocked due to the natural calamities the sanctuary is a hub to many of the important causing inconvenience to the travellers. In rare medicinal plants of conservation concern some places, the water were observed gushing over the road thereby damaging the road and like Panax sikkimensis, Paris polyphylla, hindering the maintenance effort of the GREF Podophyllum hexandrum, Podophyllum personal. This may be checked to some extent sikkimensis, Picrorhiza kurroaa, etc. by channelizing the water. Sikkim is widely During the survey, the area was found to be popular for its natural beauty and people devastated by landslides at several locations, from all over the world visits Sikkim to majority of which perhaps have caused by the enjoy it but this needs to be checked because recent earthquake of September 2011, thereby unregulated tourism in north Sikkim has causing great damage to the vegetation in resulted in piling up of garbage including the area. In addition, the avalanche and the plastic bottles, wrappers, etc. in the valley,

70 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II which will obviously affect the beauty as well habitat destruction due to road construction, as the wildlife of the area. Since, north district fuel wood collection and other activities. is the only place in Sikkim which is run by the Feral dog is another problem in the area as local governing body called Dzumsa, which they are involved in hunting / killing of the takes care of every affair of the villages and wildlife. Recently, killing of Red Panda have the people. The Dzumsa can be taken into been reported from Shinba Rhododendron confidence to check and monitor the tourism Sanctuary by the feral dog which needs to be in the area. Further, there are many seasonal considered, seriously. shops in the Yumthang valley and Yumey Samdong area which are run by the locals; Controlled grazing is helpful in maintaining they along with the drivers of the tourist the ecosystem; grazing of animals (yaks and vehicle, owners of the hotels can be inspired horses) has been observed at several places through Dzumsa to take active participation to inside and outside the sanctuary but they take up the cleanliness drive in the area. are under control and are not a threat to the biodiversity at the moment. Other disturbances The Yumthang valley is known to harbour many of the rare and endangered wildlife observed in the area include fuel hood species but we did not encounter any of collection, may be for household consumption them except Yellow Throated Marten and the or for the road carpeting purpose. As per our fresh pellets of Serow. Locals from Lachung study, in majority of the sites, there were cut revealed the presence of the Red Panda in the stumps of Abies densa and in some places, Yumthang valley; however, we were unable to piles of Betula utilis which has very low find any sign of its presence during our survey availability in the area as per our observation which may be correlated to the increasing and is a cause of concern because if this disturbances such as unregulated tourism, continues, the species may soon disappear grazing, continuous army movement, etc. and from the area.

Rhododendron aeruginosum

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 71 Conclusions taken that it does not exceeds the carrying • The study site is very rich in biodiversity capacity and lead to domestic cattle – especially flora which gives general wild animal conflict. Increase in feral dog indication that it supports considerable population is emerging as a serious threat number of faunal species. Nevertheless, to the wildlife and killing of Red Panda by the area is highly impacted by the natural feral dog have recently been reported from as well as anthropogenic disturbance the area; the problem of feral dog needs to which needs immediate attention. Large be resolved at the earliest. fragments of forests are being destroyed by • Sikkim is one of the best tourist the natural calamities; restoration of those destinations in the world; nonetheless, it is areas should be done in priority because high time that we give emphasis on quality some of the species like Rhododendron tourism rather than looking for the quantity decipiens have specific habitat requirement because it is having negative impact on the and its habitat is largely devastated leaving biodiversity as observed in the Shingba beside remnants of individuals of R. Rhododendron Sanctuary such as heaps of decipiens, and the species is under the threat garbage accumulation in many areas inside of extinction. Grazing, though observed the sanctuary, noise pollution by playing in the area, is under control and is not an of music system, which is disturbing the immediate threat but due care should be wildlife of the surrounding areas, etc.

72 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Summary 9. Of the 7 small tree / large shrub species present, V. nervosum had the highest 1. During the survey, a total of 32 plots were frequency of occurrence (18.75%) laid covering 0.32 ha area, from which 5 followed by R. hodgsonii and R. thomsonii tree, 9 small tree/large shrubs, 14 shrubs/ (12.5% each) and Rhododendron barbatum scrubs and 33 herb species were recorded. (6.25%). 2. Cumulatively for trees, small trees/large 10. In respect to percent cover, R. hodgsonii shrub, shrub/scrub and herbs, the number was dominant (average percent cover /25 of species showed negative correlation m2 with the increasing altitude (r = -0.061; ns) : 10.16 %; lowest: 30%, highest: 100%). and positive correlation with the humus 11. Of the 14 small shrub / scrubs recorded depth (r = 0.038; ns); nevertheless, the from the sample plots, Rhododendron correlation was non-significant. campanulatum and R. campyllocarpum 3. Collectively, for all the tree species, had wide availability in the area and was standing stem for adults, saplings and recorded from 53% and 38% of the total seedlings ranged between 1 to 14, 2 to 33 plots, respectively. and 1 to 23, respectively. In the case of herbaceous species, Fragaria 4. Cumulatively, for all the 32 plots and on nubicola had the highest frequency of the individual species basis, Abies densa occurrences (53.13%) followed by Primula had the highest number of adult, saplings denticulata var. denticulata (21.88%), Carex and seedlings. alpine and Smilacina oleracea (18.75% each), Anaphalis busua and Arisaema griffithii 5. Abies densa had the highest cumulative (15.63% each) adult stem density (268.75 + 53.52 ind/ha; Rel. Den.: 73.50%; IVI: 247.23) as well as the total basal cover (TBC: 3980.48 m2/ha; Rel. Dom.: 94.94%). 6. A. densa had the highest sapling (1575.0 + 138.77 ind/ha) and seedling (20937.50 + 114.97 ind/ha) density. 7. The sampled area was not much rich in terms of tree species richness (I = 4.79) and recorded low species diversity (H’ = 0.67). 8. The abundance to frequency ratio revealed that, the adult individuals of Abies densa (A/F ratio: 0.04) showed random distribution whereas the adult individuals of all other species showed contagious distribution. Rhododendron lepidotum

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 73 Rapid Biodiversity Survey with special focus on Rhododendron niveum Team: Sabita Sharma, Meena Tamang Introduction The genus Rhododendron was first described Rhododendron niveum, locally called as Hiun by Carl Linnaeus in 1837 in Genera Plantarium. – pate gurans (Snow Leaved Rhododendrons) It has a has broad range of distribution was first described by Sir JD Hooker in the worldwide and exhibits significant diversity in year 1849 and is the state tree of Sikkim. habit from dwarf tussocks to robust trees and The specific epithet “niveum” is derived occupies variety of habitats such as ridges and from latin ‘niveus’ meaning snowy or snow- cliffs, marshy areas, forest floors, mountain white, attributes to colour of leaves in the tops, alpine meadows and on trees and rocks. lower surface. According to Botanic Garden The total number of rhododendrons in the Conservation International (BGCI- 2010), R. world is estimated to be 1200 species. Of niveum has been listed as Threatened species. the 121 taxa recorded from Indian Himalaya, As per conservation planning in India, IUCN Arunachal Pradesh has the highest taxa (106) Category 2011, it is categorised as Critically followed by Sikkim (42) [Annexure V]; Endangered and in Sikkim it is reported as whereas western Himalaya have only 7 species Endangered (Singh et al, 2009). of rhododendrons (Pradhan et al., 2015). Species profile of Rhododendron niveum Hook.f. Kingdom Plantae Division Angiosperm Order Ericales Family Ericaceae Botanical Name Rhododendron niveum Hook.f. Local Name Hiun patey Gurans English Name Snow leaved Rhododendron IUCN conservation category Critically Endangered

74 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Capsule Inflorescence Leaf Habit and Habitat Distribution

World Bhutan, Southern Tibet, India, China. India Native to North East India including Sikkim Sikkim Yaksey, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Lachung, north Sikkim Khangchendzonga National Park, Dzongu in north Sikkim. It can be distinguished from other species of Rhododendrons by its leaves Identifying features narrowly obovate or oblanceolate, white or fawn tomentose beneath which turn grey on ageing and smoky blue or purple-mauve flowers It is a shrub or small tree of 2-6m high generally branched. Stems cracked Description: and fissured by flakes. Leaves narrowly obovate or oblanceolate, 9-15 x3-5 cm, rounded and apiculate; shining green above, densely and softly white or fawn tomentose beneath, turning silvery grey on maturity. Inflorescence is large, globose, 11-15cm across. Flowers in clusters of 18-25, corolla tubular, campanulate, smoky blue to purple mauve, pedicels 7-10mm.

Flowering / Fruiting April-May / August - September Rationale for selection of Rhododendron protection to many other species with which niveum as flagship species these species share their habitat with. Sikkim, Flagships are those species which are more nested in the Indio Burma global hotspot iconic, charismatic, are of conservation of biodiversity and in Eastern Himalaya, a significance and represent an ecosystem or priority Global 200 Eco-region, and with issues like climate change or geographic many Important Bird Areas (IBA), harbours region like state or protected area. The Species many species, which qualify to be ‘Flagships’. programme of WWF classifies these species The criteria for inclusion of potential flagship as ambassadors, icon or symbol for a defined species for ecological studies under SBFP are habitat, issue campaign or an environmental mentioned as under. cause. These are relatively large and may or 1. Species categorized as Critically may not be indicator or keystone species. Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable by Conservation attention to these envisages the IUCN.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 75 as flagship species for the study under SBFP during the Minutes of Discussion in the office of the Project Director in the presence of the PCCF cum-Project Director, APD I, APD II, DFO (BC), the scientist from GB Pant Institute of Himalayan and Environment Development (GBPIHED), Sikkim Unit and others. Objective 1. Population estimation and habitat estimation of Rhododendron niveum in Sikkim 2. Developing conservation and management strategies Study Area The detail survey mainly for population estimation, habitat and threat assessment was carried out in Yaksay area and portion of Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Lachung range, north district of Sikkim (Figure 23) during the month of May-June 2013, season when majority of the plants were in flowering stage and at the peak stage of their growth. The Figure 23 Sampling sites of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey elevation of the survey site range from 3100 - – Shingba RS 3400m lying between 27043’27” - 27045’11” N Longitude and 88044’41” E Latitude and 2. Species, recommended by expertise, is faced towards East. The slope angle of available in the state but whose population the sampled area ranged from 15 degree to and / or conservation criteria have not been 60 degree. The area is dry and rocky and the assessed. vegetation is moderately disturbed due to road clearings, grazing and boulders etc. the site 3. Species endemic to Indo Burma Hotspot. characteristics of Rhododendron niveum are 4. Species of conservation and socio economic given in Annexure VI. significance to the state. The vegetation is characterised by sub-alpine 5. Species reported to be in conflict, with forest and the area is highly dominated by small human habitations tree or shrubs mainly Viburnum erubescence, Salix longiflora, Salix radinostachya, 6. Species that can contribute to knowledge Enkianthus defloxus etc. Tree species are very gaps in ongoing State/ National level studies less prevalent in an area. Very few species of trees The MOD of the project provides examples of were recorded in the study site namely, Abies flagship fauna; it is silent on the floral flagships densa, Larix griffithii, Acer caudatum, Betula of the state. Rhododendron niveum, for being utilis, Sorbus microphylla etc. The ground is the State Tree of Sikkim was recommended

76 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 24 Rhododendron niveum potential sites in Sikkim

highly covered with shrubs of Rhododendrons hodgsonii, Rhododendron lepidotum, like Rhododendron lepidotum, Rhododendron Rhododendron nivale, Rhododendron baileyi, Rhododendron ciliatum and the maddenii, Rhododendorn niveum, species of Juniperus, Rosa, Gaultheria, Rhododendron pendulum, Rhododendron etc. Since Yumthang valley is famous for setusum, Rhododendron sikkimense, Rhododendrons, amongst two Rhododendron Rhododendron thomsonii, Rhododendron sanctuaries in Sikkim, Shingba Rhododendron triflorum, Rhododendron vaccinoides, Sanctuary is located in this valley. The Rhododendron wightii etc. The alpine areas Rhododendron species recorded in subalpine were highly dominated by different shrubs region of the valley during the present and scrubs of Rhododendrons along with survey includes Rhododendron anthopogon, other species. Rhododendorn arboreum, Rhododendron Methodology barbatum, Rhododendron campanulatum, Rhododendron baileyi, Rhododendron Review of literature campylocarpum, Rhododendron ciliatum, Prior to field survey, extensive literatures Rhododendron cinnabarinum, Rhododendron including journal publications, reports etc. decipiens, Rhododendron fulgens, were reviewed. In addition to web search, Rhododendorn glaucophyllum, Rhododendron the experts from different institutions of

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 77 the state such as Botanical Survey of India Inorder to quantify the saplings, a plot of 5m (BSI) Sikkim Himalayan Circle, GB Pant x 5m were laid at the center of the main plot Institute of Himalayan and Environment and seedlings were recorded in 05 quadrats Development (GBPIHED), Sikkim Unit, and of 1m x 1m, 04 in the corners and 01 in the Department of Science and Technology were centre of the main plot. Broad habitat and also consulted. On the basis of the available micro-habitat of Rhododendron niveum were literature and consultation with the experts, also noted down to identiy the suitable habitat the two potential areas for Rhododendron requirement for the species. The availability niveum in Sikkim were identified both in north of shrubs / shrublets and herbs were recorded Sikkim i.e, Yakchey in Lachung Range and using the same 5m x 5m and 1m x 1m quadrats. Tholung - Kishong eco-trail, Dzongu Range, Khangchendzonga National Park (Figure 24). The altitude, coordinates of each plot were recorded using hand held GPS; the slope Field Survey and aspect were recorded using magnetic To begin with, a field survey was conducted compass; humus depth was measured using in Yakchey, Lachung Range, north Sikkim standard steel scale. The available threats during May – June 2014. Following standard were also recorded from the management quadrat method, the population of R. niveum point of view. In addition, soil samples were was estimated in 32 plots of 10m x 10m size collected from each site following standard which was laid randomly in the selected sites soil sampling guidelines and were analyzed covering 0.32 ha area. In each plot, the adult for different parameters such as nitrogen, individuals of Rhododendron niveum were phosphorus, potassium, pH and organic carbon enumerated and the circumference at stem content, which were used to correlate with the base (5 cm above the ground) was measured. availability and the growth of Rhododendron Further, the enumeration of the associated niveum in its natural habitat. Data were analyzed species inside the plots was also done. Further for density, frequency, dominance, etc.

78 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Habitat of Rhododendron niveum

Field data collection for Rhododendron niveum

Taking measuring of girth of Rhododendron niveum

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 79 Results and Discussions plots including trees (5 species), small trees / large shrubs (7 species), small shrub / shrublet During the study, Rhododendron niveum was (18 species) and herbs (21 species) [Table found growing in open, rocky / bouldery slope, 13] belonging to thirteen families; of which open grassy / moss covered slope, shrubberies, Ericaceae was the dominant family over other etc. along 3000 to 3500 m asl in association families (Figure 25); however, Rhododenron with other species. A total of 51 associated niveum was dominant over other species in species were recorded from the sampling terms of availability in majority of the plots.

Table 13 Associated species of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shingba RS

Species Local name Family Tree Abies densa Griffith.ex Parker Gobre salla Pinaceae Acer sp. Lekh kapasey Aceraceae Larix griffithii Hook.f. Pinaceae Prunus nepalensis (Ser.)Stud. Arupatey Rosaceae Rhododendron arboreum Smith Lali gurans Ericaceae Small Tree / Large Shrub Enkianthus deflexusGriff. Rato angeri Ericaceae Juniperus recurva Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don Cupressaceae Lyonia ovalifolia Wall. Angeri Rosaceae Salix deltoniana Anderson Bais Salicaceae Salix longifloraWall.ex Andersson Bais Salicaceae Salix radinostachya Bais Salicaceae Viburnum nervosum D.Don Asare Caprifoliaceae Shrub / Shrublets Berberis angulosa Wall.ex Hook.f. Chutre kada Berberidaceae Berberis concinna Hook. Chutre kada Berberedaceae Berberis ignorata C.K.Schneider Chutre kada Berberedaceae Cassiope fastigata (Wall.)D.Don Chutre kada Berberedaceae Daphne cannabina Lour.ex Wall Kalo argeli Thymelaeaceae Gaultheria hookeri C.B.Clarke Dhasingre Ericaceae Juniperus recurva Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don Shukpa dhup Cupressaceae Rhododendron baileyi Balf.f. Bailey ko gurans Ericaceae

80 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Rhododendron ciliatum Hook.f. Junge chimal Ericaceae Rhododendron glaucopyllum Rehder Shukpa dhup Cupressaceae Rhododendron lepidotum Wallich ex G.Don Bhalesunpati Ericaceae Rhododendron thomsonii Hook.f. Ericaceae Rhododendron triflorum Hook.f. Ericaceae Rosa sericea Lindl. Bhote gulab Rosaceae Sambucus sp. Adoxaceae Spiraea bella Rosaceae Viburnum erubescence Wall. Ex DC Asare Capriloliaceae Herb Anaphalis hookeri Clarke ex Hook.f. Bukiful Asteraceae Anemone sp Ranunculaceae Arisaema flavum (Forssk.) Schott. Banko / Larua Araceae Arisaema echinatum (Wall.) Schott. Banko / Larua Araceae Artemesia myriantha Wall. ex Bess Titepati Arisaema griffithiiSchott. Banko / Larua Araceae Artemisia myriantha Wall.ex.Bess Titepati Asteraceae Artemisia vulgaris L. Titepati Asteraceae Aster albescens (DC.)Hand-Mazz. Asteraceae Bistorta affinis(D.Don) Greene Polygonaceae Carex alpina Swartz. Harkatto Cyperaceae Clintonia udensis Trautvetter & C.A.Meyer Liliaceae Fragaria nubicola Lindley ex Lacaita Vui Aiselu Rosaceae Geranium nepalense Sweet Geraniaceae Panax bipinnatifidusSeem Ginsing Araliaceae Panax sikkimensis Wall. Ginsing Araliaceae Primula denticulata Smith Primulaceae Smilacina oleraceae (Baker) Hook.f. Smilaceae Streptopus simplex D.Don Liliaceae Synotis wallichii (DC) Jeffrey & Chen Asteraceae Viola bicolour Pursh. Violaceae

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 81 Figure 25 Family-wise availability of associated species of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shingba RS

Figure 26 Plot-wise availability of adult individuals of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shingba RS

82 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 27 Plot-wise availability of saplings of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shingba RS

Figure 28 Plot-wise availability of seedlings of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shingba RS

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 83 Of the 32 plots sampled, adult, saplings and and saplings to reach adult stage. Increasing seedlings of Rhododendron niveum was altitude showed insignificant correlation with present in 43.8%, 50.0% and 40.6% plots. the adult (r = -0.304, p<0.10) [Figure 29] and The adult individuals per plot ranged between sapling (r = -0.294, p<0.20) density [Figure 1 ind/100m2 (plot 6, 11, 18) to 15 ind/100m2 30]; whereas, it did not show any significant (plot 15) [Figure 26]; the sapling availability correlation with the seedling density (r = ranged between 8 ind/100m2 (plot 32) to 80 0.014; ns) [Figure 31]. This may be due to ind/100m2 (plot 12) [Figure 27] and the that fact that Rhododendron niveum has seedling availability ranged between 400 localised distribution and does not extend ind/100m2 (plot 15, 32) to 4400 ind/100m2 beyond its altitudinal range due to which it (plot 27) [Figure 28]. The result indicates is less impacted by the increasing altitude. that the area possesses good population of Similalry, humus depth was significantly Rhododendron niveum even though area is correlated with the adult (r = 0.544; p<0.01) under high anthropogenic as well as natural and seedling density (r = 0.482; p<0.01) but pressure like grazing, road clearing/cleaning, showed insignificant correlation with the increasing tourism, avalanches, flash floods, sapling density (r = 0.287; p<0.20). This landslides, etc. The low adult individuals reveals that high humus should be maintained in the area may be correlated to the above in order to conserve the Rhododendron niveum disturbances which prohibit the seedlings in the area. The density of adult individuals did not show any significant correlation with the nitrogen (r = -0.128), phosphorus (r = -0.314), potassium (r = -0.089), pH (r = -0.361) and organic content (r = 0.034) of the soil. With regard to saplings, no significant correlation was observed between its density and the soil parameters (nitrogen, r = -0.161; potassium, r = -0.073; pH, r = -0.252; organic carbon, r = -0.196) except phosphorus content, which revealed insignificant correlation with the sapling

84 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Figure 29 Altitudinal distributions of adult individuals of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shinga RS

Figure 30 Altitudinal distributions of saplings of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey – Shingba RS

Figure 31 Altitudinal distributions of seedlings of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchay – Shingba RS

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 85 availability (r = 0.386; p<0.20). Similalry, of the adult individuals of Rhododendron there was no significant correlation between niveum; however, was significantly correlated its availability and the soil nutrients (nitrogen, with the humus depth (r = 0.545; p<0.01). r = -0.290; phosphorus, r = 0.194; potassium, The average number of stems per plant ranged r = -0.022; organic carbon, r = 0.046) except between 1 and 15 in the sample plots and did pH which disclosed insignificant correlation not show any significant relation with the (r = -0.516; p<0.10). It is clear from the avove increasing altitude (r = 0.174; ns) but was result that nutrient content has less impact insignificantly correlated with the humus on the availability of Rhododendron niveum depth (r = 0.391; p<0.05); the maximum and but it requires acidic soil for better survival the minimum TBC was recorded in plot 5 2 2 and growth as revealed from the soil samples (639.18 m /0.1 ha) and plot 6 (0.32 m /0.1 ha), collected, which were acidic in nature with repectively. Rhododendron niveum does not pH ranging from 4.20 – 6.20. attain much height and has straggling structure due to which its categorization as tree needs The average height of the adult individuals, to be redefined as it does not resemble true which revealed insignificant correlation with tree, but in rare cases, a true trunk is seen in the altitude (r = -0.344; p<0.10) and the the species (Pradhan and Lachungpa, 2015). phosphorus content of the soil (r = -0.461; However, the gregarious and healthy growth p<0.01), ranged between 2.00 m and 4.25 + does indicate the positive impact of soil 0.95m; other soil parameters did not reveal any nutrients on the growth and development of significant correlation with the average height Rhododendron niveum.

Identified threats to the population of Rhododendron niveum

86 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Disturbance and threat the only way to conserve and maintain the Rhododendron, the important component of gene bank of the species and to prevent it biodiversity which, if disturbed, can degrade from extinction. Various publications are habitats and threaten the sustenance of other available on the research, development and associated biodiversity in the particular zone. management of Rhododendrons globally. It has very slow growth rate, therefore the Much more information has been accumulated habitat disturbance may largely impact teir till date over these taxa on its growing survivability. In the recent years the species conditions, reproductive methods, breading of Rhododendrons have been greatly affected etc. Nevertheless, very little information due to various threat posed by the nature as is available on the seed germination of well as by human beings due to which, their natural population is gradually dwindling. rhododendrons. In Sikkim the action The rise in human population with demand on oriented research on the conservation issues land for farming, construction of roadways, of Rhododendron niveum especially ex-situ hydro-power stations and allied works, army conservation and its in-vitro propagation has personnel garrisoned at alpine locations and been done by the GBPIHED, Sikkim Unit. lately the tourist influx have collectively resulted in the building up considerable Presently, JICA assisted Sikkim Biodiversity pressure on the survival of Rhododendron Conservation and Forest Management Project species in the nature. The major threats to the under the Department of Forest Environment species of Rhododendrons are deforestation and Wild Life Management has taken up as a test and unsustainable extraction for firewood and trial steps towards the management practices incense by the local inhabitants. However the for Rhododendron niveum, an initiative population site of Rhododendron niveum in towards its conservation and maintenance of Yakchey – Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located far from human habitation so no gene bank. A nursery has been established at such human disturbance observed during the Pangthang (2000 m elevation), East Sikkim present study but the site is highly impacted from the seeds collected from the Yakchey, by the natural as well as an anthropogenic for the mass propagation of Rhododendron disturbance like landslide, road cleanings niveum and other rhododendron species and and clearings, boulders grazings etc., which to reintroduce it to its natural habitat (Table hitherto, needs special conservation efforts. 14). For the same, the seeds were collected Conservation Effort from the mother trees, which was identified A drastic change in the natural habitat of taking the help of experts from GBPIHED Rhododendrons has become a strong issue and tagged for seed collection during the raising question on the steps taken for the flowering season (Figure 30). In this process, conservation and management of the species. we have attained success to some extent in At several places, rhododendron habitats regard to seedling emergence; nevertheless, have been severely impacted by the natural the survival rate is very poor which may be disaster and the man made disaster which attributed to drastic change in the elevation, has threaten the existence of the species. as the species belongs to sub-alpine forest At this juncture, ex situ conservation is growing above 3000 m asl (Figure 31).

