Sikkim has extremely diverse wildlife due to its varying altitude ranging from 300m to 8586m, representing different eco-regions. It is home to over 150 mammal species including rare ones like the red panda and snow leopard, 550 bird species, and 48 fish species. The state is further divided into 5 altitudinal zones, each containing unique flora and fauna adapted to that specific climate and elevation. Over 81% of Sikkim is forested and 30.77% is protected areas consisting of one national park and seven wildlife sanctuaries, helping to preserve its rich biodiversity.

1. WILDLIFE IN SIKKIM
PREM AGARWAL
2019-V-66

2. Sikkim being situated in the lap of the Himalays, is extremely rich in its
wildlife. Its varies altitude ranging from 300 m to 8586 m representing
tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and alpine regions and a small portion
of cold desert due to which it is also one of the only 3 ecoregions of
India.
Sikkim’s fauna is diverse, including almost 150
species of mammals, 550 species of birds,
and 48 species of fishes, in addition many
reptiles, amphibians and insects. Amongst
endangered/rare mammal species are, Red
Panda, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Tibetan
wolf, Red fox, Indian wild dog, Hog Badger,
Tibetan Sheep, Serow, Goral, Tibetan wild Ass,
etc.
The faunal components are further
enriched by the presence of over 627
species of butterflies and insects. Red
Panda (Ailurus fulgens) is the state
animal of Sikkim while Blood Pheasant
(Ithaginis cruentus) is its state bird.

3. The state is divided into 5 major altitudanal zones or Eco-regions :-
Tropical (300m-1200m)
Rufous-necked Hornbill , Great Indian Hornbill , Chestnut-
breasted Partridge, Black-breasted Parrot bill, Grey-crowned
Prinia and Ward’s Trogon. Peafowl, Python, Geckos, Porcupine,
Assamese Macaque and Barking deer, as well as many butterflies
and other invertebrates, fish, frogs and toads.
Sub Tropical (1200m - 3000m)
Rusty-bellied and Lesser Short wing, Kalij and Satyr Tragopan.
Japalura lizards, Cobra, Krait and Himalayan Pit Viper, Himalayan
Bullfrog and many species of butterflies.
Temperate (3000m - 4500m)
Red Panda, Common Langur, Himalayan Black Bear, Lesser cats,
Goral, Serow, Monal Pheasant, Fire-tailed, Sunbird, Blue Magpie
and various species of reptiles and amphibians. Musk Deer,
Himalayan Tahr, Blood Pheasant, and Ibis bill
Trans-Hymalayan(4500m - 5500m)
Tibetan Gazelle, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Snow cock,
Lammergeier, Raven, Golden Eagle and Ruddy Shelduck
Alpline (>5500m)
Snow Leopard, Wild Yak, Blue Sheep

4. About 81% of its land comes under its forest department and 30.77 % of it is declared
protected comprising 1 National Park, 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries & 1 conservation Reserve.
The Khangchendzonga National Park is the largest &a UNESCO World Heritage Site.