Seed Plants of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in the south-west corner of the West Sikkim district. It covers 104 sq. km across the razor sharp Singhalila Range, which marks the border with Nepal. In the south, the Rambong Khola separates the Sanctuary from West Bengal. The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary forms a vital corridor connecting the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the north with the Singhalila National Park in West Bengal in the south. The site contains five forest types: subtropical moist deciduous forest (2,200–2,400 m), wet temperate forest (2,400–2,700 m), moist temperate forest (2,700–3,250 m), sub-alpine forest (3,250–4000 m), and alpine meadows (>4,000 m). About 600 varieties of rhododendrons, out of the 1000 known varieties in Sikkim, are found in this Sanctuary. It is also home to the rare Himalayan red panda and black bear. Meadows take over from above 4,000 m and are rich in medicinal plants.