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 87 Figure 30 Rhododendron species tagged for seed collection Yakchey – Shingba RS

88 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Tagging of mother tree Seeds collection

Seeds of Rhododendron niveum Soil preparation

Preparation of Nursery bed at Pangthang

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 89 Seeds sowing Seedling emergence

Figure 31 Monthly survival rate of Rhododendron niveum

90 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Table 14 Rhododendron species under nursery management at Pangthang nursery

Sl. no Botanical name Sl. no Botanical name 1 Rhododendron arboreum Smith subsp. 2 Rhododendron arboreum Smith subsp. cinnamomeum arboreum (C.B. Clarke) Ridley (Wallich ex G. Don) var roseum Lindley 3 Rhododendron barbatum Wall. ex G. Don 4 Rhododendron baileyi Balf. f. 5 Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don 6 Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don subsp. subsp. campanulatum campanulatum var. album 7 Rhododendron campylocarpum Hook. f. 8 Rhododendron ciliatum Hook. f. 9 Rhododendron cinnabarinum Hook. f. 10 Rhododendron decipiens Lacaita 11 Rhododendron fulgens Hook. f. 12 Rhododendron glaucophyllum Rehder 13 Rhododendron hodgsonii Hook. f. 14 Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex. G. Don. 15 Rhododendron niveum Hook. f. 16 Rhododendron sikkimense Pradhan & Lachungpa 17 Rhododendron thomsonii Hook. f. 18 Rhododendron wightii Hook. f.

Conclusion Recommendations At present, the status of the species in the • More field exploration in the other study area looks promising; nevertheless, rhododendron potential areas meeds to the area is very prone to disturbances which be carried out to identify and locate new may affect the availability of the species populations of Rhododendron niveum in in future, if proper conservation managent Sikkim. steps are not undertaken. Ex-situ mechanism • Study on its reproductive biology, is the only way to conserve and maintain phenology, nutrient dynamics, etc. would the gene bank for the important species like help develop effective conservation Rhododendron niveum. strategy for the species.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 91 References 9. Grimette R, Inspikk C and Inskipp T (2011). Birds of the Indian sub-continent. 1. Ali S (1989). The birds of Sikkim. Oxford 2nd University Press, New Delhi. Edition, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. 2. Arawatia ML and Tambe S (Eds.2011). Biodiversity of Sikkim, exploring and 10. Hajra PK and Verma DM (1996). Flora conserving a global hotspot. Information of Sikkim. Volume 1 (Monocotyledons). and Public Relation Department, Deep Printers, New Delhi. Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. 11. Hooker JD (1849). The Rhododendrons 3. Badola HK and Pradhan BK (2009). Singba of Sikkim-Himalaya. L. Reeve & Co., Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim: an London. explorer’s paradise. The Rhododendron 12. Hooker JD (1854). The Himalayan Journal 49: 24-30. or Notes of Naturalist. Vol I & 2, London. 4. Badola HK and Pradhan BK (2010). 13. Hooker JD (1872-1897). Flora of British Discovery of new populations of a India. Vol. I - VII. Reeve & Co., London. rare species Rhododendron niveum in 14. Kholia BS (2010). Ferns and fern-allies of Khangchendzonga National Park. The Sikkim. Beracah Printing & Stationeries, Rhododendron 50: 40-49. Gangtok. 5. Badola HK and Pradhan BK (2010). 15. Kholia BS (2014). Ferns and fern-allies Population exploration of Rhododendron of Sikkim. A Pictorial Handbook Part – II. maddenii in Sikkim, bordering Beracah Printing & Stationeries, Gangtok. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve – questioning rarity and endangerment. 16. Kumar S and Singh V (2001). Asteraceae NeBIO Vol. 1 (1). of Sikkim. Deep Publications, New Delhi. 6. Cowan and Cowan (1929). The trees of 17. Maity D and Maity GG (2007). The Wild Northern Bengal including shrubs, woody Flowers of Kanchenjunga Biosphere climbers, bamboos, palms and tree ferns. Reserve, Sikkim. Naya Udyog, Kolkata. International Book Distributors, Dehra 18. Pradhan BK and Badola (2008). Dun. Ethnomedicinal plants used by Lepcha 7. Gammie GA (1893). Account of a botanical tribe of Dzongu valley, bordering tour in Sikkim during 1892. Chapter Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve CCCXXXVI: Botanical Exploration in north Sikkim, India. Journal of of Sikkim-Tibet Frontier. Bulletin of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 4:22, Miscellaneous Information, Royal Gardens doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-4-22. Kew, Nos 82-83: 297-315. 19. Pradhan BK, Chewang D and Bhadauria 8. Ganguli-Lachungpa U, Islam MZ and SBS (2014). Population discovery and Rahmani AR (2007). Important Bird Areas new elevation record for Rhododendron of Sikkim: Priority sites for conservation. maddenii from Dzongu valley, Sikkim FEWMD, Government of Sikkim, Himalaya (India). The Rhododendron 54: Gangtok. 22-29.

92 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 20. Pradhan BK, Bhadauria SBS and 25. Polunin O and Stainton A (1984). Flowers Lachungpa D (2013-2014). Tholung – of the Himalaya. Oxford University Press. Kishong, a potential ecotourism destination New Delhi. in Dzongu valley, north Sikkim, India. 26. Pradhan BK, Poudyal K, Bhadauria SBS, PANDA 6(4): 4-10. Subba S and Chewang D (2013). A glimpse 21. Pradhan BK, Dahal S, Nilson J and of rhododendrons in Khangchendzonga Lachungpa D (2015). A note on Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim. The Rhododendron mekongense – a new Rhododendron 53: 11-20. species record from Sikkim Himalaya. 27. Rai TD and Rai LK (1994). Trees of Sikkim Journal of American Rhododendron Himalaya. Indus Publishing House, New Society 77: 76 - 80. Delhi. 22. Pradhan BK and Lachungpa D (2015). 28. Roxburgh W (1832). Flora Indica. Vol I – Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report – I. III. Thacker & Co., Calcutta and Parbury, Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Allen & Co., London. Forest Management Project. FEWMD. Government of Sikkim, Deorali, Gangtok, 29. Singh, K.K. Rai, L.K. and Gurung, B. East Sikkim, Pp – 120. (2009). Conservation of Rhododendrons in Sikkim Himalaya: An overview. World 23. Pradhan KC (2008). Rhododendrons of Journal of Agricultural Sciences 5(3): 284- Sikkim. Botanical Tours & Treks, Sikkim, 296. India. 30. Stainton A (1988). Flowers of the Himalaya, 24. Pradhan UC and Lachungpa ST (1990). a supplement. Oxford University Press, Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendrons. New Delhi. Primulaceae Books, Kalimpong, West Bengal. 31. White JC (1991). Sikhim and Bhutan: Twenty-one years on the north-east frontier 1887-1908. Vivek Publishing House, Delhi.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 93 Natural Landslide Flood, landslide Flash flood, landslide Landslide Disturbance Anthropogenic Grazing, cut stumps Grazing, cut stumps Grazing, cut stumps Stone wall 4.6 2.9 5.0 2.0 4.5 5.1 3.7 5.0 2.1 3.6 2.0 2.7 3.2 3.1 3.5 Humus Depth (cm) S S E E E E SE SE SE SE SE SE NE NE NE Slope Aspect ) 0 5 15 35 35 35 20 35 20 50 15 30 35 20 10 20 Slope Angle ( Long (E) 88°27’11.8” 88°26’34.1” 88°26’41.3” 88°27’30.4” 88°27’27.9” 88°27’19.9” 88°27’36.0” 88°27’42.5” 88°27’44.8” 88°27’42.3” 88°27’49.3” 88°27’38.2” 88°27’44.1” 88°27’30.1” 88°27’27.2” Coordinates Lat (N) 27°39’11.1” 27°40’07.9” 27°39’41.9” 27°40’04.1” 27°39’36.7” 27°39’32.4” 27°39’01.2” 27°88’22.9” 27°38’07.3” 27°37’46.5” 27°37’29.7” 27°36’53.1” 27°36’71.1” 27°36’31.2” 27°36’16.7” 2115 2989 2941 2964 2867 2788 2617 2536 2470 2404 2268 2200 2109 1989 1953 (m asl) Altitude Site characteristics of the sampling plots along Tholung – Kishong sampling path I Site characteristics of the sampling plots along Annexure Forest Type Forest Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Temperate forest Temperate Site TK9 TK8 TK7 TK6 TK5 TK4 TK3 TK2 TK1 Code TK11 TK15 TK13 TK14 TK12 TK10

94 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Landslide Landslide Landslide Landslide Landslide Grazing Grazing Grazing Grazing, cut stumps, cattle shed Grazing, cut stumps, cattle shed Grazing, cut stumps Grazing, cut stumps 0.8 1.2 1.7 1.3 1.5 2.0 5.0 4.1 4.6 2.9 3.5 3.6 1.2 1.8 2.6 5.0 S S S S S S E E E W SE SE SE SE SE SE 70 20 40 40 10 20 60 40 40 40 20 15 10 15 20 50 88°27’31.8” 88°27’22.5” 88°27’12.4” 88°26’57.0” 88°26’45.2” 88°26’34.1” 88°26’18.0” 88°26’18.0” 88°26’22.9” 88°26’29.7” 88°26’32.9” 88°26’30.8” 88°26’28.6” 88°26’31.6” 88°26’26.3” 88°26’25.7” 27°42’56.7” 27°42’51.9” 27°42’53.0” 27°42’48.8” 27°42’40.7” 27°42’14.0” 27°41’56.5” 27°41’43.6” 27°41’37.3” 27°41’34.4” 27°41’23.8” 27°41’16.5” 27°41’07.4” 27°41’03.8” 27°40’40.6” 27°40’31.7” 4226 4152 4085 4040 4041 4009 3977 3699 3584 3519 3400 3352 3323 3286 3099 3020 Alpine forest Alpine forest Alpine forest Alpine forest Alpine forest Alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest Sub-alpine forest TK24 TK23 TK22 TK21 TK20 TK19 TK18 TK17 TK16 TK 31 TK 30 TK 29 TK 28 TK 27 TK 26 TK 25

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 95 Regional Status Near Threatened IUCN Status Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern ca. 3100 900 - 2500 450 - 2300 200 – 2800 300 – 2400 700 – 2100 900 – 2500 1800 -2700 Altitudinal 2800 – 3700 1800 – 2700 1700 – 4000 2300 – 3700 1400 – 3500 1400 – 2800 2500 – 3800 1500 – 2500 1500 – 2200 1800 – 2500 1200 – 2200 2100 – 3000 1200 – 2500 1500 – 2100 2400 – 3100 Encountered at Distribution (m asl) Family Pinaceae Aceraceae Aceraceae Aceraceae Aceraceae Betulaceae Lauraceaea Betulaceae Betulaceae Betulaceae Fagaceae Fgaceae Lauraceaea Taxodiaceae Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpaceae Eophorbiaceae Aquifoliaceae Cupressaceae Fagaceae Lauraceaea Lauraceaea Magnoliaceae Local name Tarsing Bhojpatra Patle katush Saur Gobre Kapasey Utis Bhadrasey Ghogey chanp Musre katush Sinkoli Pamsi / Lapche Phal Gobre salla Lekh Kapasey Lekh Kapasey Dalle kapasey Saur Dhuppi Latikath Lise Shukpa dhup Lali kawlo Sungurey katush (Miq.) N.P. Balakr. (Miq.) N.P. Roxb.* King ex Hook. f.* (Kurtz.) Rehder.* Muell. Purpurella subsp. Purpurella (Thunb. ex Linn. F.) D. Don (Thunb. ex Linn. F.) Botanical name Hiern. Hook.f. & Thom.* Don.* King ex Hook. f.* Hook. & Thom. ex Hiern.* Hook. & Wall. ex Nicholson Wall. Kurz. Buch. Ham ex Don Don.* Floral species recorded along Tholung – Kishong sampling path in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, North Sikkim II Floral species recorded along Annexure Acer campbellii Beilschmiedia sikkimensis Wall.* Betula cylindrostachys Betula utilis Castanopsis pupurella Echinocarpus dasycarpus Benth. (Smith) A. Castanopsis tribuloides (Smith) DC Meisn.* Cinnamomum impressinervium Machilus edulis Large Tree Abies densa Griffith. ex Parker* Acer caudatum Wall.* Acer pectinatum Acer stachyophyllum Alnus nepalensis Betula alnoides Cryptomeria japonica Elaeocarpus lanceaefolius Glochidion acuminatum Ilex sikkimensis Juniperus sp. Machilus odoratissima Nees .* Magnolia campbellii Lithocarpus pachyhylla

96 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status Vulnerable to Sikkim Vulnerable Threatened in Sikkim; Endemic to Eastern Himalaya IUCN Status Data Deficient Data Deficient Least Concern 900 - 2200 900 – 1800 900 – 2500 700 – 3000 700 – 3000 Altitudinal 2200 - 3200 1800 - 3600 1100 – 2100 1100 2100 – 2500 1500 – 2200 1500 – 2500 1600 – 2800 1800 – 2800 1700 – 3000 2500 – 3000 2100 – 2700 1500 – 2100 1800 – 2400 1500 – 2600 1500 – 2200 1800 – 2500 1500 – 2500 1000 – 2200 Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Family Magnoliaceae Magnoliaceae Sabiaceae Fagaceae Fagaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Anacardiaceae Anacardiaceae Pinaceae Alangiaceae Araliaceae Araliaceae Araliaceae Euphorbiaceae Fabaceae Theaceae Moraceae Hydrangeaceae Labiatae Ericaceae Euphorbiaceae Rosaceae Local name Phusrey chanp Lekh dabdabey Akhaney Sanu jhingni Ghurpis Lali Patley korlinga salla Tengre Rani chanp Bajranth Phlant Lali gurans Rani bhalayo Bhote phutta Phutta Chuletro Lal chandan Phaledo Dudhilo Bogotey Angeri Malata Kag bhalayo (Benth.) Mull. Arg.* (Roxb.) Baill* (Blume) Mull. Arg.* (Blume) Mull. Botanical name (Wall.) Figlar & Noot. (Wall.) (Buch. – Ham. ex DC.) Figlar Planch. ex Hook. f (Wall) D. Don* (Wall) DC* Blume.* Magnolia lanuginosa Meliosma wallichii and Large Shrub Tree Small Alangium begoniaefolium Leucosceptrum cannum Smith.* Prunus undulata Buch. Ham. ex D. Don Rhododendron grande Wight.* Rhododendron (D. Don) Eichler. * dumosa (D. Don) Eichler. Tsuga Magnolia doltsopa Quercus lamellosa Smith.* Quercus lineata Quercus (CB Clarke) Ridley.* arboreum Rhododendron Rhus succedanea Linn.* Brassaiopsis alpina Clarke Brasssiopsis hispida Seem. Brassaiopsis mitis Clarke* Daphniphyllum himalayense Roxb. Erythrina arborescens Eurya acuminata Wall. Ficus nemarolis D. Don* Hydrangea heteromalla ovalifolia Lyonia Macaranga denticulata Rhus insignis Hook.f.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 97 Regional Status Threatened in Sikkim Endangered in Sikkim to Sikkim Vulnerable Rare in Sikkim; Endemic to eastern Himalaya IUCN Status ca. ca. ca. ca. 2700 2500 3300 2500 Sikkim) 400 – 3200 Altitudinal 2100 – 3400 3000 – 3400 2800 – 3300 3000 – 3800 3000 – 3600 3000 – 3800 3400 – 4300 2700 – 5400 1200 – 2700 1500 – 3000 1200 – 2500 1500 – 2700 1600 – 2800 2700 – 3400 3000 – 4000 (in Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Distribution (m asl) Family Araliaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Actinidaceae Rosaceae Symplocaceae Symplocaceae Rutaceae Caprifoliaceae Caprifoliaceae Caprifoliaceae Rutaceae Araliaceae Berberidaceae Berberidaceae Local name Khanakpa Asarey Chinde Lal chimal Korlinga Hiu pate gurans Lek Pasi Kholmey Kharaney Asare Bara asarey Chutro Korlinga Thomson ko Dr. gurans ko Wight Dr. gurans Gagun Boke timmur Chutro DC Seem.* Hook.f.* Botanical name Hook. f.* Lour.* sp.* Viburnum sp. Viburnum Pentapanax leschenaultia Wall. ex G. Don* Wall. barbatum Rhododendron falconeri Rhododendron niveum Hook. Rhododendron Decne.* Sorbus ursina (Wall.) Symplocos glomerata King ex C. B. Clarke H. Nagamasu* Symploccos kuroki trichotoum Tetradium ex DC* Wall. erubescence Viburnum nervosum D. Don* Viburnum Shrub and Scrub Aralia sp .* Berberis sp.1* Rhododendron hodgsonii Hook.f.* Rhododendron thomsonii Hook. f.* Rhododendron wightii Rhododendron Saurauia napaulensis DC Unidentified Zanthoxyllum acanthopodium Berberis aristata DC

98 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status Threatened in Sikkim Threatened in Sikkim; in North Vulnerable East Endemic to eastern Himalaya Threatened in Sikkim; Endemic to eastern Himalaya Rare in Eastern Himalaya IUCN Status Least Concern Least Concern ca.

4000 at ca. 3100 900 – 3600 (in Sikkim) Altitudinal 2000 - 2800 1800 – 3000 1500 – 3000 3000 – 4000 2500 – 3800 3000 – 4700 1600 – 2800 2500 – 3000 4000 – 4600 3500 – 4600 1500 – 2500 3600 – 4800 2700 – 3600 3300 – 4000 2700 – 3900 2000 – 4000 Encountered Encountered at Distribution (m asl) Family Berberidaceae Thymelaeaceae Lardizabalaceae Thymelaeaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Clusiaceae Aquifoliaceae Cupressaceae Cupressaceae Myrsinaceae Myrsinaceae Berberidaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Local name Shukpa dhup Lek bilauney Dhasingre Bilauney Chutro Sunpati Chutro Argayle/Kagate Dhasingre Dhasingre Urilo Nilo pate chimal Junge chimal Gokul dhup Chia phule gurans Bango phale gurans Kalo argeli Hook. Royle Hook. f. Botanical name C. B. Clarke* (Grriff.) Hook. f. & Thom. Hook. f. & (Grriff.) Bertol. J. D. Hooker* Buch. Ham. ex D. Don* Juniperus recurva Maesa rugosa C.B. Clarke* Maesa sp.* Mahonia napaulensis DC* Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don* Rhododendron Berberis sp.2* Decaisnea insignis Meissn. Edgeworthia gardneri Gaultheira nummulariodes D. Don Gaultheria hookeri Gaultheria trichophylla ex Roxb. Wall. Hypericum choisyanum Illex intricata aeruginosum Hook. f.* Rhododendron ciliatum Rhododendron Juniperus indica camelliflorum Hook. f. Rhododendron campylocarpum Hook. f.* Rhododendron edgeworthii Rhododendron Daphne bholua Buch. –Ham. ex D. Don*

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 99 Regional Status Rare in Sikkim Rare in Sikkim Endemic to eastern Himalaya Threatened in Sikkim Endemic to Himalaya IUCN Status Sikkim) Upto 2800 900 – 2200 Altitudinal 3200 - 4000 1500 - 3200 3400 - 4700 3000 - 3600 3100 – 3800 2700 – 4000 3600 – 4200 3600 – 4500 3600 – 4800 2600 – 4200 3000 – 4000 1800 – 2500 1800 – 2700 2100 – 3200 2100 – 2800 1200 – 3500 2200 – 4500 3200 – 3800 (in Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Family Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Saxifragaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Salicaceae Salicaceae Solanaceae Ericaceae Rununculaceae Polygonaceae Polygonaceae Local name Bais Thotney Aiselu Aiselu Bhalu aiselu Bais Boksi kara Tsallu gurans Tsallu Chimal Bhutle chimal Jhundine chimal Bhote gulab Sanu aiselu Aiselu Bhui ainselu Mussikane Bikhma Lek thotne Bhale sunpati Takma chimal Takma Rehder. (Wall. ex Meisn.) K. Haraldson* (Wall. Wall. ex G. Don Wall. Botanical name (D. Don) Hara* Smith* Andersson* Hook. f. ex Andersson Hook. f. ex Smith* Reinw.* Hook. & Thom. Hook. & Salix calyculata Aconogonum molle Rubus sp.* Salix psilostigma Solanum aculeatissimum Jacq.* Rhododendron setosum D. Don* Rhododendron Rhododendron fulgens Hook. f.* Rhododendron Rhododendron lanatum Hook. f. Rhododendron pendulum Hook. Rhododendron Rosa sericea Lindl.* Rubus acuminatus Smith Rubus ellipticus Rubus lineatus Rubus nepalensis (Hook. f.) Kuntze (Griffith.) Hook. f. ex Clarke* retusum Vaccinium Herb ex Ser.* Wall. Aconitum ferox Aconogonum polystachyum Rhododendron glaucophyllum Rhododendron lepidotum Rhododendron Ribes griffithii Rubus paniculatus

100 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status IUCN Status Least Concern ca. ca. ca. ca. ca. 1800 4000 2500 2500 2700 4000 4000 3500. 300 – 2500 300 – 2300 900 – 2600 Altitudinal 2000 - 4900 2200 – 3800 1800 – 2600 3000 – 3300 2000 – 3500 2600 – 3100 2400 – 3000 2600 – 3400 2700 – 3600 3000 – 3800 3600 – 4800 Encountered at ca. cultivated upto Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered above Encountered above Distribution (m asl) Family Acoraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Liliaceae Zinziberaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Rununculaceae Rununculaceae Apiaceae Araliaceae Araceae Araceae Araceae Araceae Araceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Local name Kali jhar Elame jhar Sapko makai Bukiful Alaichi Bojo Bukiful Bukiful Bukiful Sapko makai Sapko makai Sapko makai Titepati Jangli pyaj Titepati Sapko makai Bukiful Linn.* (Wall.) Mart* (Wall.) (Spreng.) R. M. King & H. Rob Linn. (Sims.) Sim ex Clarke Botanical name Linn. (Wall.) ex Schott. (Wall.) (D. Don.) Hook. f.* Schott.* Wall. ex DC Wall. Buch. – Ham. Ex DC. Willd.* Clarke* C. H. Wright* C. H. Anaphalis adnata Ageratina adenophora Amomum subulatum Roxb. Acorus calamus Linn. Ageratum conyzoides Allium prattii Anaphalis contorta Anaphalis margaritaceae Anaphalis sp.* Aralia sp.* Arisaema echinatum Arisaema griffithii Arisaema intermedium Blume* Arisaema nepenthoides Artemisia indica Artemisia sp.* Aster himalaicus Anemone sp.* Angelica archangelica Arisaema concinnum Schott.* Anaphalis triplinervis Anemone vitifolia

