Sikkim is a place with a rich and diverse ecosystem which is due to its quite incredible topographical variety, because of this Sikkim is unique in that it is a virtual open air science laboratory , where one can study the huge variety of Sikkim’s Flora and fauna
Ecosystem
The British naturalist Sir J.D.Hooker spent time in Sikkim during the mid 1850-60s Which had an huge impact on not only British gardens for his plant collecting and introduction of new species but also on Charles Darwin for his “origin of the species”. Sikkim is botanically rich and unlike many other Indian states, is aiming to protect its woodland. 36% of Sikkim is forested. In the tropical low lying lands you can see Figs, Sal and Bamboo trees, further up there is the temperate forest which contains Oak, Chestnuts Maples, Rhododendrons, Silver birch and several coniferous trees, then there is the alpine area with its junipers, primulas and dwarf rhododendrons. Sikkim is most famous for its Rhododendrons which grow from the low lying alpines(6″) up to tree rhododendron which can attain heights of up to 30ft.
Rhododendron fulgens found on mass on the goechala trek
Rhododendron hodgesonii with its huge leaves and Cinnamon-brown peeling bark above the Prek Chu river
The Fauna of Sikkim over the last decade has come back in strength due to the goverments efforts to protect its forests, you may glimpse white monkeys, Blue sheep, many different types of birds, Himalayan bear and if you are very lucky snow leopard and the Red Panda
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