towards project snow leopard - Nature Conservation Foundation

Towards Project Snow Leopard • 55
STATE LEVEL CONSULTATION - SIKKIM
18 th February 2005,
Gangtok, Sikkim
Views of the Forest Department Staff on Project Snow Leopard and its Planning
Specific Target Areas in the State (Geographical scope of the project ):
In general, areas > 4000 m would fall under the purview of the PSL. In the Trans-Himalayan
region, these would include all areas within the proposed Cold Desert Conservation Reserve, such
as Lhonak Valley, Lhashar Valley, Donkung - Tso Lhamo Plateau, Sebu La, Lava, Yume Samdong,
Upper Thosa lake (source of Chakung Chu), and Nimphu. In the Greater Himalaya, this would
include Kanchenzonga National Park, and areas such as Kishung La, Green Lake, Lampokhri,
Bikhma taar, Talung Glacier, Dudh Pokhri, Khang La, East Sikkim, Lampokhri (Jelepla).
1. Strengths of the Forest Department Staff in Effectively Managing Wildlife in the High Altitudes
(> 4000 M) of Sikkim
1.1. Large contiguous areas still relatively undisturbed
1.1.1 All areas above 3500 m in the state is notified Reserve Forest with no rights or
concessions.
1.1.2 Potential for trans-boundary PAs: Contiguous with Quomolongma Nature Reserve
(TAR), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (Nepal), & Torsa Nature Reserve (Bhutan).
1.1.3 Low human population and cattle density (the entire snow leopard range in the
state may be shared by c. 10,000 people owning c. 5,000 livestock).
1.1.4 Rapidly developing state resulting in people shifting to tertiary occupations and
depending less on natural resources directly.
1.2. Cultural values linked to conservation
1.2.1 Mt. Khangchendzonga is the guardian deity for all the communities and there are
various festivals, folklore related to conserving it. The whole landscape is dotted
with holy caves, lakes, rivers, plants and sacred groves.
1.3. Local community is conservation-oriented
1.3.1. Most of the forest and wildlife offences are reported by concerned villagers.
1.3.2. Community participation has been institutionalized with creation of 120 JFMC and
44 EDC and decentralization of legal and financial powers.
1.3.3. 13 Local CBOs, NGOs very active and strengthened around KBR.