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 101 Regional Status IUCN Status Least Concern ca. ca. ca. ca. ca. 2600 2600 3200 2500 2000 Upto 3000 600 – 2000 300 – 2500 300 – 2000 500 – 2200 900 – 2300 3500- 4800 Altitudinal 2400 - 2700 2100 - 4000 1500 – 3200 3000 – 4000 1200 – 3600 2300 – 4100 2800 – 4500 3000 – 4200 Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Encountered between Family Asteraceae Asteraceae Saxifragaceae Saxifragaceae Begoniaceae Begoniaceae Saxifragaceae Asteraceae Polygonaceae Polygonaceae Urticaceae Urticaceae Brassicaceae Brassicaceae Liliaceae Cariceae Cariceae Ericaceae Apiaceae Gesneriaceae Local name Kuro Golpatta Kamley Lek ko Pakhanbet Kamley Sanu harkatto Harkatto Bhotey saag Magarkachi Budi okhati Willd. D. Don* Botanical name Wall. ex Meisn.) Greene* Wall. (Wall.) D. Don* (Wall.) Buch. – Ham. ex D. Don* Linn.* Buch. – Ham. ex D. Don* Buch. – Ham. ex D.Don* D. Don* (D. Don) Greene* Linn. sp.* sp.* Chirita urticifolia (Buch. - Ham. ex D. on) C. Y. Yu & J. T. T. & J. Yu Y. pacumbis (Buch. - Ham. ex D. on) C. Bergenia Pan* Bistorta vaccinifolia ( Makino giganteum (Wall.) Cardiocrinum Aster sp. Astilbe Begonia Bidens pilosa Bistorta affinis Boehmeria sp*. macrophylla Cardamine setigera Carex sp.* Carex Centella asiatica Aster sp. Astilbe rivularis Begonia rubella Boehmeria platyphylla hirsuta Linn* Cardamine Cassiope fastigata

102 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status IUCN Status Least Concern ca . ca. ca. ca. 3700 2400 2100 300 – 2800 300 – 2400 300 – 2000 300 – 2000 3000 -3400 Altitudinal 1000 – 3400 1600 – 4000 1800 – 3700 2800 – 4500 1400 – 3000 3000 – 3900 3000 – 3500 2000 – 2600 2500 – 3500 Encountered at Encountered at Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between common upto Encountered at 3350 Family Asteraceae Lamiaceae Liliaceae Araceae Commelinaceae Ciriariaceae Papaveraceae Campanulaceae Poaceae Cyperaceae Rununculaceae Asteraceae Caryophyllaceae Urticaceae Urticaceae Lamiaceae Onagraceae Poaceae Local name Gagleto Gagleto Hacheu jhar Mothey Dubo Abhijalo Bilajor Kane jhar Banso (L.f.) Kuntze Wedd.* Hausskn. Botanical name Trautv. & Meyer Trautv. sp.* sp.* Delphenium sp.* Dichrocephala integrifolia Dichrocephala Epilobium sikkimense Linn. Cyperus rotundus Cirsium sp. Clintonia udensis Colocasis sp.* Coriaria terminalis Hemsl. Corydalis sp. Cyanodon radiatus Roth ex Roemer* Willd. Drymeria cordata Elatostema platyphyllum Elatostema Clinopodium umbrossum (M. Bieb.) Kuntze Clinopodium umbrossum Commelina paludosa Blume. ex Benth. Wall. Cyananthus lobatus Elsholtzia Beauvois* P. ferrigunea (Thunberg) Eragrostis

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 103 Regional Status Vulnerable/North East Vulnerable/North IUCN Status Least Concern ca. ca. ca. ca. ca. 3000 3000 4000 3100 3200 4000 300 – 2100 800 – 2500 300 – 2500 Altitudinal 1900 - 2600 2000 – 4200 1800 – 3800 2000 – 4100 1200 – 3200 2600 – 4100 2000 – 4000 2000 – 2300 3000 and 4000 3000 and above Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered above Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between Family Poaceae Euphorbiaceae Cyperaceae Rosaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Gentianaceae Gentianaceae Gerniaceae Gerniaceae Boraginaceae Boraginaceae Zingiberaceae Scrophulariaceae Apiaceae Saururaceae Clusiaceae Local name Vui aiselu Vui Banso Udase Chimping Gandhey jhar Lalgeri Sara Kuro Kuro Linn. (Vahl.) Boiss.* Botanical name D. Don* Lindley ex Lacaita* (Royle ex. Benth) Fisch. Griseb. sp.* Fragaria nubicola Euphorbia sikkimensis Gentiana sp.* Eragrostis sp.* Eragrostis Fimbristylis dichotoma Galinsoga parviflora Cav. himalayense (Klotzsch & Garcke) R. Galium acutum var. Mill* Galium sp. (white flower) Heracleum nepalense Thunb. Houttuyunia cordata Hypericum sp. (creeping)* Wall. Hemiphragma heterophyllum Galium sp. (purple flower) Gentiana affinis sp.1* Gerenium sp.2* Gerenium Hackelia uncinata Hedychium spicatum Smith. *Hackelia

104 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status IUCN Status ca. ca. ca. 2500 3200 2964 4000 300 – 2800 700 – 3700 500 – 1500 300 – 3400 above 3900 Altitudinal 2100 - 2600 2500 – 3400 1300 – 3900 2700 – 3800 3200 – 5200 4000 – 4600 2800 – 5000 1900 – 3300 1200 – 3200 2200 – 4600 2000 – 3300 3500 and 3700 Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered above Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Encountered between Family Balsaminaceae Balsaminaceae Balsaminaceae Asteraceae Juncaceae Juncaceae Juncaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Urticaceae Urticaceae Asteraceae Campanulaceae Smilaceae Scrophulariaceae Papaveraceae Asteraceae Rubiaceae Lamiaceae Lamiaceae Oxalidaceae Local name Mothey Patle sisnu Amilo jhar (Wall. ex Royle) Wedd.* ex Royle) (Wall. (Baker) LaFrankie Botanical name Less. Wall.* Linn. (Seib. & Zucc.) Wedd.* (Seib. & Zucc.) (Rottboll.) Hassk. Hook. f. (Wall. ex Hook. f.) Lewis (Wall. sp.* sp.* Nepeta Kyllinga brevifolia Impatiens falcifer Impatiens racemosa DC.* Impatiens urticifolia Inula sp.* Juncus sikkimensis Hook. Juncus thomsonii Buch.* sp.* Kobresia Laportea bulbifera Lecanthus peduncularis Turcz. Ligularia fischeri (Ledeb.) Lobelia sp. Meconopsis sp.* Neanotis ingrata Nepeta Juncus himalensis Klotzsch* Maianthemum oleracea D.Don Mazus surculosus Oxalis corniculata Myriactis nepalensis

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 105 Regional Status IUCN Status Least Concern ca. 3200 4000 600 - 2000 600 – 2400 300 – 2800 Altitudinal 3200 - 3400 2400 - 3900 2000 - 3100 2400 – 4000 3000 – 4000 3000 – 4000 1800 – 3000 3000 – 4500 1200 – 3900 1200 – 2500 2000 – 4000 3000 – 4800 3200 – 4400 1200 – 3800 2000 – 3500 Encountered at Encountered above Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Family Polygonaceae Fabaceae Araliaceae Araliaceae Parnassiaceae Parnassiaceae Fabaceae Scrophulariaceae Polygonaceae Polygonaceae Lamiaceae Urticaceae Urticaceae Urticaceae Plantaginaceae Liliaceae Rosaceae Primulaceae Primulaceae Lamiaceae Local name Ginseng Chipley Chipley Ginseng Ratneulo Ratneulo Satuwa Chipley (Wall.) Royle (Wall.) D. Don* D. Don* (Wall.) Benth. Ex C. B. Clarke (Wall.) Botanical name Handel-Mazzetti Seem. (Buch. – Ham. ex D.Don.) Masam.* Hook.* (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) H. Gross* Linn. Smith (Linn.) Hill (Buch. – Ham ex D. Don) Wedd.* (Buch. – Ham ex D. Don) sp.* Pedicularis siphonantha Wall. ex Blume* Wall. Pilea umbrosa Parnassia longipetala communis Buch. – Ham. ex D. Don* Parochetus Pilea Panax bipinnatifidum Oxyria digyna Oxytropis sp. Oxytropis Panax pseudo-ginseng Paris polyhylla Persicaria capitata Persicaria runcinata Phlomis sp. Plantago major Linn. Polygonatum cirrhifolium Potentilla peduncularis Primula sikkimensis Primula sp.* Pilea scripta Prunella vulgaris Parnassia wightiana Wall.

106 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status IUCN Status ca. ca. ca. 3200 3200 3000 4000 Sikkim) Altitudinal 2700 - 4200 2500 - 3000 2800 – 4200 3900 – 4800 3600 – 5500 1800 – 2900 1200 – 4200 2500 – 4000 3500 – 4300 3200 – 4000 3600 – 4800 3800 – 4600 1300 – 3500 3000 – 4000 3000 – 3900 2100 – 4000 (in Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered above Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between Family Ranunculaceae Polygonaceae Polygonaceae Crassulaceae Liliaceae Rosaceae Polygonaceae Lamiaceae Orchidaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Saxifragaceae Crassulaceae Crassulaceae Umbelliferae Asteraceae Caryophyllaceae Smilaceae Local name Topko gola Topko Khokim Halhalley Padamchal Janglee nakima Toriphoole Botanical name D. Don (DC) Edgew. Salisb.* (Hook. f. & Thom.) S. H. Fu* (Hook. f. & (Raf.) N. Tanaka* (Raf.) N. Spreng.* (Rose) Fedde. Hook. f. & Thom. Hook. f. & sp.* sp.* sp.* sp. Hook. f. & Thom.* Rheum acuminatum Hook. f. & Satyrium nepalense Rumex nepalensis Ranunculus sp.* Rheum nobile Rhodiola fastigiata Rohdea nepalensis Rubus nepalensis (Hook. f.) Kuntze.* Salvia andersonii C.B. Clarke* Saussurea fastuosa (Decne.) Sch. Bip.* Saussurea ex Sch. Bip.* Wall. uniflora (DC) Saussurea obvallata Saussurea Saxifraga sp.* Sedum sp. Senecio Sedum multicaule Selinum tenuifolium Silene Smilacina

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 107 Regional Status IUCN Status ca. ca. ca. ca. 2500 3100 3300 3300 300 - 2400 2300 -3500 1500 -2500 Altitudinal 1200 – 2500 3000 – 4500 3600 – 4100 1800 – 4100 2400 – 3000 1800 – 2800 1800 – 3200 1500 – 2700 2000 – 3200 1300 – 2600 1500 – 2600 1400 – 2500 1800 – 2800 Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Encountered at Distribution (m asl) Family Lamiaceae Caryophyllaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Acanthaceae Gentianaceae Apiaceae Rununculaceae Fabaceae Caprifoliaceae Polypodiaceae Aspleniaceae Ophioglossaceae Pteridaceae Dryopteridaceae Dryopteridaceae Dennstaedtiaceae Woodsiaceae Woodsiaceae Woodsiaceae Local name Kibu ghans Lek Chipley Ningro Lek Kalo Ningro Chimping Kibu ghans Kangaraito phool (Wall. ex Nees) Comb.* (Wall. (Wall. ex Hook. & Grev.) C. Presl ex Hook. & Grev.) (Wall. Botanical name DC* Wall. ex Hook. & Grev. Wall. Beddome* (DC) I. P. Mandenova* (DC) I. P. Blume* Steud. (Kunze) M. Kato G. Don Hook. f. ex Edgew. & Hook. f. Hook. f. ex Edgew. sp. sp.* Strobilanthes Strobilanthes Linn.* repens Trifolium himalayanum Wall. Triosetum Stachys sp. Swertia speciosa wallichii Tetraenium Thalictrum chelidonii Allies Fern and himalayensis (Hook.) Ching Arthromeris Asplenium ensiforme Botrychium Cyrtomium caryotideum Cyrtomium hookerianum (C. Presl) C. Chr. Moore T. ex Hook) Dennstaedtia scabra (Wall. Deparia petersenii Diplazium dilatatum Diplazium stoliczkae Stellaria lanata gossypina Strobilanthes alatus Strobilanthes Fee* (Wall.) Coniogramme procera

108 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Regional Status IUCN Status ca. 4000 2200) upto 1800 upto 2200 800 – 2200 Altitudinal 3900 - 4100 3200 - 3400 3400 - 3700 2500 – 3500 2400 – 3400 1500 – 2400 2000 – 3000 2600 – 3400 1800 – 2600 1700 – 3000 1500 – 2200 1800 – 3000 1500 – 2500 2900 – 3100 Encountered at (Encountered above Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between Encountered between Family Dryopteridaceae Dryopteridaceae Dryopteridaceae Dryopteridaceae Lomariopsidaceae Polypodiaceae Polypodiaceae Lycopodiaceae Lycopodiaceae Woodsiaceae Dennstaedtiaceae Lindsaeaceae Oleandraceae Pteridaceae Osmundaceae Plagiogyriaceae Polypodiaceae Dryopteridaceae Local name Basu & Panigrahi* (Kuntze) Mett.* C. Chr.* Botanical name (Wall. ex Mett.) Ching (Wall. (Thunb.) Kuntz (Hook.) C. Presl sp.* Dryopteris sparsa (Ham. ex D. Don) O. Ktze. Plagiogyria pycnophylla (Wall. ex Fee) T. Moore T. ex Fee) (Wall. Elaphoglossum marginatum Lepisorus mehrae Fraser – Jenk (Wall. ex Mett.) Holttum & Edwards* Dryopsis apiciflora (Wall. Dryopteris redoactopinnata Dryopteris sp.* ex Mett.) Ching Lepisorus loriformis (Wall. sp.* Lycopodium Monachosorum henryi H. Christ Odontosoria chinensis (L.) J. Smith* Oleandra wallichii Onychium japonicum Osmunda sp.* Polypodiodes amoena Polystichium Lycopodium sp.* Lycopodium Matteuccia intermedia

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 109 Regional Status IUCN Status 800 - 2700 500 - 2200 300 - 2800 700 - 3600 300 – 2000 2200- 2700 Altitudinal 1400 - 2600 2200 - 2800 1200 - 2300 2000 – 2700 1200 – 2400 1000 – 2700 Distribution (m asl) Encountered between Family Pteridaceae Pteridaceae Selaginellaceae Vittariaceae Ericaceae Orchidaceae Vitaceae Convulvaceae Orchidaceae Lardizabalaceae Piperaceae Rubiaceae Rubiaceae Liliaceae Cucurbitaceae Poaceae Poaceae Poaceae Local name Gulfa Lek Thare Uniu Chatey Uniu Majito Majito Tamarki Nigalo / Tite nigalo Indreni Charcharey lahara Pahelo/dabai lahara Hangey maling Singane Chambo / Panpatta (Hook. f. ex Munro) Keng. F.* (Naud.) Cogn. (Wall.) Christenh. (Wall.) (Wall. ex Miq) C. DC (Wall. Botanical name J. Agardh* C. Presl Fee Linn. Roxb. Wall. ex Kunth. Wall. Roxb. ex Fleming sp.* sp. sp. Vittaria flexuosa Vittaria Selaginella / Epiphyte/Orchids Climber Sleumer Agapetes serpens (Wight) Rubia cordifolia Rubia manjith Smilax elegans lepiniana Trichosanthes Bamboo intermedium Drepanostachym Cissus sp. Coscuta reflexa Stauntonia angustifolia Himalayacalamus sp.* Himalayacalamus falconeri Pteris spinescens Pteris wallichiana Calanthe Diphylax Piper boehmeriifolium

110 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Annexure III Site characteristics of the sampling plots in the Lachung Range, North Sikkim

Site Altitude GPS Humus Slope Slope Canopy Disturbance code (m asl) Depth (cm) (degree) Aspect cover (%) Lat Long Anthropogenic Natural YSM 01 3916 27 50’49.3” 88 41’26.2” 1.0 10 SE Nil YSM 02 3905 27 50’45.3” 88 41’25.7” 2.0 Mild SE Nil Cut stumps YSM 03 3880 27 50’29.8” 88 41’29.1” 5.0 40 SE Nil Fuel wood collection YSM 04 3872 27 50’28.1” 88 41’31.6” 3.0 50 SE Nil Fuel wood collection YSM 05 3838 27 50’21.8” 88 41’32.7” 4.0 15 SE Nil YSM 06 3820 27 50’03.7” 88 41’37.7” 7.0 60 E Nil Cut stumps YSM 07 3779 27 49’51.5” 88 41’43.1” 5.0 60 E Nil Cut stumps YSM 08 3753 27 49’37.8” 88 41’42.3” 1.7 60 E Nil Cut stumps YSM 09 3709 27 49’28.9” 88 41’45.4” 7.0 40 SE Nil Cut stumps YSM 10 3648 27 49’80.8” 88 41’41.7” 8.0 30 NE 5 Cut stumps YSM 11 3701 27 49’18.4” 88 41’44.3” 4.0 60 NE Nil YSM 12 3692 27 49’09.8” 88 41’55.4” 3.6 40 NE 30 Fuel wood collection YSM 13 3680 27 49’06.1” 88 42’00.5” 1.7 20 NE Nil YSM 14 3654 27 48’53.0” 88 42’04.6” 2.0 10 E 60 YSM 15 3640 27 48’44.6” 88 42’11.1” 2.5 Mild E Nil cut stumps YSM 16 3642 27 47’58.3” 88 42’16.7” 3.9 Mild E 5 cut stumps YSM 17 3641 27 47’53.6” 88 42’20.6” 3.2 Mild E 50 YSM 18 3631 27 47’42.5” 88 42’21.8” 3.6 Mild E 20 Numerous dead logs YSM 19 3613 27 47’30.2” 88 42’26.3” 3.7 5 E Nil YSM 20 3607 27 47’20.3” 88 42’31.8” 0.6 10 E Nil Cut stumps YSM 21 3606 27 47’07.9” 88 42’38.00” 5.7 Mild E 60 Dead logs high YSM 22 3591 27 46’48.2” 88 42’46.7” 5.0 20 E 80 cut stumps YSM 23 3490 27 46’33.3” 88 42’55.9” 7.0 20 E 90 cut stumps YSM 24 3452 27 46’18.6” 88 43’01.9” 4.0 15 E 70 YSM 25 3438 27 46’08.8” 88 43’01.7” 2.7 30 E 30 YSM 26 3422 27 45’59.8” 88 43’10.7” 1.0 Mild E Nil YSM 27 3386 27 45’36.9” 88 43’13.1” 2.0 Mild NE Nil YSM 28 3395 27 45’15.4” 88 43’47.8” 1.7 10 E 100 YSM 29 3360 27 45’02.4” 88 43’58.6” 1.0 Mild E Nil Avalanche YSM 30 3312 27 44’41.4” 88 44’15.1” 2.0 Mild E Nil YSM 31 3205 27 43’53.7” 88 44’31.7” 1.0 10 E Nil Avalanche YSM 32 3202 27 43’47.7” 88 44’30.6” 1.0 Mild E Nil Avalanche

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 111 , Lachung Range, At 3200 At 3700 700 – 3000 1800 - 3600 2800 – 3700 1800 – 2700 2500 – 3800 2400 – 4000 1200 – 3100 3000 – 4000 2500 – 3300 2400 – 3300 3000 – 3400 3300 – 3800 3000 – 3600 3000 – 3800 2600 – 4200 3000 – 4400 3000 – 4000 2700 – 3800 3600 – 4100 Altitudinal Range (m asl) Encountered between 2500 – 3800 Family Pinaceae Aceraceae Betulaceae Pinaceae Rosaceae Ericaceae Salicaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Hydrangeaceae Rosaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Salicaceae Caprifoliaceae Araliaceae Berberidaceae Berberidaceae Berberidaceae Local Name North Sikkim Bais Lekh Kapasey Bhojpatra Arupatey Lali gurans Rato angeri Bhogote Angeri Lal chimal Korlinga Hiu pate gurans Thomson ko gurans Dr. Bais Asare Chutre kada Chutre kada Jhukaune Chimal Gobre salla Pasi Chutre kada Species Lacaita* (Griff.) C.K. Schneid (Griff.) (Wall. ex J. D. Hooker) Wenzig* ex J. D. Hooker) (Wall. J.D. Hooker* (Wall.) Drude * (Wall.) Andersson Wall. sp. Hook.f.* Don.* sp.* Annexure IV Checklist of the floral species recorded between Singhba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Shiv Mandir IV Annexure Salix Acer caudatum Betula utilis Larix griffithii Stud. Prunus nepalensis (Ser.) (CB Clarke) Ridley arboreum var. arboreum Rhododendron TREE / LARGE SHRUBS SMALL Enkianthus deflexus D. Don Hydrangea heteromalla ovalifolia Lyonia ex G. Don* barbatum Wall. Rhododendron decipiens Rhododendron hodgsonii Hook.f.* Rhododendron niveum Hook.* Rhododendron thomsonii Hook. f.* Rhododendron Salix daltoniana nervosum D. Don* Viburnum SHRUB / SHRUBLET Acanthopanax Berberis concinna Berberis ignorata C.K. Schneider J.D. Hooker Berberis virescens TREE Abies densa Griffith. ex Parker* Sorbus microphylla Sorbus microphylla

112 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 500 – 4000 3000 – 4000 1700 – 3300 1000 – 3800 3600 – 4000 3000 – 4700 3000 – 4000 3500 – 4600 3000 – 4800 3000 – 4300 3300 – 4000 3000 – 3600 3000 – 3800 3100 – 3800 3000 – 3800 3600 – 4500 2500 – 5000 3400 – 4300 1200 – 4300 3000 – 4300 3500 – 4500 3000 – 4000 3000 – 4000 3400 – 4700 3700 – 4500 Encountered above 2500 Encountered above 3200 Altitudinal Range (m asl) Family Ericaceae Thymelaeaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Aquifoliaceae Cupressaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Ericaceae Grossulariaceae Grossulariaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Salicaceae Salicaceae Salicaceae Local Name Bhote gulab Bais Kalo argeli Dhasingre Dhasingre Shukpa dhup Nilo Chimal Chia phule gurans Bango phale gurans Junge chimal Sano chimal Chimal Jhundine chimal Sikkime gurans ko chimal Wallich ko gurans Wight Dr. Bais Bais Dhasingre Bailey ko chimal chimal Takma Bhale sunpati Phallu Rehder. Species Wallich ex G. Don* Wallich Hook. f. Hook. f. Royle Hook. f.* I.B. Balfour C. B. Clarke* (Wall.) D. Don (Wall.) Andersson Wall. ex Andersson* Wall. Hook. f. ex Andersson* Hook. f. ex Hook. & Thoms Hook. & J. D. Hooker Rosa sericea Lindl.* Salix calyculata Lour. ex Wall. ex Daphne cannabina Lour. Gaultheria hookeri Thomson ex Miquel Hooker f. & Gaultheria pyroloides Gaultheria trichophylla Ilex intricata Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don* Juniperus recurva baileyi Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don* Rhododendron camelliflorum Hook. f. Rhododendron campylocarpum Hook. f.* Rhododendron cilliatum Rhododendron cinnabarinum Hook. f.* Rhododendron fulgens Hook. f Rhododendron glaucophyllum Rhododendron lepidotum Rhododendron pendulum Hook. Rhododendron sikkimense Pradhan & Lachungpa Rhododendron wallichii Rhododendron wightii Rhododendron Ribes griffithii Ribes sp.* Rubus sp. Salix longiflora Salix sikkimensis Cassiope fastigata

