The Kingdom of Bhutan is situated in the eastern Himalayas and forms one of the Global Biodiversity hotspots. The country’s physical features are characterised by high, rugged mountains and an intricate network of deep valleys , ravines and depressions earmarking watercourses, drainage basins, waterfalls, human settlements, glacial lakes and moraine. The components of biotic features are as diverse as its geo-physical elements, primarily influenced by the vast variations in its altitudes ranging from 150 metres above sea level in the south to over 7000 metres in the north. To ensure that the rich biodiversity is adequately protected, an effective network of protected areas has been established, comprising more than 26 percent of the total area of the country. The locations of the protected areas have been so chosen that they incorporate all the ecosystems found in the country. National Parks in Bhutan have been set up to protect the eco-system not as tourist destinations. Some of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are:
With an area of 4200 sq km, it is the largest national park in the country occupying the whole northern strip of Bhutan. The park boundary is contiguous with the Dzongkhags of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Gasa. It is a home to many endangered species of fauna such as takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, tiger and several rare avi-fauna such as monal pheasants, tragopan and several migratory birds. Some ornithologists believe that this park has one of the highest per unit population of Rimchu in the World.The park is also home to many endangered species of flora, particularly medicinal plants such as cordyceps (Chinese cartipillar) , fritellaria sp, etc. At least 50 species of orchids are found in the park. The park with its headquarters at Gyan Damji and Warden Posts in Gasa, Lingshi and Soe, is in the process of developing information centers and camping sites. Because of its scenic beauty and variation in altitude(1500-5000 meters) more than 70 per cent of trekking takes place in the park which has three entry points to the park viz., Mesizam in the west, Dodena in the center, and Trashigang in the east.
The Park is adjacent to the Indian Manas National Park, In spite of the insurgency in adjoining areas; biodiversity in the Park is still intact. Some of the major faunal diversity are tiger, elephant, gaur, wild buffalo, golden langur and capped langur. Besides an amazing number of bird species, the Park has all the sub-tropical species of flora. The Manas river that flows through the park adds to the scenic beauty of the area.
This park with an area of 1723 sq.km. includes virgin forests in an area that is generally known as the middles hills. The plant life here includes a wide range of broad leafed species, conifers and alpine pastures. The animal life found here comprise tiger, Himalayan black bear, leopard, red panda, goral, wild pig and golden langur. The Phobjikha valley, the wintering place of black-necked cranes is included in the park.
This Sanctuary is unique because it is the only reserve in the world created specifically to protect the habitat of the yeti. It is in the easternmost part of the country, where 650 sq.km. of temperate forests of eastern blue pine and rhododendron are protected. This sanctuary lies on the Indian border. Other parks are Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary , Thrumshing La National Park, Kulung Chu wildlife Sanctuary. All these are accessible by major roads.
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