Why is it in the news?
- A tiger has been spotted at an elevation of 3,640 meters in the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim.
- This marks the highest elevation in India where tigers have been observed, surpassing the previous record of 3,630 meters in Arunachal Pradesh.
About Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
| Key Features | Details |
| Location | Situated at the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bengal, and Bhutan. |
| Geographical Boundaries | The Pangolakha range in the east separates Sikkim from Bhutan. Linked to Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal. |
| Connectivity | Connects with forests of Samtse and Haa district in Bhutan. |
| Size | Largest wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim. |
| Vegetation | Alpine-temperate-subtropical vegetation. |
| Biodiversity Hotspot | Features high-altitude lakes like Lake Tsongmo, a biodiversity hotspot for migratory birds. |
| Origin of Rivers | Rivers like Rangpo and Jaldhaka originate from nearby lakes within the sanctuary. |
| Flora | Rhododendrons, silver fir, juniper, and moss-covered oaks. |
| Wildlife | Home to Red Panda (Sikkim’s state animal), Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, among others. |
| Eco-regions Encompassed | Encompasses various eco-regions like Terai-Duar savanna, Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests, Himalayan subtropical pine forests, among others. |