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 113 At 3600 ca . 2500 300 – 4100 3500- 4800 1500 – 2700 2100 – 3800 1300 – 3200 1200 – 3300 1800 – 3600 3000 – 3700 2700 – 3300 1700 – 3600 2400 – 3600 1200 – 3900 1800 – 3600 2400 – 3900 1500 – 3200 2400 – 3600 2700 – 3300 3300 – 4200 3300 – 5100 3600 – 3900 2700 – 3600 (Encountered upto 3300) (Encountered upto 3300) Altitudinal Range (m asl) Encountered between above 3000 Encountered between 3000 – 3600 2400 – 2700; (Encountered at 3200) Family Ericaceae Ericaceae Caprifoliaceae Rununculaceae Polygonaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Rununculaceae Araceae Araceae Araceae Asteraceae Poaceae Asteraceae Saxifragaceae Polygonaceae Cyperaceae Asteraceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Local Name Mussikane Bikhma Thotne Bukiful Bukiful Banko/larua Banko/larua Titeypati Malingo Budi okhati Harkatto Harkatto Harkatto Harkatto Harkatto Harkatto Mussikane Asare Banko/larua Bukiful Harkatto Species (Roxburgh) Sleumer (Roxburgh) Wall. ex Bess Wall. (Wall.) Schott. (Wall.) (D. Don) H. Hara* Schott.* Clarke ex Hook. f.* (Clarke) Kitam ex H. Koyama Wall. ex DC* Wall. (Ball.) Hand. – Mazz Boott. Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don Drejer (D. Don) Greene* Boott.* Swartz.* Bulbostylis densa Vaccinium vacciniaceum Vaccinium HERB ex Ser.* Wall. Aconitum ferox Aconogonum molle Anaphalis adnata Anaphalis busua (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) DC* Anaphalis hookeri Anemone sp. Arisaema flavum (Forssk.) Schott.* Arisaema griffithii Artemesia myriantha Arundinaria maling Gamble Aster albescens (DC.) Hand.-Mazz.* Astilbe rivularis Bistorta affinis Cacalia mortonii alpine Carex gracilenta Carex haematostoma Nees* Carex lehmannii Carex monopleura Kretz. Carex Nees psychrophila Carex (Griffith) Hook. f. ex C.B. Clarke* retusum Vaccinium Carex fragilis Carex Wall. ex DC* erubescence Wall. Vibrunum Arisaema echinatum

114 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II above 3900 2100 – 3300 3000 – 3900 2100 – 4000 1800 – 3300 2400 – 3600 1600 – 4000 1800 – 3700 3600 – 4800 3600 – 4800 2000 – 4200 1800 – 3800 1500 – 4800 3000 – 5000 2000 – 4000 3300 – 5000 1000 – 3600 2700 – 3600 3600 – 4400 3600 – 3900 1800 – 4000 3000 – 4100 2100 – 4000 3200 – 5200 3300 – 4300 Altitudinal Range (m asl) Encountered between 3000 – 3600 Encountered between 2600 – 3200 Family Cyperaceae Cyperaceae Brassicaceae Liliaceae Asteraceae Liliaceae Coriariaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Rununculaceae Poaceae Euphorbiaceae Rosaceae Liliaceae Liliaceae Rubiaceae Gentianaceae Geraniaceae Asteraceae Iridaceae Cyperaceae Juncaceae Juncaceae Juncaceae Juncaceae Juncaceae Cyperaceae Local Name Harkatto Harkatto Bhotey Saag aiselu Vui Species Clarke Willdenow* Kunth J. D. Hooker Franch. Hook. f.* (J. D. Hooker) Lindley ex Lacaita* D.Don Trautvetter & C. A. Meyer* & C. Trautvetter (Linn.) R. Br. Buchen. Carex rara Boott. Carex macrophylla Cardamine Makino giganteum (Wall.) Cardiocrinum DC Cirsium argyracanthum Clintonia udensis Coriaria terminalis Hemsley decaisnei Cremanthodium sp. Cremanthodium Euphorbia wallichii Fragaria nubicola D.Don* Fritillaria cirrhosa Fritillaria delavayi R.R. Mill Galium rebae ex G. Don) Grisebach* Gentiana ornata (Wallich Geranium nepalense Sweet Inula hookeri Clarke Iris goniocarpa Baker Isolepis setacea Juncus benghalensis Juncus clarkei Juncus concinnus Juncus himalensis Klotzsch Juncus sikkimensis sp.* Kobresia Carex pulchra Boott. Carex Delphinium sp. Beauv. Deschampsia caespitose (Linn.) P.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 115 600 – 2400 Above 3300 2400 – 4000 2100 – 3300 3000 – 4100 3300 – 4500 3000 – 4400 3000 – 4000 3000 – 4000 2000 – 3500 3000 – 4600 1800 – 4500 3000 – 4000 2400 – 2900 2000 – 4000 3200 – 4300 2100 – 4000 1200 – 3500 3000 – 4800 4200 – 5000 3200 – 4400 2800 – 4100 Encountered at 3200 Encountered at 3500 Encountered above 3200 Altitudinal Range (m asl) Encountered between 2400 – 3300 Encountered between 3000 – 3800 Family Cyperaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Juncaceae Liliaceae Papaveraceae Papaveraceae Tamaricaceae Araliaceae Araliaceae Liliaceae Liliaceae Scrophulariaceae Polygonaceae Lamiaceae Lentibulariaceae Poaceae Liliaceae Liliaceae Liliaceae Liliaceae Polygonaceae Rosaceae Rosaceae Primulaceae Primulaceae Primulaceae Rununculaceae Local Name Ratneulo Ginseng Satuwa Ginseng Thotney Species (Linn.) Allioni (Linn.) (Wallich) Royle (Wallich) (D. Don) Walp.* (D. Don) Prain Baker D. Don* Baker Seem.* Smith subsp denticulate* (Boott.) Clarke var. alba Smith* var. I. B. Balfour & Cooper* var. pumila J.D. Hook var. (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Gross (Prain) T. Yamaz. speciosa (Prain) var. T. Ban. Hook. f. & Thoms Hook. f. & Linnaeus D. Don.* Smith Nees ex Steud Pinguicula alpina Ranunculus sp. Maianthemum oleraceum (Baker) La Frankie Pedicularis siphonantha* Ligularia sp. Meconopsis paniculata Meconopsis simplicifolia Smith Myricaria rosea Panax bipinnatifidus Panax sikkimensis Paris polyphylla Pedicularis roylei Persicaria capitata Phlomis sp. Poa himalayana Polygonatum cathcartii Polygonatum chirrifolium Polygonatum hookeri Polygonatum verticillatum Polygonum molle Potentilla peduncularis Potentilla fruticosa Primula calderiana Primula denticulata Primula denticulata Lactuca bracteata Kobresia uncinoides Kobresia Luzula sp.

116 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II At 3600 Above 3200 Above 3500 2800 – 4200 2400 – 3200 1200 – 4200 3000 – 3900 3300 – 3600 3600 – 5100 1700 – 4000 2700 – 3750 3200 – 3900 2700 – 4000 3600 – 4000 1500 – 2500 1500 – 2500 2700 – 3800 3000 – 3600 2400 – 3400 Encountered at 3600 Encountered at 3300 Encountered at 3400 (Encountered at 3400) Altitudinal Range (m asl) Encountered between 3000 – 3400 Encountered between 2400 – 3300 (Encountered between 3000 – 3300) Family Polygonaceae Zingiberaceae Polygonaceae Lamiaceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Asteraceae Smilaceae Liliaceae Asteraceae Liliaceae Oxalidaceae Liliaceae Poaceae Araceae Gentianaceae Scrophulariaceae Violaceae Violaceae Davalliaceae Woodsiaceae Woodsiaceae Dryopteridaceae Dryopteridaceae Local Name Toriphool Amilo jhar Chirowto Khokim Halhalley Species Wall. ex Schott. Wall. Wall. ex DC Wall. (T. Moore ex Bedd.) Fraser-Jenk (T. (Spreng. Ex DC) Sch.-Bip Maxim (Baker) Hook. f.* Baker D. Don Spreng.* W. Becker* W. Christ. (DC) Jeffrey & Chen (DC) Jeffrey Royle* Pursh.* sp. FERN & FERN ALLIES FERN & Araiostigiella hookeri Saussurea auriculata Saussurea sp. Veronica bicolor Viola Roscoea alpina Rumex nepalensis Salvia candolleana Saussurea Kitam.* Senecio albopurpurens Smilacina oleracea Synotis wallichii himalaica Tofieldia sp. Trifolium scitulum Bor. Trisetum diversifolium Typhonium Swertia sp. sikkimensis Viola Athyrium davidii Moore ex Hook.) Kunze Dryopteris barbigera (T. Deparia subsimilis (Christ.) Fraser-Jenk. Loyal. Dryopteris subimpressa J. D. Hooker & Thomson Rheum acuminatum J. D. Hooker & Streptopus simplex Streptopus tschonoskii Trillium

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 117 3600 3300 3600 – 4300 2600 – 4000 2600 – 3400 3000 – 4000 2600 – 3400 2600 – 3400 3000 – 3600 3000 – 3300 2250 – 4050 2700 – 3300 3000 – 3600 2700 – 4000 1600 – 3100 2400 – 4000 3000 – 4000 Seen between 2800 – 3400 Altitudinal Range (m asl) Observed between (2800 - 3300) Family Dryopteridaceae Lycopodiaceae Dryopteridaceae Osmundaceae Polypodiaceae Polypodiaceae Polypodiaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Orchidaceae Sphagnaceae Parmeliaceae Ranunculaceae Local Name Nagbeli (Hayata) Fraser-Jenk Species (Hook. f.) Schultr. (Hook. f.) Kranzl. Fraser-Jenk (Lindl) Rollisson (Lindl.) O. Ktze. Christ Lindl. MOSS / LICHEN / VINE MOSS / LICHEN Sphagnum squarrosum Lycopodium veithii Lycopodium Polystichum mehrae Osmunda claytoniana L Mett. ex Kuhn ( Fraser-Jenk) Pichisermollodes erythrocarpa Pichisermollodes fraser – jenkinsonii Pichisermollodes quasidivaricata ORCHID Lindl. Gymnadenia orchidis Habenaria cumminsiana King & Pantl. Listera micrantha Lindl. Malaxis muscifera Neottianthe secundiflora Peristylus fallax Platanthera leptocaulon Pleione hookeriana Usnea himalayense Clematis montana Ham. ex DC Dryopteris xanthomelas (Christ) C. Chr.

118 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Habit / Key characters Shrub or Small tree Leaves oblong- lanceolate to elliptic – lanceolate, upper surface regulose, lower surface with a thin, continuous, loose indumentums, white at first to rufous turning to buff or greyish white; calyx glandular ciliate. Tree Lower surface of leaves with yellowish – brown indumentum, corolla pink, to carmine rarely white with throat. in the spotting purple Tree Lower surface of the leaves with white to silvery indumentum, corolla red. Prostrate or upright shrub. Leaves dark green above, Leaf buds scales deciduous, inflorescence calyx hairy, open topped. Status IUCN: NA IUCN : NA in Vulnerable Sikkim White flower form found very Rare with single individual. IUCN : NA in Vulnerable Sikkim IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim in Vulnerable North East

General distribution World: Bhutan, India, China World: Arunachal Pradesh India: Sikkim, Distribution in Sikkim (Flora of China, Sastry & Hazra, 2010), (2700-3600) Bhutan, Nepal, Kashmir, Burma, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Kashmir, World: China India: Sikkim, Darjeeling district of west Bengal, Arunachal Manipur, Pradesh. Sikkim: Pink form: In and around Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary along the Singhalila Tholung- (W); Lachung, Lachen, Tshoka, ridge, Kishong (N); Karponang (E), (3000-3200m) White form : Singring area (N), (2300 - 2400m) Bhutan, Nepal, Kashmir, S.E.Tibet, S.E.Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Kashmir, World: Burma, India. India: North and East India including Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Khasia and Naga Darjeeling district of west hills and Manipur. Bengal. Sikkim: In and around Barsey Rhododendron Yoksum Sanctuary along the Singhalila ridge, Tholung-Kishong, – Dzongri, Dentam (W); Tinkitam, Chungthang – Lachung, Lachen, Rabong RF (S); Pangthang and RF, Tendong surrounding areas, Karponang- Changu (E)., (1800-3000m) Nepal, India, Tibet, Bhutan, China Tibet, Nepal, India, World: India: Uttar Pradesh , Sikkim, Darjeeling district Arunachal Pradesh, Bengal, West of Samdong, Tholung- – Yumey Sikkim: Yumthang (N); MPCA Tamze Thangu valley, Kishong, Dzongri- Samiti lake, Dzongri-HMI Base camp, Tshangu, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (W); Dzaluk,Kupup, Gnathang (E), Baba Mandir, (3500 - 4500m) List of Rhododendron species Sikkim R. setosum, Magnolia Annexure V V Annexure Habitat Secondary forest on mountain slopes, scrub It grows along with arboreum Rhododendron in the open var . arboreum slopes of temperate and sub alpine region in association with Magnolia sp , Tsuga dumosa, etc. Temperate broad leaved Temperate mixed forest to sub alpine scrub in association with Lithocarpus sp., Abies densa, Tsuga sp , dumosa etc. Open, rocky alpine slopes in association with R. nivale, lepidotum, etc. Juniperus recurva, Hook.f., G. Don) var. G. Don) var. Botanical name Rhododendron argipeplum argipeplum Rhododendron Balf. f. & Forrest. Rhododendron arboreum arboreum Rhododendron Smith subsp. cinnamomeum ex (Wallich Lindley roseum Smith Syn: R. arboreum album Wallich var. Rhododendrons of Sikkim Himalaya (1849) (Arborescent Rhododendron) Nep: Lali gurans Rhododendron arboreum arboreum Rhododendron (C. Smith subsp. arboreum B. Clarke) Ridley Syn: R.campbelliae Rhododendron anthopogon Rhododendron D.Don (Bearded Rhododendron) Nep: Dhupi Gurans 4 3 2 1 Sl. No.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 119 Habit / Key characters Shrub Bell shaped flowers, indumentum on the lower leaf surface densely fulvous, with branched hairs, pale rose or lilac Shrub Bell shaped flowers, indumentum on the lower leaf surface densely fulvous, with branched hairs, corolla white. Shrub Bell shaped flowers, indumentum on the lower leaf surface densely fulvous, with branched hairs, corolla pink to purple. Shrub usually epiphytic Leaves somewhat flat, small, lower surface densely lepidote, flowers camellia like, stamens 12-16. Shrub or small tree shaped,Corolla tubular-bell 5-lobed, blood red. Shrub Leaves narrowly eleptic, apex obtuse or rounded, base cuneate. Inflorescence 5-9 flowered, corolla rotate, reddish purple or deep Status IUCN : NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN : NA IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN : NA Endemic of Eastern Himalaya Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Sikkim: Out of danger IUCN: NA Endemic of Eastern Himalaya Threatened in Sikkim

General distribution Thangu Valley, Shiv Mandir – Yume Yume Shiv Mandir – Valley, Thangu Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (N); Bhutan, Nepal, India Bhutan, Nepal, India Pakistan, India, Bhutan Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Darjeeling Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, World: World: Sikkim India: Kashmir, Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, ThilaTholung - Kissong, Shiv Mandir, Yumthang- – Jakthang, Lachen Green lake (N); Dzongri - Changu - Kupup Tamze, Thangsing, Ghomney (W); – Memenchu (E). (3300-4000) World: Sikkim India: Kashmir, Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Shiv Mandir. Yumthang- Bhutan, Nepal, India. World: India: Bengal. West district of Sikkim: Tholung Kishong (N) Singhalila ridge,Samdong, Alpine Sanctuary, area in Kyongnosla Tamze (W); Kupup (E). (4000-4500m) World: World: India: Sikkim: Bakhim- Phetang - Kokchurung (W) (3000-3600m) Nepal, Bhutan, China World: Bengal West India: Sikkim, Darjeeling district of – Kibek, Tshoka Sikkim: Singhalila Ridge, Wildlife Kalijhar – Chuwabhanjyang (W); Maenam Tshangu, Sanctuary (Barmeli), Phedung (S), way to Tholung Kishong,Gnathang – Padhamchen (E), Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (N) (3000-3700m) Bhutan, Tibet, India, China Tibet, Bhutan, World: India: Sikkim (N) Yumthang Sikkim: Lachung – (3000-3500m) Abies Abies etc. etc. Habitat etc. etc. R. thomsonii, Alpine Abies – Rhododendron Alpine forest in association with R. aeruginosum, R. fulgens , densa, Abies – Rhododendron Alpine forest in association with R. aeruginosum, R. fulgens , densa, Alpine, rocky scrub in association with R. setosum, R. thomsonii, fulgens, anthopogon, Subalpine Abies – Rhododendron forest, usually epiphytes or growing on rocks. Subalpine forest in association with Abies densa, R.hodgsonii, falconeri, etc. Sub-Alpine to Alpine slope Sub-Alpine to in highly association with R. lepidotum, R. thomsonii, sikkimense,

Hook.f. Botanical name R. aeruginosum R. sparsiflorum Nuttall Rhododendron campanulatum Rhododendron D.Don subsp .campanulatum (Bell-flowered Rhododendron) Nep: Nilo Chimal Rhododendron campanulatum Rhododendron D.Don subsp .campanulatum album var. Rhododendron campanulatum Rhododendron D.Don subsp .aeruginosum (Hook.f.) Syn: (Aeruginose Rhododendron) Nep: Nilo Pate Chimal Rhododendron camelliiflorum Rhododendron Hook.f. Syn: (Camellia-flowered Rhododendron) Nep: Chya Phule Gurans Wall.ex.G.Don (Bristly Rhododendron) Nep: Lal Chimal Rhododendron barbatum Rhododendron Rhododendron baileyi Balf.f. Rhododendron Rhododendron) (Bailey’s Nep: Bailey ko Chimal 9 8 7 6 5 10 Sl. No.

120 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Habit / Key characters Epiphytic or sprawling shrub Flowers pale yellowish-green fading to pale yellow outside stamens, widely open Ten corolla, eight celled ovary distinguished it from its closest allies R. hodgsonii and R. falconeri Shrub Leaves rounded or shallow heart shaped base. Flowers often pale or bright yellow, with crimson blotching at base, widely bell shaped. Small, procumbent Shrub Brightly hairy young shoots, leaves and leaf – stalks. shaped,- funnel wide Flowers pink flushed, gradually turning white. Erect Shrub Shiny dark green foliage, corolla more or less tubular – campanulate, red to orange coloured, erect not spreading loabes. Epiphytic or sprauling shrub Corolla uniformly coloured without any red lines Status IUCN : NA Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN: NA Out of danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Endemic of Eastern Himalaya Threatened in Sikkim IUCN: NA Out of Danger IUCN: NA General distribution India, Bhutan, Nepal Sikkim, Darjeeling district of West Bengal. West Sikkim, Darjeeling district of Arunachal Pradesh Bengal, Sikkim, West : Bhutan, Nepal, India. World Arunachal Pradesh. India: Sikkim, distributed in Rachela forest, Widely Sikkim: Ratey Chhu, Bakthang area, Pangthang Bulbulay, and surrounding areas, Premlakha (E); Mangan surrounding areas, Chungthang - Lachen, Bitchu, Chungthang – Lachung, Upper Dzongu (N) and Okhray – Hillay Singalila Ridge, Deonigali Dhap RF, Rabongla, Damthang, Ralong (S). RF, Tendong (W), (1500-2500m) India World: Bengal West India: Sikkim, Darjeeling district of Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (N); Khangchendzonga National Park, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (W). (3000-4000m) Bhutan, India, Eastern Nepal, South East World: Burma Tibet, Bengal West India: Sikkim, Darjeeling District of Sikkim: Scattered in Shingba Rhododendron Thangu Lachen – valley, Yumthang Sanctuary, – Dzongri, Tshoka Tholung - Kishong (N); valley, Ghomna (W); Kupup, Gnathang (E),(3200-4000m) Tibet Nepal, Bhutan, India, World: India: Sikkim Lachen - Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yoksum (N), Tholung – Kishong (Temrong) Thangu, - Dzongri (W). (3000-3800m) Nepal, Bhutan India, S.E.Tibet World: India: Lachen Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, - Dzongri, Singalila Ridge, Tshoka Thangu (N), – Kalijhar – Phokte Dara, Chuwabhanjyang, Gurasey Alpine dara (W), Changu – Kupup, Kyongnosla Sanctuary (E). (2700-4000m) World: India: Sikkim:

etc. Habitat sp , Coelogyane cristata, Grows in the shady areas of the temperate forest in rocks and trees in association with epiphytic orchids like sp. and other Dendrobium ferns and lichens. The hill slopes and flat lands of sub alpine forest in association with Abies densa, R. hodgsonii, etc. Sub alpine forest in association with R. thomsonii, R. campanulatum, cinnabarinum, R. hodgsonii, etc. Alpine slope with marshy, exposed situation in association with R. glaucophyllum, R. thomsonii, R. baileyi, lepidotum, R. niveum, Gaultheria sp . Vaccinium Juniper -Rhododendron scrub in association with R. campanulatum, R. thomsonii, R. barbatum, etc. Usually epiphytic on tree stumps or amidst rocks var.

U.C.Pradhan and Botanical name tashii Rhododendron decipiens Rhododendron Lacaita (Deceiving Rhododendron) Nep: Jhukaune Korlinga S.T.Lachungpa (Lady Dalhousie’s Rhododendron) Chimal Nep: Lahare var. var. Rhododendron Rhododendron campylocarpum Hook.f. (Curve-fruited Rhododendron) Nep: Bango phale gurans ciliatum Rhododendron Hook.f. (Ciliated Rhododendron) Nep: Junge Chimal cinnabarinum Rhododendron Hook.f. (Cinnabar Rhododendron) Nep: Sanu Chimal dalhausiae Rhododendron Hook.f. subsp. dalhausiae dalhausiae dalhousiae Rhododendron Hook.f. subsp. dalhausiae 16 11 12 13 14 15 Sl. No.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 121 Habit / Key characters Shrub often epiphytic or scrambling on rocks. Leaves strongly bullate, glabrous, and shiny on the upper surface, lower surface with distinct golden scales. Flowers sweet scented and white or flushed pink, showy, style declinate. shrub or small tree A wrinkledLeaves very large, and with deep set veins above, rusty woolly hairs and raised veins beneath. Corolla white to cream. Shrub or small tree Leaves oblong oval to broadly ovate, with thick reddish brown felt beneath. Flowers blood-red, tubular- bell-shaped with chocolate brown anthers, borne in compact rounded clusters. Shrub Leaves very aromatic. Corolla campanulate, pinkish. Style shorter to corolla, sharply deflexed or bent. Tree shiningLeaves very large, deep green above, silvery white coverings beneath. flowers, corolla bellLarge shaped, pale pink in buds, later white with purple blotches at the base. Status IUCN: NA Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN: NA Rare in Sikkim IUCN: NA Endemic of Eastern Himalayas Out of danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim Endemic to Eastern Himalaya West Bengal, Sikkim West General distribution Kanchandzonga National Park (Tholung) Thangu, Shingba RhododendronLachen - : Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal : Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Darjeeling. Darjeeling hills in World World India: Sikkim: (N), (2500m) Bhutan, Nepal, India World: Bengal West Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, India: Tholung – Kishong (N);Sikkim: Lachung, Lachen, Life Wild Bulbulay Reserve Forest, Pangolakha Sanctuary (E); Barsey Rhododendron Tshoka Chuwabhanjyang, Singhalila Ridge), (Hillay, Sanctuary Wildlife and adjacent area (W); Maenam (S), (2700-3000m) China Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, World: India: Sikkim, Assam Shingba Rhododendron Thangu valley, Sikkim: Dzongri, Yoksum Tholung – Kishong (N); Sanctuary, (E) Tamze Singhalila Ridge (W); (3500-5000m) India, China. Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, World: Arunachal Pradesh India: Sikkim, Sikkim: Tholung-Kishong (N)Sanctuary and (2700-4000m) Nepal, Bhutan, China, India World: India: (N); Sing Thigong Butti Nay, Tholung – Sikkim: alila ridge, Uttarey - Chewabhanjyang area, Hillay, Dara (S); Bulbulay Tendong Ribdi, Okhrey (W); Life Sanctuary, Wild Reserve Forest, Fambong-Lho Life Sanctuary (E) Wild Pangolakha (2000-3000m) R.

