28% of the state of Sikkim (2049 sq. km) lies within protected areas, a proportion that compares favorably with other countries within the EHR. Most of this protected land lies within Khangchendzonga* National Park (1784 sq. km). Five alpine, wildlife, and rhododendron santuaries protected an additional 256 sq. km.
| Name | Areas (sq.km) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Khangchendzonga National Park |
| Established 1977 in North West part of Sikkim includes middle elevation and alpine habitats |
| Kyongnosia Alpine Santuary |
| East of Gangtok city, near Changgu Lake |
| Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Subtropical and temperate elevation, 20 km North-West of Gangtok city |
| Maenam Wildlife Santuary |
| Includes temperate and subalpine forests in southern Sikkim |
| Barsay Rhododendron Santuary |
| Exterme South-West of Sikkim, forests contiguous with Singhalila NP in Darjeeling |
| Singhba Rhododendron Santuary |
| Yumthang Valley North of Gangtok at 3700m, diverse Rhododendron Habitat |
Proposed Protected Areas in Sikkim
Currently there are 6 additional protected areas proposed under the biodiversity "hotspot" program. If approved, these will extend Sikkim's protected area system to total size of 3871 sq.km (53% of Sikkim's total area). However, these proposed protected areas were not included in the present report.
Protected areas proposed under "biodiversity hotspot" program
| Name | Areas (sq.km) |
|---|---|
| Kitam Sanctuary |
|
| Pangolakha National Park |
|
| Tholung Wildlife Sanctuary |
|
| Dzongri Wildlife Santuary |
|
| Nimphu Wildlife Sanctuary |
|
| Kanchandzonga National Park (International Biosphere Reserve Extension) |
|
Source:Kanchenjunga Mountain Complex, WWF Nepal Program