Developing a Trans-boundary Conservation Landscape for the Eastern Himalaya: an ecological assessment of alpine habitats in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim

Abstract

Alpine areas of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR), Sikkim were surveyed during summer-monsoon of 2006 with the following objectives: (i) Conduct a rapid survey of alpine vegetation communities / physiognomic units vis-a-vis alpine habitats, (ii) Characterize and classify the alpine habitats for major faunal groups and assess the anthropogenic pressures and grazing by the domestic livestock, (iii) Identify key floral assemblages / threatened plants of high conservation significance^ and (iv) Suggest a zonation plan and measures for long term conservation and monitoring of alpine habitats and review the trans-boundary issues. The alpine zone in KBR is spread over Greater and trans-Himalaya and covers nearly 48 % of the reserve. This area harbours a large number of rare and threatened mammals such as Himalayan musk deer (Mochus chrysogaster), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and a variety of avifauna. The land use practices in the BR and adjoining areas of Nepal include traditional livestock (yaks, cow-yak hybrids, horses and sheep) grazing, collection of medicinal and aromatic plants and tourism. The area is contiguous with the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of Nepal. Both the areas, altogether^ promise an excellent potential for a transboundary peace park. Broad vegetation types and alpine habitats have been classified and described in detaiL Based on broad physiognomy and land forms following broad habitat types have been identified in the alpine zone of KBR: Krummholtz Zone, Alpine Scrub, Alpine Meadows, High Altitude Lakes, Moranic Environs, Inaccessible rocky and cliff areas, Riverine Habitats, and Special Habitats (caves, tallus, colluvial deposits). Dominant vegetation types, human use and wildlife within each habitat have been given. Based on the earlier literature and extensive floral survey a tentative list of vascular plants in alpine areas of KBR has been prepared (Appendix - 2) giving their habit, altitudinal zone and threat status. Several plant species of high conservation value have been identified e.g.9 Schizandra grandiflora (a primitive climber with flowers like miniature Magnolia). Helwiga hinmlaica (bearing flowers at the center of the leaf and endemic to the Eastern Himalaya) Circaeaster aqrestis (Chloranthaceae of uncertain affinity), Pinguicula alpina (an insectivorous plant), Triosteum himalayanum (endemic to Himalaya) and Brachycaulos simplicifolius (an unusual herb of Rosaceae) among others. Various trans-boundary issues in the KBR including trans-boundary cultural ties, trade in medicinal plants, pastoralism, historical barter system, etc have been identified and discussed. Based on the detailed analysis of the issues and field surveys of selected areas along with the frontline staff of KBR various management recommendations have been given which include more multidisciplinary surveys in the KBR, training programmes for the frontline staff of KBR and Himal Rakshaks, notification of botanical hotspots within KBR for future monitoring, and better management of trail and camping sites in KBR. The authorities of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal, and PA Managers in India need to begin a dialogue afresh to revive Singalila Transborder Eco-tourism and set up a long term trans-border peace park for joint protection and management involving the local communities.