Abies densa, Habitat etc. etc. Quercus lamellosa, Quercus Rhododendron Oak Forest in lamellosa, Quercus R. grande , etc. coniferous forest Temperate Tsuga in association with dumosa, Abies densa, Acer campbellii, Magnolia campbellii, etc. Shady areas in alpine region in association with R. campanulatum , etc. open slopes Occur in rocky, in alpine forest highly association with R. thomsonii, R. lepidotum, ciliatum, Gaultheria Juniperus recurva, sp. , mixed forest in Temperate association with Machilus sp. arboreum,

Botanical name R.glaucum Hook.f. Rhododendron edgeworthii Rhododendron Hook.f. Rhododendron) (Edgeworth’s Nep: Edgeworth ko Chimal falconeri Rhododendron Hook.f. subsp. falconeri (Dr.Falconer’s Rhododendron) Nep: Korlinga fulgens Rhododendron Hook.f. (Brilliant Rhododendron) Nep: Chimal glaucophyllum Rhododendron glaucophyllum Rehder var. Syn: (Glaucous-leaved Rhododendron) Chimal Nep: Takma grande Wight. Rhododendron Silvery(Large Rhododendron) Nep: Patle Korlinga 17 18 19 20 21 Sl. No.

122 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II

Habit / Key characters Shrub or small tree leathery. Leaves large, Flowers pale pink to magenta pink in compact cluster of 15- 20, stamens usually 16. Straggling shrub Inflorescence mostly lateral, corolla up to 2 cm, narrowly scales broadly tubular, rimmed Bushy shrub Leaves narrowly elliptic, obovate to oblong-obovate, thick and leathery in texture, upper surface with reddish brown indumentums which lower on maturity, wears off surface with crisped, thick, grey-fawn, pink brown, or rust coloured indumentums; corolla cream to sulphur red or brown spotted. yellow, Shrub Terrestrial branches densely Young lepidote, inflorescence usually 2-3 flowered, corolla rotate-campanulate, white, pink, and densely yellow, scaly outside. Shrubs or small tree Inflorescence 5-30 flowered, calyx usually small or well developed Status IUCN: NA Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA IUCN: NA IUCN:NA Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA General distribution India, Bhutan, China India, Bhutan, China Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh India, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet India, Bhutan, Nepal, World: Bengal, West India: Sikkim, Darjeeling district of Assam, Meghalaya Lachen Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Tholung – Kissong valley, Yumthang – Geern Lake, – Dzongri, Singhalila Ridge (W) Tshoka (N); Wild Life Sanctuary (S); Pangolakha Wild Maenam Life Sanctuary (E), (3000-4000m) World: India: Distribution in Sikkim is reported (Sastry & Hajra, 2010) World: India: Sikkim West Dzongri, Yoksum- Sikkim: (3000-4500m) India, Nepal, South Tibet, Pakistan, Bhutan, World: China, Myanmar. West Himachal India: Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Pradesh, Bengal, Arunachal West Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya. Yumthang, distributed in Lachung – Widely Sikkim: TholungThangu, Lachen – Green Lake, Lachen – – Dzongri Samiti Lake, Tshoka Kishong (N); Dzongri – HMI Base Camp, Chuwabhanjyang area, Nathula, valley, Tshangu Singhalila Ridge (W); Life Sanctuary, Wild Kupup, Gnathang, Pangolakha (E), (2500-5000m) MPCA Tamze Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal Tibet, Bhutan, World: Assam, Meghalaya Bengal, West India: Sikkim, Ribdi, Okhrey, Sikkim: Gaikhurey - Bakhim, Hillay, Khechuperi, Chewabanjhyang (W), Lachung valley Life Sanctuary (E), (1800- Wild (N); Fambong-Lho 3200m) etc. Habitat The hill slopes and flat lands of temperate to sub alpine region in continuous patches association with Abies densa, R. decipiens, cinnabarinum, Larix griffithiana, etc. Common in mixed and conifer forest and in thickets. Rarely epiphytic Abies forest, amidst In Rhododendrons and bamboo, on cliffs Open rocky sub-Alpine to Alpine slope in continuous patches in association with R. R. ciliatum, Juniperus recurva, anthopogon, In moist temperate forests mixed with Magnolias, other tree rhododendrons, oaks, etc.

Botanical name Rhododendron hodgsonii Rhododendron keysii Nuttall Rhododendron lanatum Rhododendron Hook.f. lepidotum Rhododendron Hook.f. Nep: Korlinga Wall.ex.G.Don. (Scaly Rhododendron) Nep: Bhale sunpate Rhododendron griffithianum Rhododendron Wight. (Lord Auckland’s Rhododendron) Nep: Seto Chimal 23 24 25 26 22 Sl. No.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 123 Habit / Key characters Shrub Pedicels 2.5-5cm long, flexuous; calyx lobes slender, reflexed at least in fruit; corolla 0.9-1.3 cm; young stems and leaf margins glabrous Epiphytic shrub White flowers with hairy calyx, new shoots non bristly Shrub Branches often sprawling or straggling. Leaves less than 6 cm broad. Flowers sweet scented, stamens many (17- 25), ovary 8-12 celled. Shrub 1-2m tall.Semi evergreen, Branchlets setose, leaf obovate or blade leathery, oblanceolate to obovate- elliptic, petiole sparsely scaly with long setose. Shrub Prostrate cushion-like shrub, branchlets densely scaly. Inflorescence 1-2 flowered, corolla purplish to lilac or violet coloured. Bushy shrub or small tree Branch lets densely white tomentose. Inflorescence 15- 20 flowered, dense. Corolla deeptubular-campanulate, magenta to deep lilac with darker nectar pouches. Status IUCN: NA IUCN: NA Out of Danger in Sikkim Endemic to Eastern Himalaya IUCN: NA Endangered in Sikkim IUCN: NA IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN: NA Endemic to Indo Burma hotspot Endangered in Sikkim, Rare in Bhutan (3000-4300m) General distribution Tholung area (N); Sachen area, between Recently recorded in Shingba India, Bhutan, Myanmar, China India, Bhutan, Myanmar, India, China, Bhutan, Nepal Nepal India, NE Myanmar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Sikkim, Pradesh, W.Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh World: World: India: Distribution reported in Sikkim (Flora of China) (2400-4300m) World: India: Manipur Sikkim: (W), (2000-3000m) Tshoka Bakhim and Upper Burma. Tibet, Bhutan, India, S.E. World: West India: Sikkim and Darjeeling district of Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh Pembo, Upper Dzongu Tsho Sikkim: Chungthang - (N), (700-2000m) World: India: Sikkim: North , Rhododendron Sanctuary, Tibet Nepal, India, Bhutan, World: India: Sikkim Samdong, Lhonak valley (N) Yumey Sikkim: (4500-5500m) India, China. Tibet, Bhutan, Southern World: India: Native to North East India. – Yakchey Sikkim: Localised distribution in Upper Dzongu Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Thijom) (N), (3000-3600m) and (Temrong Habitat Epiphytic on other larger Rhododendrons and conifers or on mossy rock boulders As an epiphyte in temperate broad leaved mixed forest, oak Rhododendron forest. open mountains, On rocky, sometimes trailing on cliffs and steep slopes, rarely epiphytic and found in association with Lyonia ovalifolia, Pandanus furcatos, R.dalhausiae etc R.arboreum, along river sides thickets, scrub,Forest margins, open pastures, slopes, valleys, rocks, rarely swamps cliffs, high alpine Open, Rocky, slopes with perpetual snow in association with R. anthopogon, R. setosum, etc. Juniperus recurva, Occur in the open, rocky slope in the sub alpine region in association with Salix R. sp., Juniperus recurva, lepidotum, R. ciliatum, etc.

R.micromeres ) Botanical name R. bhotanicum Rhododendron leptocarpum Rhododendron Nuttall ex C.B.Clarke (Synonym: Rhododendron lindleyi Rhododendron T.Moore Syn: maddenii Rhododendron Hook.f. subsp. maddenii (Major Madden’s Rhododendron) Madden koNep: Major Chimal mekongense Rhododendron mekongense var. nivale Hook.f. Rhododendron (Snow Rhododendron) Nep: Hiun Gurans niveum Rhododendron C.B.Clarke Rhododendron) Lindley’s (Dr. Chimal Nep: Sanu Lahare Hook.f. (Snow Leaved Rhododendron) Nep: Hiun – Pate Gurans 27 28 29 30 31 32 Sl. No.

124 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Habit / Key characters Epiphytic or straggling shrub shoots covered with Young densely woolly indumentum. Inflorescence 2-3 flowered, pedicels densely tomentose. Corolla openly funnel- campanulate, white or flushed with pink or cream, stamens 10. Dwarf, prostrate shrublet Leaves bright, bluish green, elliptic, scaley and glaucus beneath; stems and roots embedded in the moss. Shrub Branchlets densely clothed bristly hairs andwith stiff hairy. scales. Leaf margins Inflorescence 1-6 flowered, rarely upto 8 flowered. Corolla reddish or crimson purple, stamens 10. Leaves oblong ovate to elliptic, leathery with thin silvery layers of matty, to yellowish brown indumentums on the lower surface. Flowers blood red, calyx cup shaped. Shrub or small tree Bark peeling, smooth, usually of mixed colours. Leaves glabrous, thick and learhery, pvate to broadly orbicular, elliptic with rounded apex. Inflorescence 3-10 flowered. light pink, Corolla fleshy, deep pink, red upto blood red. Status IUCN: NA Rare in Sikkim IUCN: NA Endangered in Sikkim IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN : NA Endemic to Sikkim Endangered in Sikkim IUCN : NA in Vulnerable Sikkim General distribution Valleys of Zemu, Lhonak, Berum and Lava, Valleys Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim, Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet, China. Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, World: India: Sikkim Lachen, Sikkim: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, – Dzongri (W), Tshoka Tholung – Kishong (N), (3300-4000m) Burma, China Tibet, : Nepal, Bhutan, World India: Sikkim: Thangu and above (N), Yumthang, Chachuzuk near (3800-4500m) Bhutan Tibet, Nepal, India, World: India: Samdong, Yumey valley, Sikkim: Yumthang (E); Dzongri, Tamze Thangu valley (N); Kishong La, Thangsing – Samiti lake (W). (3500-5500m) Sikkim: Phune, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Tholung-Kishong (N), (3700-4000m) Nepal, India. Tibet, Bhutan, World: India: Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Bengal. West Sikkim and Darjeeling District of distributed in Shingba Widely Sikkim: Tholung - Kishong Rhododendron Sanctuary, - Dzongri, Singhalila range, Barsey Tshoka (N); Alpine Rhododendron Sanctuary (W); Kyongnosla Sanctuary (E), (2900-4000m) etc. Habitat R. thomsonii, Abies densa, R. Abies-Rhododendron forest as an epiphyte and pendulous from sheltered trees and rocks Open alpine, avalanche slopes, in association with other alpine flowers Open, rocky alpine slopes in association with R. anthopogon, R. nivale, , lepidotum, Juniperus recurva etc. Alpine region in open, Sub exposed areas having sandy soil in association with Abies densa, baileyi, R. campanulatum, R. barbatum and campylocarpum, Forms mixed shrubberies with other Rhododendrons in open slopes of sub alpine scrub to alpine meadows in association with barbatum, R. campanulatum, etc.

Botanical name Rhododendron pendulum Rhododendron Hook.f. (Pendulous Rhododendron) Nep: Jhundinae Chimal pumilum Rhododendron Hook.f. (Dwarf Rhododendron) Nep: Purke Gurans setosum Rhododendron D.Don (Bristly Rhododendron) Gurans Nep: Tsallu sikkimense Rhododendron U.C.Pradhan & S.T.Lachungpa Sikkimese Rhododendron Nep: Sikkimae gurans thomsonii Rhododendron Hook.f. Thomson’s (Dr. Rhododendron) Thomson ko Nep: Dr. Gurans 33 34 35 36 37 Sl. No.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 125 Habit / Key characters Shrub Bark peeling, smooth, reddish brown. Leaves aeromatic, oblong lanceolate to elliptic. Inflorescence terminal, 2-4 flowered, corolla widely opened funnel shaped, pale spotted with or lemon yellow, red or pink. Epiphytic, straggling shrub. Branchlets densely scabrid, many leaved. Inflorescence 1-2 rarely 3 flowered, terminal. Corolla thick, white to lilac pink, lepidote outside. Erect gregarious shrub Axillary flowered rhododendron, 1-2 flowered, flowers white to light pale rose, the pedicels hidden by the persistent and peculiarly imbricating bracts, calyx 5 lobed, short. Bushy shrub or small tree Bark pinkish brown to grey, rough on ageing. Leaves leathery with a patchy layer of black to brown, tufted hairy indumentum. Corolla funnel–campanulate, blue mauve or rosy-purple fading to white. Shrub or small tree. Branchlets thick. Leaf and Leaves flower buds sticky. broadly elliptic to ovovate, lower surface with a dense rusty brown indumentum consisting of ramiform hairs. Inflorescence 10 to 20 flowered, corolla white, cream to lemon-yellow with light brown or purple flecks. Status IUCN: NA Threatened in Sikkim IUCN: NA Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Out of Danger in Sikkim IUCN: NA Endemic to Eastern Himalaya Endangered in Sikkim IUCN: Vulnerable Status not evaluated till date Endemic to Eastern Himalayas General distribution Chungthang, Lachen, Lachung Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Bakhim – Dzongri, Barsey Rhododendron Tibet, China, India Tibet, Sikkim Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma, Tibet Nepal, Bhutan, India, Burma, World: India: Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh (2100-4000m) Sikkim: Lachung valley, Burma, China. Tibet, Nepal, India, Bhutan, World: Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling India: Sikkim, district of west Bengal. Tholung Kishong (N); Sikkim: Lachung valley, Alpine Sanctuary (E). Kyongnosla World: World: India: Sikkim: (2500-3300m) : India, Nepal, Bhutan, China World India: Sikkim: valley (N), (3000-4000m) Yumthang Tibet Nepal, Bhutan, Burma China, World: India: North East India Sikkim: valley Yumthang Tholung Kishong, sanctuary (W); (N), (3200-4500) Habitat R. lepidotum, obovatum, Vaccinium Scattered in the rocky sub Alpine slopes in association with thomsonii, R. baileyi, etc. Juniperus recurva, Rarely available hanging around Moist rocks and shade trees of hot humid and cold temperate forest in association with Agapetes serpens, etc. Freshly exposed steep slopes in temperate to subalpine areas. In mixed forest and Rhododendron scrub in sub-alpine to alpine areas in association with R. campanulatum Alpine slopes and flat lands forming dense thickets in association with R. campanulatum, Abies densa, R. hodgsonii, etc.

Botanical name R. campanulatum Rhododendron triflorum Rhododendron Hook.f. (Three flowered Rhododendron) Nep: Pahenle Gurans vaccinioides Rhododendron Hook.f. like (Vaccinum Rhododendron) Nep: Khiaune pate Gurans virgatum Rhododendron Hook.f. Rhododendron) (Twiggy Nep: Hanginae Gurans Rhododendron wallichii Rhododendron Hook.f. Syn: (Hook.f.) Hook.f.var.wallichii C.B. Clarke Rhododendron) Wallich’s (Dr. ko Chimal Wallich Nep: wightii Hook.f. Rhododendron Rhododendron) Wight’s (Dr. White ko Gurans Nep: Dr. 38 39 40 41 42 Sl. No.

126 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 4.5 3 2.5 4 2.5 7.5 7.5 2.5 3.5 3 4 2.5 2.5 5.5 7 5 4 5.5 4.5 4 5.5 5 5.5 5 7.5 6 6 9 6 8.5 7.5 8 Humus Depth (cm) Road clearings Road clearings Road clearings Road clearings Road clearings Boulders, Road clearings Road Avalanche clearings, Road clearings Road clearings Road clearings Road clearings Bouldery, dry Bouldery, Bouldery Road clearings Road clearings Dry, bouldery Dry, Dry Dry Bouldery Road clearings Road clearings Road clearings, cut stump nil Bouldery, road clearings Bouldery, Cut stumps, bouldery, Road clearings, bouldery Fuel wood collections nil cut stumps nil Road clearings Road clearings, Grazing Disturbance Rocky, moss covered Rocky, Rocky Rocky Rocky Rocky Open, grass covered Rocky, shrubbery, grass shrubbery, Rocky, covered Rocky, dry Rocky, Rocky, shrubbery Rocky, Rocky, shrubbery Rocky, Rocky, shrubbery Rocky, Open, sandy Open, sandy soil Shrubbery Moist Dry, shrubbery Dry, Rocky Grass covered Rocky Rocky Grass and moss covered Grass covered Rocky slope Mosses and grass covered Rocky, moss covered Rocky, Dry,open slope Dry,open Open, dry Open, moist Rocky, moss covered Rocky, Mosses and grass covered Mosses and grass covered Mosses and grass covered Micro habitat Micro ) 0 30 42 22 25 20 20 30 25 18 20 20 15 18 20 60 55 50 40 30 40 35 20 50 40 20 40 20 30 20 50 35 Slope ( 20 E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E Slope Aspect E 88°43’30.0” 88°43’43.0” 88°43’59.0” 88°44’17.0” 88°44’27.0” 88°44’03.9” 88°44’09.4” 88°44’09.0” 88°44’25.0” 88°44’21.0” 88°44’52.0” 88°44’47.0” 88°44’3.06” 88°44’33.0” 88°44’35.0” 88°44’32.0” 88°44’29.0” 88°44’36.0” 88°44’31.0” 88°44’39.0” 88°44’34.0” 88°44’34.3” 88°44’35.5” 88°44’37.1” 88°44’39.2” 88°44’38.4” 88°44’40.4” 88°44’42.3” 88°44’41.4” 88°44’44.4” 88°44’41.0” Long (E) 88°44’41.0” 27°45’19.0” 27°45’15.0” 27°44’60.0.” 27°44’21.0” 27°43’57.0” 27°44’48.5” 27°44’34.9” 27°44’27.0” 27°43’42.0” 27°43’45.0” 27°43’27.0” 27°43’30.0” 27°43’47.7.0” 27°43’26.0” 27°43”39.0” 27°43’31.0” 27°43’33.0” 27°43’44.0” 27°43’48.0” 27°43’29.0” 27°43’32.0” 27°43’31.9” 27 °43’28.8” 27°43’28.7” 27°43’30.8” 27°43’28.7” 27°43’29.3” 27°43’35.6” 27°43’27.0” 27°43’32.1” 27°43’31.0” 27°43’27.0” Lat (N) Site characteristics of the sampling plots of Rhododendron niveum in Yakchey - Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North Sikkim - Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yakchey Site characteristics of the sampling plots Rhododendron niveum in 3406 3415 3381 3380 3359 3340 3316 3317 3268 3225 3231 3208 3242 3225 3204 3202 3248 3223 3193 3288 3191 3183 3157 3142 3129 3136 3148 3102 3109 3099 3083 3048 Altitude (m asl) Annexure VI Annexure YS32 YS31 YS30 YS29 YS28 YS27 YS26 YS25 YS24 YS23 YS22 YS21 YS20 YS19 YS18 YS17 YS16 YS15 YS14 YS13 YS12 YS11 YS10 YS9 YS8 YS7 YS6 YS5 YS4 YS3 YS2 YS1 Site code

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 127 Publications under Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project

128 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II A Note on Rhododendron mekongense – a New Species Record from Sikkim Himalaya, India Bharat Kumar Pradhan1, Sabita Sanctuaries exclusively for their in Dahal1, Johan Nilson2, and Dechen situ conservation, i.e., the Shingba 2 Lachungpa1 Rhododendron Sanctuary (43 km ; 2 1Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation 16.6 mi ) and the Barsey Rhododendron 2 2 and Forest Management Project Sanctuary (104 km ; 40.2 mi ) in in the northern and western parts of Sikkim, Forests, Environment and Wildlife respectively. R. niveum has acquired Management Department, Bharat Kumar Pradhan special conservation measure as this Government of Sikkim species has been declared as the State Forest Secretariat Building, Deorali Tree of Sikkim. 737101, East Sikkim, India Sikkim and its Rhododendrons Sikkim is well known for its Rhododendrons in Sikkim include rhododendron diversity and is an 37 species, eleven subspecies, seven 2Gothenburg Botanical Garden explorer’s paradise. Historically, Sikkim varieties and two natural hybrids, Carl Skottsbergs Gata, 22A, rhododendrons were first rewcognised i.e., R. × decipens (R. hodgsonii × Gothenburg 41319, Sweden when J.D. Hooker, during his two R. falconeri) and R. × sikkimense years of extensive travel (1848-49) to (R. thomsonii subsp. thomsonii × R. ntroduction Sikkim Himalaya, documented 45 arboreum) (Table 1). R. argipeplum IRhododendron has the greatest rhododendron species (Sikkim and and R. keysii var. unicolor are included number of species in the family Darjeeling States together), of which 34 in the list of Sikkim (www.eFloras.org; Ericaceae. The highest rhododendron were new species (Hooker 1849). He Mao 2010; Sastry and Hajra 2010), but diversity is found in the Northern was the first to introduce many Sikkim there is no documented collection of Hemisphere along the southern rhododendron species to European these species from any part of Sikkim Himalayas east into SW China, i.e., countries during the middle of the to date. However, B.K. Pradhan R. argipeplum in Nepal, Bhutan, NE India, NE 19th century. Pradhan and Lachungpa believes he has seen in Burma, southeast Tibet, W Szechuan (1990) provided key field characters for the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary R. dalhousie and NW Yunan. The total number of all the known rhododendron species in northern Sikkim. var. tashii Rhododendron species worldwide is from Sikkim and recently, Sastry and is the only taxa that is endemic R. sikkimense estimated to be approximately 1200 Hajra (2010) also described most of the to Sikkim; earlier, × was (Paul et al. 2005); China has the highest species found in Sikkim. also considered to be endemic to the number of species (571) in the world, Sikkim is a part of the Eastern state but its recording from Arunachal of which about 409 are endemic (www. Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and a Pradesh means its now simply endemic eFloras.org). large area in Sikkim is included in a to north-east India. Pradhan and India has in total 121 taxa (73 species, protected area network (PAN), with Lachungpa (1990) supported Hooker’s R. aeruginosum 22 subspecies, and 25 varieties) and seven Sanctuaries and one National Park recognition of but three natural hybrids, with 98% (117 covering approximately 31% of its total Chamberlain et al. (1996) consider it a R. campanulatum taxa) of these distributed in north-east geographical area (7096 km2; 2740 mi2) subspecies of . India (Mao 2010). The eastern Indian (Pradhan et al. 2013). Rhododendrons R. mekongense – New Species Record Himalayan states have the most taxa: are found in all the protected areas, from Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh (106) has the highest as they are uniformly distributed During our recent field trip (May– number of taxa followed by Sikkim (41), throughout Sikkim except in its June 2014) on a rapid biodiversity Manipur and Nagaland (ten), Mizoram southern district, which has only a few survey under Japan International (four) and Meghalaya (three) (Mao rhododendron species. Rhododendrons Cooperation Agency (JICA), assisted by 2010), and the western Himalayas has have been given special priority for Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and seven rhododendron species including conservation by the Government of Forest Management Project in Lachung the recently recognised R. rawatii (Rai Sikkim and it is the only place in the Valley (Shingba Rhododendron and Adhikari 2012). whole world to have two designated Sanctuary (SRS), Yumthang Valley up

76 SPRING 2015

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 129 A B

C D

Fig. 1. R. mekongense var. mekongense: A. Habitat. Photo by Johan Nilson. B. Habitat. Photo by Sabita Dahal. C. Inflorescence. Photo by Sabita Dahal. D. Winter bud. Photo by Johan Nilson.

to Shiv Mandir) in northern Sikkim, new to Sikkim and because 90% of Mekong Valley in China in 28 June we came across a rhododendron species the rhododendron species from Sikkim 1895 http://www.biodiversitylibrary. inside the SRS (about 3300 m elevation) are also found in Arunachal Pradesh, org/item/18758#page/281/mode/1up). which was completely different from we concentrated our literature review It is in the subgenus Rhododendron, other species encountered and described to identify it to Arunachal Pradesh section Rhododendron and subsection earlier from Sikkim. A few individuals and the other north-eastern states. Trichoclada. The species is distributed of a small shrub, barely exceeding one R. mekongense’s characters closely along forest margins, thickets, scrub, m (three feet) in height with yellow resembled with our species. There was open pastures, cliffs, valleys, rocks flowers, were observed growing with little about this species in any scientific between 3000–4300 m elevation. other rhododendron species along publications except in a few species It has since been found in China (S the roadside. Plants were found in lists (Mao et al 2002, Paul et al. 2005, Tibet, NW Yunan), India (Arunachal flower bud formation or flowering Mao 2010, Seker and Srivastava 2010). Pradesh), NE Myanmar and Nepal. phenophase. At first, we considered However, Sastry and Hajra (2010) noted Of the three recognised varieties of R. it to be R. triflorum, but it had a the rare occurrence of R. mekongense var. mekongense, var. longipilosum is found setose (hairy) pedicel and petiole. The rubrolineatum in Arunachal Pradesh. in NE Myanmar, var. rubrolineatum inflorescence was 3-4 flowers but the Nevertheless, from the little published in China (S Tibet, NW Yunnan) and corolla was campanulate as compared information available we identified India (Arunachal Pradesh); and var. to funnelform-campanulate in the latter our new species as R. mekongense var. mekongense in China (S Tibet, NW species, and the leaf shape and size were mekongense Franchet (Fig. 1). Yunnan), NE Myanmar and Nepal. different. A feature comparison of this The first written record about R. In Sikkim, the species was observed plant with R. triflorum, based on the mekongense was by Franchet (1898); to be growing in small scattered patches literature, is in Table 2. however, R.P. Soulie was the first on rocky, highly disturbed habitat We were sure that the species was person to record the species from the on an open slope in association with

JOURNAL AMERICAN RHODODENDRON SOCIETY 77

130 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II

Table 1. Sikkim Rhododendrons.

