Wildlife in Sikkim

The wildlife in Sikkim consists of a plethora of animals and birds. And the credit goes to its altitude that rises from the sea level to high peaks. Although a small state but it abounds in rich variety of flora and fauna. Sikkim is a land having more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. The dense forests of the state are the natural homes to the wonderful creatures on earth(wildlife). The animals spotted in Sikkim are snow leopard, marmots,wild ass, leopard, red panda, blue sheep, Himalayan black bear and flying squirrels. Musk deer is an endangered animal species which can be spotted the state in the upper temperate zones. Barking deer can be spotted easily in Sikkim. Red panda resides at altitudes between 6,000 to 12,000. Yaks are found in the alpine zones and are also reared by the residents for milk, meat, wool and other products.

Sikkim is a paradise for naturalists who wrote briefly about its flora and fauna. Dr. J.Hooker's findings about the botanical richness of Sikkim were featured in the publication 'Himalayan Journal'. 'The birds of Sikkim' is a famous book written by Dr. Salim Ali. It talks about all the bird species found here. Sikkim is a home to several species of birds such as Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Peasants. In all there are around 550 species of birds in Sikkim.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim are the homes to its rich flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state are Maenam Wildlife sanctuary,Kanchanjunga National Park, Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary and Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife sanctuary.