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Sikkim stretches from the low lands in the
south with tropical climate to the mountainous regions in the
north with summits that touch the skies. The altitude varies
right from sea level to mountain peaks covering a wide spectrum
of flora and fauna. Nowhere in the world in such a small
area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to
the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe-
inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of
all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent .
Truly a naturalist's delight. The hillsides and
mountain slopes of Sikkim are strewn with bright patches of myriad
colours. The lower mountain slopes are abundant with lush green
bamboos and ferns. And the northern valleys are draped with wild
cherry, oaks, chestnuts, pines and white magnolia. The higher
altitudes are abloom with a carpet of rhododendrons with a
splendour of their own. Sikkim's 600 varieties of orchids are a
feast for the eye.
Flora
Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land.
The lowlands in the south between 800 feet to 5000 feet
experience a tropical climate. Here you find lush green
vegetation including figs, laurel, Sal trees and
bamboos. Some of the areas have been cleared for farming. The
temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder,
magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5000 ft and 13000 ft.
Above 13000ft, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and
rhododendrons grow. The perpetual snowline lies at 16000 ft.
More than 4000 species of plant have been
recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in
Sikkim, Epiphytal and terrestrial types, in the tropical and
temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate
and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August
covering the hillsides in a riot of colours.
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Fauna
The diversity in the plant world is
complemented by a similar variety in the animal kingdom. Over
400 varieties of butterflies and moths adorn the forest with
colour and life. Giant Lammergeier
Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and
Pheasants are some from among the 550 species of birds
recorded in Sikkim some of which have been declared
endangered.
Among the more commonly found animals
in the alpine zone are
yaks.
They are domesticated and reared in North Sikkim mainly for
their economic productiveness. Yak milk is used to make butter
`churpi', the wool comes in handy as raw material for carpets
and blankets. The musk deer, found in the upper temperate
regions, is today a species in the endangered list. A common
denizen of Sikkim is the muntjac, or the
Barking Deer. Among the more exotic mammals is the Red
Panda which lives mostly on treetops. It is found at
altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet. The snow
leopard is an almost mythical animal. It has rarely been
sighted and to date, only two field zoologists have succeeded
in photographing this elusive animal in its habitat which can
vary from 5,000 feet to as high as 18,000 feet. Blue
sheep, flying squirrels, binturong, tahrs,
marmots and musk
deer are at home in this cool blanket of green.
Most of this beautiful and virgin area
comes under the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Sikkim also has large cardamom, orange and
tea plantations. The rivers of Sikkim have trout, salmon and
carp. Fishing is allowed with a permit.
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International Flower Festival
The International Flower Festival is
held during the months of March-May, when most of the state's 600
species of orchids, 240 species of trees and 240 species of ferns,
150 kinds of gladioli, 46 varieties of the world famous
rhododendrons, equally varied species of magnolias and many other
foliage plants are in full bloom.
Major categories are orchids, gladioli, annuals, roses, alpine
plants, pot plants, cacti, succulents, creepers, climbers, ferns,
herbs and even wild flowers.
Lectures and seminars are held by the experts
in each field. A food festival is also organised.
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