Species Distribution

India World

R. anthopogon subsp. anthopogon Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, China Uttaranchal R. arboreum subsp. arboreum Kashmir to Sikkim Bhutan, Nepal R. arboreum subsp. cinnamomeum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Nepal var. cinnamomeum R. arboreum subsp. cinnamomeum var. roseum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. argipeplum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, China R. baileyi Sikkim Bhutan, China R. barbatum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, Nepal, China Uttaranchal R. camelliiflorum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal R. campanuatum subsp. aeruginosum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan R. campanulatum subsp. campanulatum Kashmir to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal R. campylocarpum subsp. campylocarpum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. ciliatum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. cinnabarinum subsp. cinnabarinum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. dalhousiae subsp. dalhousiae var. dalhousiae Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. dalhousiae subsp. dalhousiae var. tashii Sikkim (Endemic) ---- R. decipiens R. edgeworthii Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Myanmar, China R. falconeri subsp. falconeri Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal R. fulgens Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. glaucophyllum var. glaucophyllum Sikkim Bhutan, Nepal, China R. grande Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. griffithianum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal R. hodgsonii Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. keysii Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, China R. lanatum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, China R. lepidotum Throughout the Himalayas from Kashmir Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, to Arunachal Pradesh China R. leptocarpum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Myanmar, China R. lindleyi Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur Bhutan, Nepal, China R. maddenii subsp. maddenii Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan R. nivale subsp. nivale Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. niveum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan R. pendulum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. pumilum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China R. setosum Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, China R. sikkimense Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh ----- R. thomsosnii subsp. thomsonii Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. triflorum var. triflorum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China R. vaccinioides Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling China, Myanmar R. virgatum Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, China R. wallichii Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Bhutan, Nepal, China R. wightii Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh Myanmar, China

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 131 Table 2. Comparison of R. mekongense var. mekongense with R. triflorum var. triflorum following Flora of China (www.eFloras.org) and Sastry and Hajra (2010).

Character R. mekongense var. mekongense R. triflorum subsp. triflorum

Habitat Shrub, deciduous, semi-evergreen Shrubs or rarely small trees, evergreen or or evergreen, 1–2 m tall; branchlets setose semi-evergreen, 1–4 m tall; young shoots scaly

Elevation Subalpine – alpine (3300 – 4300 m) Temperate – subalpine (2500 – 3700 m)

Leaf Blade leathery, obovate or oblanceolate Blade ovate, oblong, ovate-lanceolate, or to obovate-elliptic, 2.5–5(–6.5) × 0.8–2(–2.7) cm; oblong-lanceolate, 2.5–6.5 × 1.5–2.5 cm; base cuneate; margin usually setose; apex rounded, base rounded or cordate; apex acuminate, mucronate; adaxially glabrous, abaxial surface acute or obtuse, apiculate; abaxial surface slightly glaucous, scales 1–4 × their own diameter gray white or pale green, scales to apart, unequal, pale or dark brown; midrib usually 1 × their own diameter apart, all similar, ± rimless; sparsely setose adaxial surface without scales

Petiole 1–2(–5) mm, sparsely scaly, long-setose 4-9 mm, scaly

Inflorescence Terminal, 3–4 flowered. Terminal, 2–4 flowered

Pedicel 1–2.5 cm, scaly, usually sparsely long-setose 0.6–1.6 cm, erect, scaly

Calyx Lobes rounded, ovate, oblong to lanceolate, Lobes rounded, ovate or triangular, 0.5–1 mm, persistent in fruit, scaly, glabrous densely scaly

Corolla Broadly campanulate, yellow, 1.5–2(–2.3) cm Broadly funnelform-campanulate, pale yellow, 2–3.3 inside with brown spots on upper side, lobes 5 cm inside with brown spots on the upper surface, outer surface scaly, pubescent or without hairs, lobes 5

Stamens 10; unequal, filaments villous or pubescent 10; unequal, longer than corolla, filaments villous towards base

Ovary Scaly 5-locular, densely scaly

Style Thick, sharply bent Long, glabrous

Capsule Cylindric, 7–11 mm, densely scaly Cylindric, 7–12 mm

Flowering May - June May - June

Fruiting July - August July - August

JOURNAL AMERICAN RHODODENDRON SOCIETY 79

132 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II other rhododendron species such as species for fire wood. The uncontrolled, (Principal Secretary cum Principal R. campylocarpum, R. thomsonii, R. indiscriminate and unsustainable Chief Conservator of Forest cum campanulatum, and R. lepidotum. In harvesting for fire wood has resulted in Project Director, SBFP) and Shri SBS 2014, it was discovered that the same some rhododendron species being listed Bhadauria (former Addl. Principal species had been recorded earlier by as rare, threatened and endangered Chief Conservator of Forest cum Johan Nilson in May 2009 inside (Menon et al. 2012) throughout the Project Director, SBFP) for guidance the same Sanctuary. Through his Himalayas. and providing time to time suggestions. photographs, it was determineded North Sikkim is a major tourist The assistance provided by Suraj, that he had recorded the species in a destination and every year this directly Dorjee and Meena in the field are different location, about 500 m (1640 impacts rhododendrons, as they are highly acknowledged. ft) away from our location, again in also collected by the local hoteliers for an open, rocky slope along a stream, use in cooking, heating, boiling water, References and in association with shrub species etc., for visitors. Species with more Chamberlain, D.F., R. Hyam, G. Argent, G. Fairweather, and K.S. Walter. 1996. such as R. thomsonii, R. lepidotum, specific habitat requirement may also The genus Rhododendron: its classification Viburnum nervosum, Salix spp.; herbs be impacted if their habitat is disturbed and synonymy. Royal Botanic Garden such as Meconopsis paniculata, Rheum by any means. Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 181 pp. acuminatum, Polygonum spp., Aster Franchet, A. 1898. Plantarum Sinensium spp., and ferns; with climbers like Summary Ecloge Secunda. J. Botanique 12 (17-18): 253-264. Clematis montana also prevalent in the The discovery of a new species, Hooker, J.D. 1849. The Rhododendrons of area. R. mekongense var. mekongense, Sikkim – Himalaya. Reeve & Co., New from Sikkim suggests that extensive York. Existing Threats to Rhododendrons, exploration in the unexplored areas of Mao, A.A. 2010. The genus Rhododendron in with Special Reference to the Sikkim may result in more species of north-east India. Botanica Orientalis – J. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary rhododendrons and other plants being Plant Sci. 7: 26-34. Menon, S, M.L. Khan, A. Paul, and A.T. Rhododendrons are important identified. While earlier explorers have Peterson. 2012. Rhododendron species aesthetically, economically, medicinally found many species of rhododendrons in the Indian Eastern Himalaya: new and culturally in the Himalayas, but through limited field suveys, it has approaches to understanding rare they are facing tremendous threats due recently become easier to identify plant species distribution. J. Amer. to both natural and anthropogenic suggested locations of new populations Rhododendron Soc. 66: 78-84. Paul, A., M.L. Khan, A. Arunachalam and of all species by using both GIS factors. Avalanches and flash floods K. Arunachalam K. 2005. Biodiversity due to heavy snowfalls and torrential and habitat niche modelling before and conservation of rhododendrons in rains are common natural events undertaking field studies. Arunachal Pradesh in the Indo-Burma in the SRS. As an example, the With the discovery of R. mekongense biodiversity hotspot. Current Science areas were R. mekongense occur are var. mekongense, Sikkim now has 89(4): 623-634. affected by avalanches bringing down 38 species, eleven subspecies, eight Paul, A, M.L. Khan, A.K. Das and P.K. Dutta. 2010. Diversity and distribution of boulders and by recent flash floods. varieties and two natural hybrids of rhododendrons in Arunachal Himalaya, The problem was augmented after the rhododendrons. Nonetheless, the newly India. Journal of American R. Society September 2011 earthquake, which discovered populations of R. mekongense 64(4): 200-205. has highly disturbed the fragile alpine var. mekongense are very limited in Pradhan, U.C. and S.T. Lachungpa. 1990. and subalpine ecosystems in north the area and immediate conservation Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendons. Primulaceae Books, Kalimpong, West Sikkim. Rhododendrons are a highly measures are suggested. We declare this Bengal, India. preferred fuel wood by the local species to be critically rare until a new Rai, I.D., and B.S. Adhikari. 2012. inhabitants and the migrant labourers gregarious population is discovered Rhododendron rawatii (Ericaceae), a new in high altitude areas in north Sikkim somewhere else in Sikkim. species from the Western Himalaya. because it burns well even when green Phytotaxa 71:10-16. and wet. In addition, local people Acknowledgements Sastry, A.R.K., and P.K. Hajra. 2010. Rhododendrons in India: Floral and Foliar from in and around Sikkim visit the We would like to thank The splendour of the Himalayan flora. BS Yumthang Valley, situated at one end Honourable Forest Minister, Shri Publications, Hyderabad, India. of the SRS, to enjoy the hot springs Tshering Wangdi Lepcha, for his Seker, K.C., and S.K. Srivastava. 2010. and during their stay, many rampantly consistent support. We also would Rhododendrons in the Indian Himalayan cut down rhododendrons and other like to thank Dr. Thomas Chandy region: diversity and conservation. Amer. J. Plant Sci. 1: 131-137.

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 133 134 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 135 136 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 137 138 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 139 140 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 141 11 A glimpse of rhododendrons in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim

Bharat Kumar Pradhan1, Kamal Poudyal1, SBS Bhadauria2, Suraj Subba3 and Dorjee Chewang4 Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project, Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Govern- ment of Sikkim, Deorali 737101, Gangtok, Sikkim (India)

Dedication This article is dedicated to the Late Katherine Sangey Lepcha, Divisional Forest Officer (Biodiversity Conservation), Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department (FEWMD), Government of Sikkim, who was our mentor during her tenure with us.

hododendrons are noted for many clusters of beautiful coloured flowers. They are widely hybridized for their showy flowers. There Rare 28,000 hybrids of rhododendrons (Leslie, 2004) compared to approximately 1,000 natural rhododendron species globally. Rhododendrons belong to the Ericaceae family and the earliest fossil record from Alaska (Hollick & Smith, 1936) reveals that rhododendrons have been in existence for at least 50 million years. Irving & Hebda (1993) speculated that “rhododendrons probably did not originate in the region where they are now most abundant and most diverse because these regions did not exist 50 million years ago”. However, the earliest record of rhododendrons comes from the incident where Xenophon’s soldiers were overcome by nausea and vomiting after consuming honey made from the poisonous nectar of the yellow flowered Pontic Azalea and Rhododendron luteum, when they had camped in the Armenian hills inland from Trebizond on the Black Sea coast of Turkey while retreating from Babylon in 401 B.C. (www. rhodo.citymax.com/page/page/627471.htm). Rhododendrons have global distribution, but are completely absent from South America and Africa. They are mostly distributed in Asia: China alone harbours 571 species of rhododendrons, of which 409 species are endemic to 142 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 12 The Rhododendron

China (www.efloras.org). In Indian context, out of 72 rhododendron species reported, the highest number of species (61 species) is present in Arunachal Pradesh (Mao et al., 2001), and Sikkim harbour 36 species (Pradhan & Lachungpa, 1990). Sikkim, being an explorer’s paradise, famous naturalists and explorers like Sir J.D.Hooker and Dr. A.Campbell had explored Sikkim during 1849, and their work forms the baseline literature even today. Sir J.D. Hooker had given an account of 43 rhododendron species from Sikkim Himalaya including Darjeeling Hills (Hooker, 1849). Being a part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, and due to its unique topography, Sikkim is very rich in biodiversity. In order to conserve this, Sikkim has been brought under a network of protected areas (1 Biosphere Reserve and 6 Sanctuaries) covering around 31% of the total geographical area (7,096 sq. km.). Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (BR), the only biosphere reserve in Sikkim and the highest biosphere reserve in India, covers 41.31% (core zone or Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP): 1,784 sq. km., buffer zone: 835.92 sq. km., transition zone: 311.80 sq. km.) of the total geographical area of Sikkim. The altitude of Khangchendzonga BR ranges from 1,220 m to 8,586 m asl (Mt Khangchendzonga), and lies between 27030’– 27055’N longitude and 88002’– 88037’E latitude. It is home to several endangered, threatened, rare and endemic species of plants and animals and is one of the richest reservoirs of rhododendrons (Badola & Pradhan, 2010a) and harbours over 20 species of rhododendrons, including the state tree of Sikkim, Rhododendron niveum, (Badola & Pradhan, 2010a) and Rhododendron maddenii, a species of high conservation concern (Badola & Pradhan, 2010b). The Khangchendzonga BR harbours some of the endangered fauna like Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), Musk deer (Moschus sp.), Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), etc., and pheasants such as Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) and Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra). A survey was conducted along Yuksom–Dzongri–Goeche La trekking trail (ca. 40 km) within Khangchendzonga BR (west Sikkim, India) during April–May, 2013. This trek has gained its popularity not only amongst the locals, but thousands of foreign visitors come to Sikkim to experience this fascinating trek. Yuksom (1,780 m asl), the last human inhabited area and an entry point to the particular trek is a beautiful rural settlement (comprising 12 villages) and is situated in the midst of lower wet temperate forest. The area is inhabited by a mixed community including Bhutia, Lepcha, Limboo and Nepali, signifying the perfect example of ‘unity in diversity’. Besides, numerous plainsmen (especially Biharis) have also settled at Yuksom and are running restaurants and other grocery shops. Yuksom, being the first capital of

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 143 A glimpse of rhododendrons in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim 13 K AMA l Poudy A l

Above Scrubs of Rhododendron lepidotum. Below The pink floret ofRhododendron falconerii. Bh ARAT P K. RA dh AN

144 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 14 The Rhododendron K AMA l Poudy A l

Above View of Mount Pandim from Phedang. Below Rhododendron barbatum along trekking trail. Bh ARAT P K. RA dh AN

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 145 A glimpse of rhododendrons in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim 15

Sikkim, has historic significance too. Some of the important places of interest in Yuksom include the coronation throne of first King or Chogyal of Sikkim, (which have been preserved since more than 350 years); Dubdi monastery (the oldest monastery in Sikkim, founded in 1701 AD by Gyalwa Lhatsun Namkha Jigmee or Lhatsun Chenpo); Karthok Lake, etc. Yuksom, especially bazaar area (market), is full of lodges and restaurants for the tourists, and the local youths make substantial income from the tourism industry by working as part time or full time guides/porters/cooks, etc. This trekking trail starts from Yuksom and ends right at the base of Mt Khangchendzonga (ca. 5,000 m asl), the third highest peak in the world, which passes through Sachen, Bakhim, Tshoka, Phedang, Dzongri, Kokchurung, Thangsing, Lamuney, and Samiti Lake. Variability in species compositions with altitude can be clearly observed in this particular trek. Within Khangchendzonga BR, there exist different types of forest systems, such as wet temperate broad-leaved forest, temperate conifer forest, sub-alpine forest, alpine scrubs and alpine grasslands. The wet temperate broad-leaved forest, extending up to 2,800 m asl, comprises of evergreen and medium-sized trees, rarely exceeding 24 m in height. Oak species and laurels cover a massive forest area and are abundantly covered with mosses and epiphytes. The forest is extremely thick and the forest floor is covered with numerous species of herbs, shrubs and ferns. We encountered 20 species of rhododendrons along this trek, which were in the flowering stage up to3 ,800 m asl; however, above this altitude, the species were in vegetative stage. Rhododendron diversity is very low up to 2,800 m asl. The trekking is much easier up to the Prek chu (river, 2,150 m asl), which is followed by steep climbing, up to Bakhim (2,600 m asl, a camping site for the trekkers) and Tshoka (2,950 m asl; old Tibetan camp which now has been evacuated by the KNP authority). Even though one has to cover 16 km long trek in the very first day, one does not feel exhausted because the forest harbours variety of colourful birds like Redstart, Whistling thrush, Drongo, Warbler, Bulbull, Tit, Magpie, Myna, Fly catcher, Cuckoo, Coal tit, Sun bird, Grandala, Barbet, Finch, etc., whose activities are so refreshing that even the person with little knowledge about birds cannot remain without capturing them in their simple cameras. The rhododendron species available between Yuksom and Bakhim are Rhododendron arboreum var. arboreum, R. grande, R. griffithianum and R. lindleyi (epiphytic rhododendron). Amongst these rhododendrons, R. arboreum has broad range of distribution and can be observed up to 3,200 m asl along this trekking trail; similarly, R. grande is available from 2,150 m to 2,700 m asl; while the status of R. griffithianum is very pathetic, there is a small patch at an altitude of ca. 2,300 m asl. The situation is similar in Fambong

146 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 16 The Rhododendron

Lho Wildlife Sanctuary in east Sikkim where we encountered few trees of R. griffithianum at an altitude of ca. 2,250 m asl. The species needs immediate conservation measures for its long term survival. Rhododendrons are medicinal as well as poisonous. In this part of the Himalaya, R. arboreum is used in the form of medicine, the dried petals are chewed to clear the choking caused by fish or chicken bone (Pradhan & Badola,2008 ); however, Major Madden reported cattle dying after consuming the foliage of R. arboreum in Kumaon Hill (Hooker, 1849). The nearby forest is highly disturbed between Bakhim and Tshoka owing to human habitation during the recent past; nonetheless, Tshoka, which formed the heart of the trekking trail, has its own significance. The view of Mt Pandim, early in the morning from Tshoka, when the golden rays of sun dart into the snowy peak, is so splendid that it looks like a beautiful painting clinging on the wall; the spectator feels like staring at it for hours or until one gets weary. The prominent rhododendron species available between Bakhim and Tshoka are R. arboreum [var. arboreum (red flower) and var. roseum (pink flower)], R. griffithianum and R. falconeri. On reaching 2,800 m asl altitude, the wet temperate forest species are replaced by conifer tree species such as Abies densa and Tsuga dumosa along with other species such as Magnolia globosa, Betula utilis, etc. Rhododendron falconeri with creamy yellow flower starts appearing at this altitude and extends up to 3,250 m asl; nevertheless, the immature pink floret, when young, sometimes creates confusion between R. falconeri and R. hodgsonii; at this time, they can easily be identified by their leaves, which are completely different for the two species. Along this altitude, R. arboreum, R. falconeri and Magnolia globosa forms a large distinct patch intermingled with each other, sheltering a variety of animals like Himalayan black bear, red panda, barking deer, Himalayan Thar, jungle cat, Binturong, etc. Dwarf bamboo, (Arundinaria maling) growing as undergrowth is very common, the leaf of which is an important food for the red panda and the new shoot for Himalayan black bear. Similarly, the fruit of Prunus nepalensis and Lithocarpus pachyphylla are relished by the Binturong and the Himalayan black bear. There have been instances of sighting of red panda by the people during winters, when they come out for the purpose of taking sunbaths (personal interaction) at Bakhim and Tshoka. We observed several scratch marks of Himalayan black bear on the tree trunk of Abies densa, Lithocarpus pachyphylla, Tsuga dumosa, etc. Above 3,100 m asl, Tsuga dumosa is replaced by Abies densa. The forest of Abies–Rhododendron extends up to 3,900 m asl. Tsuga dumosa has very restricted distribution; it has been observed only at Tshoka (west Sikkim) and below Lachen area in north Sikkim (author’s personal observation). Steady change in the rhododendron species is a very distinct feature from this zone

