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