Parks - IUCN

MINGMA NORBU SHERPA AND UGEN P NORBU
to temperate evergreen forests, subalpine grasslands, alpine meadows, and glaciated
ice, rock, and scree found in the higher elevations. In addition to populations of
wildlife such as blue sheep, takin, snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear,
Bengal tiger, and red panda, approximately 6,500 local people live within the
park. They practice subsistence agriculture at the lower elevations and subsistence
livestock grazing, particularly yak management, at the higher elevations.
The wide variety of natural habitats – from the alpine highland of the north to
broadleaf forests in south – is important for several migratory wildlife species such
as takin, snow leopard, Bengal tiger, blue sheep, deer, and blood pheasant. A richlyforested
corridor connects the park to the Black Mountains National Park.
Jigme Dorji has immense cultural and economic significance. Alternatively known
as ‘the abode of gods,’ the park has many sacred natural features and cultural
monuments. Mount Chomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake, two of the most popular
mountain peaks in Bhutan, are worshipped by the Bhutanese as homes of the local
deity. Outstanding fortresses such as Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong reflect Bhutan’s
magnificent culture and history. Four major rivers – Mo Chhu, Pho Chhu, Wang Chhu,
and Pa Chhu – have their sources in the glacial lakes located in the alpine valleys of
the park. Hydropower plants downstream in southern Bhutan harness the turbulent
waters of these rivers to produce electricity, currently the country’s largest export
product in terms of generation of foreign revenue. The protection of these rivers is
also critical for downstream communities in Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh.
Biological corridor linking Black Mountains and
Jigme Dorji National Parks
A forest corridor connects the Black Mountains and Jigme Dorji National Parks. This
area is not officially recognised for major conservation intervention. Subtropical and
temperate forests cover more than 75% of the area. The forest corridor serves as
wintering grounds for the charismatic but rare black-necked cranes. Several forestry
and conservation units within the corridor already provide substantial protection to
the link area.
Conservation Areas: Phobjikha and Khotokha areas have been set aside as
conservation areas for protecting the wintering habitats of the black-necked cranes.
The conservation areas attract more than 200 cranes every winter. These areas are
multiple-use areas and do not require detailed conservation plans. Nevertheless, they
require some special regulations to provide adequate protection for the cranes and
their natural habitats.
Scenic Landscapes: Pele La, a main divide of Wangdi and Tongsa Dzongkhags,
serves as a scenic area and also provides prime habitat for langur, red panda, and
many bird species such as satyr tragopan and blood pheasant. This largely forested
landscape is managed by the Forestry Service Division, which applies restrictions on
forest uses as necessary.
Forest Management Units: Two forest management units, one in Khotoka area and
the other in Chendebji area, allow harvesting of timber and fuelwood based on
sustainable forest management plans. Ecological and socio-economic considerations
receive due attention in operating the forest management units. These units and other
forested areas serve as an excellent wildlife corridor for both migrant and resident
species. Most of the valleys and the ridges along Pele La are still densely forested and
serve as a good biological corridor.
39