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 147 A glimpse of rhododendrons in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim 17

and the rhododendron diversity is high between 2,800 m to 4,000 m asl. R. barbatum and R. hodgsonii with red and pink flower appears at3 ,200 m asl, sharply replacing R. arboreum and R. falconeri. These two rhododendron species have widespread availability up to Phedang (3,700 m asl) and are found in association with the only conifer tree species i.e., Abies densa and other tree species like Sorbus cuspidata towards the lower limit and Betula utilis towards the upper limit. Epiphytic rhododendron species viz., R camelliflorum and R. vaccinoides can also be observed on the Abies trees along with Vaccinium sp., but they are very difficult to sight due to its low availability in the area. Species such as Rosa sericea, Daphne cannabina, Viburnum cordifolium, Berberis insignis, etc., are the common associates of rhododendrons at this altitude. Scrubs of Gaultheria nummaruloides are very common, densely covering the ground surface. It is interesting to note the very high regeneration of R. hodgsonii along this transect likewise in Tholung–Kishong trekking trail in north Sikkim (Badola & Pradhan, 2010a); nevertheless, such excess regeneration of the species perhaps will have negative ecological impacts in the longer run. The dense canopy formed by the large leaves of R. hodgsonii will inhibit the growth of its own seedling as well as the seedlings of Abies densa by hindering the light required for their growth. There have been reports of availability of R. decipiens, a replica of R. hodgsonii which can be differentiated by its rose pink wide open corolla, fading to completely white, from the later species bearing bell shaped rose-pink flowers, fading to light pink (Pradhan & Lachungpa, 1990); however, we could not spot the species during our survey. With the increasing altitude, the soil becomes less exposed due to boulders and rocks, which are densely covered with spongy moss/peat moss, Sphagnum squarrosum and ferns, which make walking very difficult beside the designated footpath. In some shady places, even the trees are covered with spongy/peat moss. Further, the beauty of the trail is enhanced by the light green coloured lichen, old man’s beard (Usnea sikkimensis) hanging down the Abies-Rhododendron trees; this forms the chief food for the musk deer during the winter. Nearing to Phedang, a resting place for the trekkers, R. barbatum disappears and the shrub of R. wightii, R. campanulatum and R. campylocarpum appears as the main associate of R. hodgsonii. The flowering inR. wightii had just begun during our visit (yellow flower); while R. hodgsnii and R. barbatum was in full bloom. The trekkers’ hut at Phedang (3,700 m asl) is situated in the midst of the Abies-Rhododendron forest and the stunning view of Mt Pandim from here is beyond exaggeration. The beauty is further enhanced by the presence of R. campanulatum, R. campylocarpum, R. lanatum, R. cinnabarinum, R. pendulum and R. triflorum. We were told during the interaction that the flower colour (dark red) and flower shape of R. cinnabarinum in this part is

148 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 18 The Rhododendron different from those present in Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary (pink and cinnabar red) in north Sikkim (Badola & Pradhan, 2009), but we could not observe the flower this time; however, from personal experience (first author’s) in Sikkim–Nepal border trek along Singhalila range in west Sikkim, it can be speculated that the flower colour ofR. cinnbarinum along this trek should be pink because of the distance factor, as both the ranges are close to each other. Though the species possesses beautiful flowers, Hooker 1854( ) reported goats and children dying after consuming the leaves and flowers of R. cinnabarinum in north Sikkim; even the wood is said to be poisonous – when used as fuel, it results in swelling of face and inflammation of eyes. Between 3,800 m and 4,000 m asl, the valley is entirely covered with red flowers of R. fulgens and R. thomsonii along with pink flowers of R. campanulatum and yellow flowers of R. campylocarpum, R. lanatum, R. wightii, R. triflorum, etc., and the ground is densely enveloped with scrubs of R. anthopogon, R. lepidotum, R. setosum, Juniperus recurva and Gaultheria pyroloides. Along this zone, nausea, dizziness and vomiting sensation is very common due to inhalation of the fragrance of these species. The tree species disappear completely on reaching near to Dzongri, which is situated at an altitude of ca. 4,000 m asl. From Dzongri view point (4,200 m asl), the fascinating sight of perpetual snow covered Khangchedzonga range is stupefying. The two- day trek (10 km) from Dzongri to Thangsing (4,200 m asl) to Samiti Lake (4,300 m asl) is very exciting, as the slope is mild and the ground is full of rhododendrons (R. anthopogon, R. lepidotum, R. nivale, R. setosum) and Junipers (Juniperus indica, J. recurva) and other high altitude floras likeAconitum sp., Anemone sp., Arenaria sp., Bergenia sp., Bistorta sp., Caltha sp., Cassiope fastigata, Corydalis sp., Gaultheria pyroloides, Primula sp., Mecanopsis sp., Myricaria sp., Potentila sp., Rumex sp., Rheum acuminatum, Saussurea ovalata, Saxifraga sp., Silene sp., etc., which – when in a flowering – gives a feeling of colourful carpet spread all over the ground. The noble rhubarb or Sikkim rhubarb (Rheum nobile) scattered on the rugged cliff gives a sensation as if someone is keeping a close eye on everyone passing through. The sighting of blue sheep, blood pheasant, Himalayan monal, etc., on rocky outcrops and steep slopes covered with rhododendrons, is very common; they can be seen foraging; however, one has to look very carefully on the slopes because they get camouflaged very easily. We observed a flock of blue sheep at Lamuney 4( individuals) and below Samiti Lake (25 individuals) during our trek; we spent almost two hours watching their activities and capturing them in our cameras. During our personal interaction with one of the Himal Rakshak (mountain guard) at Thangsing, he narrated about his encounter with Snow Leopard [when he was looking for his Dzo (breed of yak and cow, which is used for carrying

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 149 A glimpse of rhododendrons in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim 19

loads)], wild dogs, musk deer, etc. After climbing the strenuous steep slope from Samiti Lake to Goecha La, the eye-catching face to face view of Mt Khangchendzonga, the last abode, from very close is so enthralling that the feeling comes out in the form of spontaneous exclamation, wow!; however, due to bad weather, we could not reach Goecha La and had to retreat from Samiti Lake itself. The entire trek from Yuksom to Goecha La in Khangchendzonga BR is very fascinating and is a rich repository of biodiversity, which offers remarkable scope for rhododendron gene conservation as well as wide scope for the researchers to undertake researches on various aspects. It has been the priority component of the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) of Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department (FEWMD), Government of Sikkim supported by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to undertake the long term monitoring of the biodiversity of Sikkim, and this article is the by-product of the same project. ` Acknowledgements Authors are thankful to Shri Bhim Dhungel (Minister for FEWMD), Shri Arvind Kumar (PCCF cum Secretary, FEWMD), Dr. Thomas Chandy (Ex. Project Director, FEWMD) for providing necessary facilities and consistent encouragement. Authors would like to extend special thanks to Dr. S. Anbalagan (Additional Project Director I) and Divisional Forest Officers (SBFP) for motivating us. Authors thank the entire SBFP survey team who were also part of this survey. The SBFP consultants are acknowledged for providing technical assistance. References Badola, H.K. and Pradhan, B.K. 2009. Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim, an explorer’s paradise. The Rhododendron 49: 24–30. Badola, H.K. and Pradhan, B.K. 2010a. Discovery of new populations of a rare species Rhododendron niveum in Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim. The Rhododendron 50: 40–49. Badola, H.K. and Pradhan, B.K. 2010b. Population exploration of Rhododendron maddenii in Sikkim, bordering Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve – questioning rarity and endangerment. NeBio 1(1): 1–9. Hollick, C.A. and Smith, P.S. 1936. Tertiary floras of Alaska. US Govt. Publ. Off., Washington, DC, 185pp.

150 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 20 The Rhododendron

Hooker, J.D. 1849. The Rhododendron of Sikkim – Himalaya. Reeve & Co., Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, New York. Hooker, J.D. 1854. Himalayan Journal. Chapter XXIII, Vol. 2, London. Irving, E. and Hebda, R. 1993. Concerning the origin and distribution of Rhododendrons. Journal of American Rhododendron Society 47(3): 139 Leslie, A.C 2004. The International Rhododendron Register and Checklist. 2nd Edition, Royal Horticultural Society, UK, 1544pp. Mao, A.A., Singh, K.P. and Hajra, P.K. 2001. Rhododendrons. Vol IV, pp 2167–2202. In Floristic Diversity and Conservation Strategies in India (eds. Singh NP and Singh DK), BSI, Kolkata. Pradhan, B.K. and Badola, H.K. 2008. Ethnomedicinal plants use by Lepcha tribe of Dzongu valley, bordering Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, in North Sikkim, India. Journal of Enthobiology and Ethnomedicine 2008, 4:22. doi:10.1186/1746–4269–4–22. Pradhan, U.C. and Lachungpa, S.T. 1990. Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendrons. Primulaceae Books, Kalimpong, West Bengal, 130pp.

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 151 Tholung-Kishong, a potential ecotourism destination in Dzongu valley, North Sikkim, India: Scope for promoting nature and cultural tourism

Bharat Kumar Pradhan*1 SBS Bhadauria2 and Dechen Lachungpa3

* [email protected]; 1- Survey Expert; 2- Sp. PCCF cum Project Director; 3 -Divisional Forest Officer Introduction The International Ecotourism to visitors, and to contribute to Dzongu valley is the special Society (TIES) defines ecotourism poverty alleviation as well as to reserve area for the Lepcha tribe as “a responsible travel to promote nature conservation” and has its historic significances, as natural areas that conserves (DFEWM, 2011). Apart from these, the Lepcha, considered to be the the environment and improves several eco-treks/eco-trails within original inhabitant or indigenous the well-being of local people”. Sikkim have been declared by the The concept of ecotourism was State Government. One of the tribe of Sikkim is believed to developed during 1980s with finest example is the promotion have settled in Sakyong village in a view to uniting conservation, of Tholung-Kishong eco-trek in Dzongu, when they first arrived communities and sustainable Dzongu landscape in North Sikkim in Sikkim during the process of travel together and has gained full vide Notification No. 1975/F dated migration. Each scholar have their support from many government, 11/12/2006 published in Sikkim non-government organizations, own perception regarding the Government Gazette No. 400 academic institutions, etc. origin of Lepchas (White, 1971; dated 15/12/2006. It is a 14 days Globally, developing ecotourism Nirash, 1982); however, the Rong- round trekking trail covering a destinations is in high demand distance of approximately 60 km., kup or Lepcha themselves claims compared to conventional mass that they have originated from tourism due to its low impact/ and passes through areas like “Ney Meyel Lyang” (the land of pressure on the natural/fragile Bey, Tshana, Tumlong, Tholung, environment. In this context, Thyugong Bhutti Nay, Ringiphrom, hidden paradise), “Ne Male Lyang” Sikkim is not left behind as the Temrong, Thijom, Phyaguteng (land of internal purity), a legendry Government through Department cliff, Tholukpe, Dikithong, Kisong kingdom on the slope of Kong- of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Nay, Migeth La, Dawathong, chen-chu, as pronounced by the Upper Ludu Chu, Singo Doh, Management has already framed Lepchas for Mt. Khangchendzonga ecotourism policy for Sikkim with Thepa La, Paanch Pokhari, Lum (Pradhan and Badola, 2008). They a vision “to establish Sikkim as an cave, Runglikyong, Kalyokbi ridge, ultimate and unique ecotourism Dryong Puno, Dongmu, Leek or consider Kong-chen-chu as their destination offering memorable and Tingvong (Badola and Pradhan, guardian deity and believe it to be high quality learning experiences 2008). the eldest son of the Nature God.

Kishong Lake

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152 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II Uniqueness of the Tholung-Kishong eco-trek

Major part of Dzongu valley, especially, upper Dzongu falls within Khangchendzonga National Park and is characterized by diverse snowy mountains, peaks, glaciers, lakes, etc. The thick virgin forest is enriched with numerous varieties of birds, animals and rhododendrons including the state tree, Rhododendron niveum (Badola and Pradhan, 2010) and some of the rare and threatened faunal and avifaunal species like Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Tibetan Sand Fox, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Langur, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, etc. To protect the rich biological diversity of Dzongu landscape from emerging threats, several conservation zones such as Dawathong Himalayan Tahr Conservation Zone, Thepa La (north-east) Alpine Bird Conservation Zone, Thepa La (south-west) Medicinal Plant Conservation Zone, Panch Pokhari (Lungdoh Nay) Musk Deer Conservation Zones have been designated along the Tholung- Kisong eco-trail. Tholung-Kishong eco-trail extends from ca. 1750 (Bey) – 4200 m asl (Kishong Lake) and further upto ca. 5500 m (Kishong La) and is characterized by temperate broad leaved forest, temperate coniferous forest, sub- and passes along the Ringpi chu; different types of oak species such alpine forest and alpine scrubs/ however, being under private as Quercus lamellosa, Quercus pastures; therefore, change in control, the forest from Bey upto lineate, Castanopsis tribuloides, ca. 1800 m asl (above Tshana) species composition along the Lithocarpus pachyphylla, etc., and increasing altitude is the peculiar is much disturbed and farming other associated tree species characteristics of this eco-trek. of large cardamom (Amomum The 13 km trek from Bey upto subulatum) can be witnessed; such as Machilus edulis, Machilus Tholung Gumpa (2500 m asl) via the forest between Tumlong odoratissima, Michelia excelsa, Tshana and Tumlong Nay is mild and Tholung is represented by Juglans regia, etc.

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 153 Rhododendron edgeworthii Panax pseudo-ginseng

Tholung Gumpa is situated amidst Oak-Rhododendron could trek only 2 km. towards the glacier because forest and shelters different kind of bird species like the area was entirely covered by the shrub species Yellow Billed Magpie, Green Pigeon, Satyr Tragopan, like Rubus sp., and the population of the Himalayan Finch, Wabbler, Kalij Pheasant, etc., and animals like Black Bear has increased tremendously in the area. Goral, Assamese Macaque, Himalayan Black Bear etc. Towards Kisong Lake, trek upto Phyaguteng cliff from The spectacular view of slow change in forest types Temrong forest (approx. 5 km) is mild as well as steep. from temperate broad-leaved forest to temperate Rhododendron diversity increases above this altitude conifer forest to sub-alpine forest and alpine scrubs and are represented by R. falconeri, R. hodgsonii, R. and snowy peaks above all, from Tholung Gumpa, is niveum, R. thomsonii, R. campyllocarpum, R. cilliatum, R. very interesting. The overflowed water from Panch glaucophyllum, R. barbatum, R. lanatum, etc. Epiphytic Pokhari running down as five separate streams from rhododendrons such as R. camelliflorum and R. the top of the naked slope on the opposite side pendulum are also available along 3000 m altitude on further enhances the beauty of Tholung area. the Abies densa trees along with numeours Vaccinium species. Of these rhododendron species, R. hodgsonii There is a continuous climbing for approximately is widely available upto 3600 m altitude and R. 6 km from Tholung upto Rinziphrom and mild thomsonii upto 3900 m. A small patch of R. niveum slope up to Temrong forest (2.5 km; ca. 3100 m has been encountered along Thijom area (Badola asl); however, the trek is not exhaustive because and Pradhan, 2010). Along the Tholung-Kisong eco- the area is full of rhododendron species such as trek, the toughest climbing is from Thijom until one Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron edgeworthii, crosses Phyaguteng cliff (approx. 1.5 km); but the Rhododendron grande, Rododendron falconeri and stunning view of Kisong waterfall and numerous Magnolias such as Magnolia campbellii, which when other waterfalls on the bare cliffs does not give the in full bloom is very mesmerizing. From 3000 m trekkers a chance to think about the tougher side altitude, temperate broad-leaved forest abruptly of the trek. Some of the porters revealed that they changes to temperate coniferous forest (Abies- were reluctant in crossing the Phyaguteng cliff and Rhododendron forest) and extend upto 3800 m returned back from there itself in their earlier visit. The altitude. There are two different trek routes from valley narrows further as the altitude increases; the Temrong forest, one leads to Jhumthul Phuk glacier trek from Phyaguteng upto Kisong Lake via Tholukpe and other to Kishong Lake and further higher up and Dawathong is very mild and beautiful. to Kishong La, which passes between the peaks of Yakjuknamteng and Lama Ongden peak. From this Above 3800 m asl, the tree species completely pass, the view of massive Mt. Khangchendzonga and disappear and the ground becomes inaccessible Mt. Sinioulchu is overwhelming. The trek towards as the valley is completely covered with shrub of Jhumthul Phuk glacier along the Jhumthul chu is Rhododendrons such as R. aeruginosum, R. fulgens, R. mild compared to Kisong Lake; nevertheless, due to thomsonii, R. wightii along with Rosa sericea, Berberis less human movement, the trek route has completely sp., and scrubs of Rhododendron anthopogon, R. disappeared, as experienced by us in our recent lepidotum, R. setosum, Juniperus recurva, J. squamata, survey during August - September, 2013 and we etc. Beyond 4200 m asl, the vegetation is much less

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154 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II and consisted of R. anthopogon R. setosum, Juniperus The valley being narrow and steep, breathing is the recurva and J. squamata. The open ground is fully major problem everybody faces in this area. Flat land covered with species like Aconitum sp., Anemone is very rare except in some places. To reach Singo sp., Arenaria sp., Bergenia sp., Bistorta sp., Caltha sp., Lake is very tedious task; one has to cross through Corydalis sp., Cynanthus lobatus, Juncus himalense, the rocky ridges, steep bouldery slopes and narrow Kobresia sp., Mecanopsis sp., Myricaria sp., Oxyria passage of Thepa La (5000m) and through the dense dygina, Pedicularis sp., Poa sp., Potentila peduncularis, Rhododendron shrubs and pasture land, if entered Primula sp., Rheum acuminatum, Rheum nobile, from Tingvong village. Rhodiola rosea, Saussurea gossypiphora, Saussurea Kutki Orar: Being very rich in Kutki, the area gained its obvallata, axifraga sp., Silene sp., etc.In addition, name of Kutki Orar (Kutki - Picrorhiza kurrooaa; Orar there are unaccountable number of medicinal – cave) as the space under the huge tilting rocks was herb species along this eco-trek especially above and is still used as shelter by the previous hunters as 3000 m asl including species of high conservation well as the trekkers. The area is situated at an altitude concern such as Aconitum heterophyllum, Aconitum of 4181m and whole area is covered with kutki and spicatum, Cordycep ophiosinensis, Heracleum wallichii, has been designated as Medicinal Plant Conservation Panx pseudo-ginseng, Panax bipinnatifidum, Paris Zone. polyphylla, Picrorhiza kurroaa, Rheum acuminatum, Thepa La:Situated at an altitude of ca. 4600m, Thepa Rheum nobile, Selenium tenuifolium, etc. La forms the good habitat condition for our state bird – the blood pheasant. Blood Pheasants in flocks can Some of the places of interest be seen foraging under the rhododendron scrubs, Singho Lake: Encircled by the rocky bare mountain slopes and in and around the area. The area has been / cliffs, Singo Lake runs approximately 1 km by ½ designated as the Alpine bird conservation zone. The km covering an approximate area of 0.1917 sq. km. area in also inhabited by Monal pheasant but being It is the largest lake in the entire trek. It forms the solitary bird, it is very difficult to spot it on the rocky suitable habitat for many medicinal plants including ridges/outcrops and bouldery area. The ridge runs Rheum nobile, etc. Here a kind of snail is also found from South-West to North-East. To its North-West lies which is considered having medicinal properties. the magnificent Singo Tsho Lake. The Thepa peak or Rare Ophicordycep sinensis is also reported to be Tikchom (5064m) lies on the right side of the Thepa found here. There are numerous large and small lakes La. At the base towards Singo Tso Lake, there is a available in the area. The famous Lama Angden peak is small lake serving as the source of drinking water for also visible from here during clear weather condition. the available wildlife in the area.

Saussurea obvallata

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 155 Stone formed male genital at Tholung Gumpa Tholung Gumpa amidst lush green temperate vegetation Cultural significance place of interest and is an important pilgrimage for the Buddhists. The entire area is rocky and the huge Dzongu as a whole or Tholung-Kisong eco-trail in rocks have unique and beautiful natural carvings particular is significant due to its association with which resembles holy script of Buddhist (Pecha), the history of Sikkim and the culture of the Lepcha arranged in lines. As per the Lepcha belief, Guru tribe. When the then capital of Sikkim, Yuksom, faced Rimpoche has hidden the sacred relics at this place frequent threats of being attacked by the Gorkhas also and when he was about to lock the box, demon from adjacent Nepal, Lama Lhatsun Chempo, one from somewhere came to know about it and tried of the 3 monks responsible for consecrating the first to open the box. Instantly, Guru Rimpoche severed Chogyal/Spiritual leader of Sikkim had made his the hand of the demon and this can be evidenced way to north Sikkim with all the important relics via from rocks at Thyugong Bhutti Nay. Besides, one can the same route. It was him who built the Tholung observe the spurt of water oozing out of the rock Gumpa (Monastery) in early 18th century to hide the considered as Thi (holy water) by the Buddhist, foot sacred Buddhist and Sikkim relics from the Gorkhas. print on stone believed to be that of Guru Rimpoche, Now those relics are kept in Tholung Gumpa (ca. wish fulfilling hole, pain reliever stone, etc. 2500 m asl) under the surveillance of Ecclesiastical Department (Government of Sikkim) and are taken out once in every 3 years in the presence of Lamas and the officials of concerned Department during the month of April. To witness the same, Lepchas from Dzongu as well as from far off places including Darjeeling and Kalimpong (West Bengal) assemble at the Tholung Gumpa. Lepcha tribe believes that, whoever comes to visit Tholung Gumpa has to seek permission from the Nature GOD at Tumlong Nay situated at an altitude of ca. 2000 m asl in the midst of lush green oak forest. The same is believed to be the protecting deity of the Tholung Gumpa. If one fails to do so, he will have to face the wrath of the Nature Pain reliever stone at Thyugong Butti Nay GOD. There are several other cultural heritage around Tholung area like Kong-cha-chu (hot water spring), All the lakes in Sikkim are considered holy; however, Sinjibadong waterfall, Chorten of Lama Lhatsun Kisong Nay (holy lake) situated at an altitude of ca. Chempo and King Chagdor Namgyal, Leek Gomchen, 4200 m asl has unique significance. Apart from being dresses of Lama Lhatsun Chempo, stone formed male beautiful, there is a white straight sand path (approx. genital organ, etc. 1.5 m breadth) across the Lake, under the water in the middle of the lake which, as per the Lepcha faith, Thyugong Bhutti Nay, situated at an altitude of ca. 2650 is used by the Khandulas (fairy) for walking. The lake m asl and ca. 2.5 km from Tholung Gumpa, is another is extremely holy for the Lepchas and the Buddhist

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156 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II and they believe that whoever visits the lake once in a Benefits of ecotourism to the society lifetime will go to heaven after death. A true incident/ With such uniqueness in terms of biodiversity, coincident had occurred at Kisong Nay where a cultural heritage and geographical diversity, Tholung- young man from upper Dzongu captured a photo of Kishong eco-trek has wide scope for promoting it as the Lake along with the mountain on the side of it. a hot ecotourism destination. Ecotourism has been When he developed the picture, to his surprise, he viewed as an opportunity to generate income and found an image of Chorten (Stupa) in the Lake; the local employment. It is managed at local level which same picture is available at Tholung Gumpa. Apart means community members are actively involved from this, a plant resembling a paddy (Juncus sp.) can in all the processes. For example, the local youth be seen growing densely in one end of the lake. The can work as interpreters, guides, porters, artisans, Lepcha considers it as “God’s Paddy field” or “Deota ko artistes and other service providers. This will help in dhaan bari” which is worth seeing. enhancing the economic status of the local people Panch Pokhari, as the name indicates the presence vis-à-vis reduces their dependency on the natural of five lakes; but it has several lakes. The important resources thereby leading to conservation of the one of which is the Lungdoh Nay, a holy lake. In natural wealth. Sikkim, everything is considered holy and has its The eco-tourist will contribute directly and indirectly own significance. Similarly, Lungdoh Nay has its to research and conservation activities in the area religious significance though not much bigger in size. by donating their time, expertise or other resources. The Lepchas being hunters from the beginning, in They play an important role in marketing of the eco- Lepcha culture, every male individual has to perform treks in international markets and getting funds hunting at least once in his lifetime which is though from different national and international agencies for further development of the eco-treks. Besides, funding for conservation work is generated from the eco-tourist, in the form of entrance fee, camping fee, local taxes, etc. Ecotourism further helps in preservation of the local culture in a way that there are many local cultural landmarks along Tholung-Kishong, which requires maintenance and management for the tourists as well as the future generations to enjoy and this can be achieved through community based ecotourism. SBFPs initiative towards promotion of ecotourism in Sikkim a dying practice. Before performing such action, SBF Project under the Forest, Environment and Wildlife they offer prayer to the nature as they are the nature Management Department is playing a pivotal role worshippers. As per the direction of the Boongthing, in promoting ecotourism in Sikkim. The ecotourism a Lepcha priest, they go to the Lungdoh lake, offer component under SBFP has been designed to develop prayers, khada and agarbattis and head towards and improve the sector for benefit to the local forest the direction indicated by the Boongthing. It is a fringe communities while ensuring environmental surprising fact and a belief or simply a co-incidence conservation. This component focuses mainly on: that after offering prayers, they do not return empty 1. Policy, strategy, regulation and resolving handed. bottlenecks impeding the development of the Similarly, there are several other places like Tsho sector Melong Nay (Mirror Lake), Guru Lagang (holy cave), Jhumthyu Pup (holy cave), Thangsingi (Lion’s head), 2. Marketing Sikkim’s ecotourism opportunities and Seto Lagang, Dharma Chakra, along the Tholung- creating linkages between suppliers Kishong eco-trail which has, some or other way, 3. Developing areas for specific forms of tourism religious/cultural significances.

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 157 4. Developing ecotourism facilities in the State 2. Establishment of ecotourism marketing cell (EMC)

5. Improving the design, production and sales of Further, as a part of ecotourism marketing, around handicrafts 10 villages are to be selected and build successful ecotourism initiatives/activities. These villages are to 6. Devising a waste management collection and be provided training on ecotourism service provision, disposal system at selected tourist areas etc. 7. Capacity development References As a part of this, several measures have already been 1. Badola HK and Pradhan BK. 2008. Dzongu initiated, such as: Landscape in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve: 1. Framing of Ecotourism Policy Biodiversity and unique cultural spots along Tholung-Kisong eco-trek in north Sikkim (Brochure), 2. Identification of Potential trek routes Beracah Printers, Deorali (Gangtok), Sikkim, India.

3. Conduction of preliminary surveys of Tholung- 2. Badola HK and Pradhan BK. 2010. Discovery of Kisong eco-trail by the eco-tourism experts to new populations of a rare species Rhododendron develop it into international standards niveum in Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim. The Rhododendron 50: 40-49. 4. Completion of biodiversity survey along important eco-trek routes such as Yuksom – 3. DFEWM, 2011. Sikkim Ecotourism Policy. Published Dzongri – Gochela, Tholung – Kishong, Golitaar - by Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Tinjurey, Ravangla – Bhaleydhunga, etc., as a part Management Project (SBFP), Department of of documentation work Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management (DFEWM), Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim (India). 5. Identification of ecotourism villages 4. Nirash N. 1982. The Lepchas of Sikkim. http://www. 6. Exposure visit given to the local unemployed thdl.org/texts/reprints/bot/bot_1982_02_03.pdf]. youths and EDC members of Dzongu for preparing them as eco-guides 5. Pradhan BK and Badola HK. 2008. Ethnomedicinal plants used by Lepcha tribe of Dzongu valley, 7. Field trainings provided to them on trekking bordering Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, related activities such as tent pitching, selection in north Sikkim, India. Journal of Enthobiology and of camp sites, rock climbing, rescuing, etc. Ethnomedicine 4:22, doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-4-22.

Measures that have been planned to promote 6. White CJ. 1971. Sikkim and Bhutan: Twenty one ecotourism are: years in the north-east frontier 1887–1908. Printed in India by Sharma FC at Lakshmi Printing Works, 1. Development of wildlife watching areas, water Delhi and published by Gupta LR, Vivek Pubs. holes, etc., along the eco-treks Home, Delhi; 1971.

It has been the priority component of the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) of Department of Forest Environment and Wildlife Management (DFEWM), Government of Sikkim supported by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to undertake the long term monitoring of the Biodiversity and Promoting Ecotourism in the State; this article is the by product of the same project .

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158 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II MAGNOLIA TAXA A NEED FOR CONSERVATION

Sabita Dahal

Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Government of Sikkim [email protected] Magnolia campbellii in full bloom at Lachen valley during first week of April

Introduction are extremely tough which protect of only three species have been them from these beetles. The identified. Magnolia campbellii The genus Magnolia comprises flowers does not secrete nectar, was first reported by Dr. William of more than hundred species instead, they produce protein-rich Griffith in 1838. The pink flowered worldwide, which occurs naturally pollen upon which the beetles feed. Magnolia campbellii grows in throughout Asia and North America Darjeeling hills of West Bengal in and ten species are reported from Habitat and Distribution of Lloyd Botanic Garden and other India (Anonymous, 1964). Three Magnolias nurseries. It has also been reported species are reported from Sikkim, It grows in climates ranging from from Tendong peak in South viz. M. campbellii, M. pterocarpa temperate upto sub alpine region Sikkim (Harra.1966),M. globosa and M. globosa (Rai&Rai, 1994). and has a fragmented distribution in has been found throughout the Magnolia cambellii is the most nature with the main centre in East Central and Eastern Himalayas widely known species in the state. and Southeast Asia. Literary survey and into Western China. It was first Magnolias belong to the family reveals that very little information reported by Hooker in Sikkim in Magnoliaceae showing primitive is available on occurrence of 1854. Its occurrence in KBR has characteristics. They are placed Magnolia species in Sikkim. Out in between Gymnosperm and been reported by Maity and Maity, of eight species reported (Red List the Angiosperm, hence are of 2007. Another species M. hodgsonii evolutionary significance. They Category updated 1998), location has been reported from Teesta are both evergreen and deciduous and many are fragrant. The flowers are often seen on bare branches before the foliage appears and this simplicity contributes to their universal appeal (Hogan et al. 2004). Magnolia, a flagship group is an endangered taxa (Eduardo et al. 2013). As mentioned they represent an ancestral group of plants as their flower buds are enclosed in a bract rather than sepals. The sepals and petals are undifferentiated and are called as tapels. It evolved before bees appeared; therefore the flowers are adapted to pollination by the beetles. The carpels of Magnolia PANDA | VOL. 6 | ISSUE 4 | 2013-14 11

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 159 valley, Near Mangan. Occurence Darjeeling, Nagaland, Manipur and Tshoka in west district, Tendong in of M. pterocarpain Sikkim has also North Assam. The white flower South district and Pangolakha wild been reported (Rai et al. 1994). form of M. campbellii occurs life sanctuary in East district. The Distribution and brief description in the natural forest of Sikkim, distribution of the species through of M. campbellii, the most common Darjeeling, East Nepal, Bhutan, and field observation and consultation of the three species reported from North Assam. In Sikkim the white with the local people has been Sikkim is mentioned as under. flowered Magnolia campbellii shown in the map. It grows best in occur in the wild in moist hemlock moderately rich, moist and porous Worldwide Magnolia campbellii forests in between 2100-3400m soil, and are suitable in medium to is distributed in the Himalayas of amsl, mostly in association with high elevation, at low elevation they Bhutan, North East India, North Tsugadumosa and Rhododendron remain stunted. Burma, North Myanmar, West China arboreum located in Lachen valley, M. campbellii is a deciduous tree and Nepal. In Eastern Himalayas Tholung - Kisong in North district, of approx. 25 – 30m tall and is it is distributed across Sikkim, along the steep slope from Bakhim to commonly called as Ghoge Chanp. Bark is greyish brown. Twigs are glabrous, yellowish green when young and reddish brown when old. It flowers during the month of April-May. The White coloured, large, showy, fragrant flowers are of 8 inches long, grow upright with 12- 16 tepals and are enveloped by rust coloured silky haired bracts (Photo 1). After opening, the innermost tepals remain erect while the others spread widely. Leaves unfold after flowers which are elliptic to obovate, acute, base rounded or cordate, pubescent and petiolate. Uses Magnolias are valued worldwide for their flowers and forms. They produce large, showy, fragrant flowers of white, pink, red, purple and yellow colours. Some evergreen taxa have glossy and leathery leaves. Some have buds, stems and undersides of leaves covered with attractive gold to copper to brown felt – hairs. The leaves of Magnolia campbellii can be dried and used in floral arrangements and wreathes. The trunk of the tree is a highly valued timber. Tree wood is hard and somewhat heavy, which makes it a good choice in the manufacturing of doors, cabinets etc. It plays an immense ecological role as songbirds, migrating birds and other small animals consume 12 PANDA | VOL. 6 | ISSUE 4 | 2013-14

160 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II the seeds of Magnolia flowers, which provide protein revision, therefore baseline survey on its distribution in their diet. Beetles feed on the pollen from Magnolia with altitudinal amplitude and density followed by the flowers and benefit from the protein intake as well. Like detailed ecological studies should be a priority for the other trees, Magnolia provides a source of shelter for state. different species of small animals and birds, particularly the species of evergreen Magnolias, which last through Acknowledgements cold winter months. Large trees are well liked for their Author is extremely thankful to JICA assisted Sikkim thick canopy, which provides shade in warm climates. Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management The shade is important for cooling a living environment Project (SBFP) under Forest, Environment and wildlife as well as providing shade for other plants and animals. Management Department (FEWMD), Government of Sikkim for providing financial support. Needs for conservation attention The Red List of Magnoliaceae, published jointly by References Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) Hogan et. al. 2004. Flora, The Gardeners Bible. and Fauna and Flora International (FFI), UK through Gordon Cheers, Global Book Publishing, 2003, 2004. the Global Trees Campaign (GTC), has identified 131 Anonymous. 1964. The Wealth of India Series. 14 S V wild magnolias as being danger of extinction, from a Marg, New Delhi-110 067 global total of 245 species. This potentially catastrophic loss signifies the threat to the biological diversity Eduardo et all. 2013. Gap analysis to support ex because they are highly sensitive indicator of the well situ conservation of genetic diversity in Magnolia, a being of the forest in which they occur. Over half flagship plant group.Biodiversity and Conservation, 22 the world’s Magnolia species face extinction in their (3), p.567-5 90. native forest. However understanding of the ecological Maity, D. & Maity, G.G. 2007. The Wild Flowers of consequences of biodiversity is a fundamental Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim. challenge. Many floral species in Sikkim has received Naya Udyog, Kolkata, India. academic attention, however, Magnolias has not been adequately researched in the state. Assessment of H. Harra. 1966. Flora of Eastern Himalaya. Magnolias in India is reported to undertaken only on Vedams Books International.Vol.I – III. the basis of its distribution in Assam (Perscomm.with Rai, Topdhan & Rai, L.K. 1994. Trees of the Sikkim Chicago Botanical Garden). The assessment needs a Himalayas. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.

Magnolia campbellii in natural forest at Tshoka (2700m), West Sikkim

Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 161 CONSERVATION OF OAK SPECIES IN SIKKIM HIMALAYAS Sanjyoti Subba1, *, S. Z. Lucksom2 and Dechen Lachungpa3

1 Survey Expert, Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), FEWMD, Deorali, Gangtok 2 Retd. Director Forest, Development Area, Gangtok 3 Divisional Forest Officer, SBFP, FEWMD, Government of Sikkim, Deorali, Gangtok

ak belongs to Fagaceae family and is one of the The various research works have been carried out on the most important, ecological & economical tree Rhododendrons and Orchids and many reports, publication species of sub-tropical and temperate zone of and scientific information are available on the subjects but OSikkim Himalaya. The oak species in Sikkim is yet to be in the case of trees very little efforts have been made to studied properly regarding its distribution, regeneration study them in their natural habitat. In Sikkim, Oak needs and over exploitation problem in its natural habitat. It is a to be preserved and conserved because of its ecological species yet to be explored in depth. and economical value. The oak species in Himalayan region of India is Sikkim is listed among the world’s ten most critical habitat considered as natural resources for supplying timber, fuel for biodiversity and the State’s total geographical area has and fodder. Its semi-evergreen and evergreen silvicultural 47.34% of forest cover harboring approximately 5000 characteristics have helped the stiff hilly slopes from species of flowering plants, 150 species of mammals, 550 erosion and landslides. Thus conserving soil from species of birds, 650 species of butterflies and moths, 33 degradation. It also helps to maintain greenery of the species of reptiles, 16 species of amphibians, 48 species degraded forest area. Oak has the capacity of maintaining of fishes, 36 species of rhododendrons, 16 species of the groundwater level. conifers, 450 species of trees, 515 species of orchids,60 The oaks species is chiefly used for construction primulas species, 424 medicinal plants, 23 bamboos purposes, making charcoals, handles for agricultural varieties, 11 oaks varieties, 362 species of ferns and equipments by the local people. Leaves are good for allies and 175 species of wild edible plants (Pradhan & feeding the cattle. Besides, oil content of the nuts has Lachungpa 1990, Rai & Rai 1993, Cowan & Cowan not been studied but in future it may act as a source of 1929, Singh & Dash 2002) and it is sure that many oil content. Because of the above fact, the species in species of flora and fauna are still unidentified. the natural habitat is endangered and threatened to be Sikkim possess 11 Oaks species and they are economically extinct. So far, the study of oak species conservation in as well as ecologically significant, and thereof important Sikkim is almost non-existent. Some of the oak species for the conservation of the species in the State. The genus which are classified rare, endangered and threatened “Quercus, Lithocarpus and Castanopsis” belongs in the may be wiped out in near future from the biota. If proper beech family Fagaceae. Earlier, Quercus and Lithocarpus management and conservation initiatives are not taken in were included under genus Quercus. time there is every possibility of the species extinction from the natural habitat. Therefore, the species needs In the genera Quercus, fruits which have a conical or to be protected and conserved for future generation. In globular nut partly encircled by an involucral cup of comparison, the genera like Orchids and Rhododendrons, fused or overlapping bracts. In genera Lithocarpus, are highly studied regarding their propagation through fruits are covered with involucres, several involucres tissue culture and hybridizations. In Sikkim, many areas coalescing in fruit and forming clusters on the fruiting have been already declared as protected areas for Orchids spike. In the case of Castanopsis genera, nuts are and Rhododendrons. Rhododendron habits are protected wholly enclosed in spiny involucres. An oaks genus is through establishment of two Rhododendrons Sanctuaries distinguished by its fruits. (Barsey in West Sikkim and Singhba in North Sikkim) * Corresponding author: and in Orchids (Orchid Conservation Centre at Tinkitam, South Sikkim). Email address: [email protected]

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162 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II PHOTO

Castanopsis hystrix Hook & Thom. ex A. DC

Quercus lamellosa Smith

Lithocarpus pachyphylla (Kurtz) Rehder

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 163 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND ITS CONSERVATION CONSERVATION In the Himalayan region of India, oak forest is In Sikkim Himalaya, oaks species are distributed in a considered as natural resource and many species of oaks wide range of habitats from sub-tropical to temperate are under threat of extinction in the wild, largely due to forest, altitudinal ranges upto 3000 m amsl. Oak trees land use changes, construction of roads, housing and are important components of hardwood forests, and in unsustainable harvesting of nuts. Natural regeneration certain places oak forms the climatic climax forest with is poor in wild as in initial fruiting stage; maximum particular species like Engelhardtia spicata at Dikling Forest, in East Sikkim. In Ribdi and Bharang area of number of borers and insects lay their eggs and thus West Sikkim, there we find pure patches ofLithocarpus destroying the embryos cotyledons. In most of the area pachyphylla species. Whole Rabdentse Reserve Forest where the crown formation is close, and where the sun area is covered with Quercus lamellosa and mostly with ray is totally cut off, the oak natural regeneration is Castanopsis hystrix and C. tribuloides. In Fambonglho poor due to accumulation of thick leaf litter. Because of Wildlife Sanctuary the whole forest area is covered with these facts, conservation is needed. Castanopsis tribuloides, Castanopsis hystrix, Quercus lamellosa (sparsely distributed) and Michelia velutina, THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION AND Michelia cathcartii and Beilschmiedia species as top PRESERVATION OF OAK FOREST IN ITS canopy and secondary canopy is occupied by species like Eurya sp, Symplocos sp etc. NATURAL HABITAT Because of its dense crown formation it helps to • It is a good fodder tree, thus vulnerable for lopping arrest the monsoon clouds thereby contributing and and topping. Such activities should be avoided in its recharging the water level of the area. Thus, spring natural habitat. water is providing in the lower villages. Oak species • It is a good timber and fuel wood species thus plays a critical role in protecting soils from erosion and landslides. The composition of the oak forest regulates unnecessary extraction from its natural habitat water flow in watersheds, and maintaining water quality should be avoided. in streams and rivers. Oaks are highly mycorrhizal and • The nuts are edible and are freely marketed, the trees themselves inhabit soils and the roots growth therefore sustainable marketing policies should be through soil and break it into aggregates thus increasing framed. its porosity and ability to take in water. In Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Rhododendron dalhousiae is seen • In nature, the Quercus species shows some affinity growing on the Oak tree trunks as an epiphyte along towards some particular species. For example, as with many ferns & fern-allies, and orchid species, in Dilking Reserve Forest, in East Sikkim with thus increasing in the biomass of the tree. Besides Engelhardtia spicata. Such interesting association flora, many other faunal and avifaunal species are should be preserved for the further studies. dependent on the Oaks trees. For example, India Tree Pie, Himalayan Tree Pie, Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, • Pure stands of Lithocarpus pachyphylla species in they relish in the nuts of the Quercus fruits. The Red Ribdi and Bharang area, in West Sikkim should be Panda, Squirrels, and flying squirrels make their nests preserved and conserved. on the Quercus trees. Squirrels are fond of chewing the nuts of the tree. The tree is good for roosting of Kalij • Lithocarpus fruits are eaten by wild boar as well pheasant and avoiding the threats from predators like as bear and binturong thus directly proportional to foxes, jackals and wild dogs. increase of their population. Increased wild boar The broad-leaved hill forest in temperate Himalayan population directly relates to growth of predator region comprises mostly oak forest which allows other species like Leopards etc. species to grow under its canopy and thus forms the cushion under the forest floor. In monsoon season such These species needs to be conserved in their natural cushion helps to avoid the formation of splash and reel habitats which can be done through declaration of erosion leading to gully formation ultimately avoiding conservation zones like Rhododendrons and Orchids the landslide problem in the area. species. PANDA | VOL. 6 | ISSUE 4 | 2013-14 25

164 Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II TABLE 1: LIST OF 11 OAKS SPECIES FOUND IN SIKKIM AND ITS DIFFERENT PARAMETERS

SN Name of Species Local Name Characters Habitat Distribution and altitude Uses

The height of tree is 20 m tall. Bark rough, fissured and leaves oblong-oblong lanceolate, leaves sharply serrate in the S. W. China, Afghanistan, Wood is used upper half, resembling those Moist forests Bhutan, N India, Japan, Quercus glauca Murse for fuel wood 1. of Q. lineate but smaller. Glans and Temperate Kashmir, Korea, Nepal, Thunb. Phalant and foliage cut much exserted, narrowly ovoid, forest Sikkim and Vietnam along for fodder. about ½ inch long. Flowerings 800 to 3000 m amsl. occur in April to May and fruiting is acorns occur in Oct to December.

The height of tree is 30 m tall. Bark grey-brown with rough spots. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, Bhutan, N India, serrulate on the upper half, Mixed Myanmar, Nepal, n Wood is used Quercus lineata 2. Phalant glaucous beneath. Glans much mesophytic Thailand, Vietnam and for building Smith broader than long. Flower forest Sikkim along 1900 to 3000 construction. occurs in April to may and m amsl. fruiting occurs in September and October.

The tree height is 30 m tall. Bark grey-brown with rough spots. Leaves large, serrate, and glaucous. Cupules very large Wood is with circular lamellae, and very hard, embracing two-thirds of the Moist forests heavy, with C. Nepal to S. W. China, Quercus lamellosa glans. and gregarious very broad 3. Bajrant/ Buk Nepal and Sikkim along Smith and common medullary Fruits borne on short spikes 1600 to 2800 m amsl. with concentrically ringed in wet areas. rays and used involucral cups almost for building encircling the nuts. Fruits purposes. occur in the months of April to May and fruiting occurs in November.

The tree height is 30 m tall and Lithocarpus Mixed W. Nepal to S.W. China, S. leaves lanceolate to oblanceolate. Good fuel 4. elegans (Blume) Arkaula Forest, rarely E. Asia along 600 to 2100 Flowers yellowish, spike, fruits wood Hatus. ex Soep gregarious m amsl. is small shining nuts.

The lower rows of scales are fused, the upper closely adpressed with only their apices free. Leaves elliptic-lanceolate Good fuel long pointed, Flowering spikes Lithocarpus E. Nepal to Burma and wood and Sungure very slender longer than leaves. Temperate 5. pachyphylla Sikkim to along 1800 to wood is used Katus Several involucres coalescing forest (Kurz) Rehder 2700 m amsl. for building in fruit and forming clusters on purposes. the fruiting spike. Nut depressed globular. Flower occurs in the months of June to July and fruiting occurs in November.

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Rapid Biodiversity Survey Report-II 165 SN Name of Species Local Name Characters Habitat Distribution and altitude Uses

The tree height is 30 m tall. Leaves lanceolate or elliptic lanceolate. Cupules crowded but Bhutan, NE India, Laos, not connate, enveloping most of Wood is used Lithocarpus NE Myanmar, Sikkim, N 6. Arkaula the glans. The bases of the scales Mixed forest for building fenestrata Roxb. Thailand, NE Vietnam are connate, the apices free purposes. below 1700 m. and hooked. Flowering occurs in March, fruiting occurs in December.

The bark of young trees peels off in long strips when cut. Blaze biscuit with yellow streaks. Leaves similar to those of Castanopsis tribuloides, var. Sikkim, West Bengal and Wood is used Quercus longispina. Flowers occur in Sub-tropical 7. Katus Bhutan along altitude up for building lanceaefolia Roxb Febrauary to March and fruiting forest to 1600 m purposes. occurs in September. The cupules are set sideways on the branchlets, entirely develop the glans and are marked4-6 wavy ridges.

The tree height is 25 m tall. Forest Nuts edible C. Nepal to S. W. China. Castanopsis indica Aule/ Dalne Leaves large, serrate, oblong to associated and wood are 8. S.E. Asia along 1300 to (Roxb.) Miq. Katus oblong-elliptic, flowering spikes with Schima used for roof- 2900 m amsl. cream-coloured, clustered. wallichii shingles.

Medium size tree leaves serrate Quercus serrata with sharp points. Acorn almost Sub-tropical Sikkim, up to 1500 m Used for 9. Thumb. var Sano Buk enclosed in the cups which have forest amsl. timbers roxburghii elongate scales.

Castanopsis The tree height is 30 m tall. hystrix Miq. Leaves entire lanceolate fine Sub-tropical C. Nepal to S. W. China, pointed, but leaves variable in broadleaved Burma, S. E. Asia, S. E. Used for 10. Patle Katus shape and sometimes toothed. evergreen Tibet along 1000 to 2400 timbers Nuts wholly enclosed in spiny forest. m amsl. involucres.

Similar like C. hystrix but often different by its fruits, the Castanopsis involucres is visible between Uttar Pradesh to S. W. Musre/ Patle Temperate Used for 11. tribuloides (Smith) the tufts of spines. Leaves China and S.E. Asia along Katus Forest timbers A.DC. usually lanceolate long pointed, up to 2300 m amsl. flowering spikes solitary and fruiting spikes.

REFFERENCES 4. Rai TD and Rai LK (1994). Trees of Sikkim 1. Cowan and Cowan (1929). The trees of Northern Himalaya. Indus Publishing House, New Delhi. Bengal including shrubs, woody climbers, 5. Pradhan, U.C and Lachungpa, S.T. 1990. Sikkim- bamboos, palms and tree ferns. International Book Distributors, Dehra Dun. Himalayan Rhododendrons, Primulaceae Books, Kalimpong, West Bengal. 2. Flora of China @ efloras.org 3. Polunin O and Stainton A (1984). Flowers of the 6. Dash, S.S. and Singh, P. (2002). TREES OF Himalaya. Oxford University Press. New Delhi. SIKKIM.

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