The Forest and Environment Department of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Global Tiger Forum (GTF), significantly bolstered its tiger and biodiversity conservation efforts on December 26th in Gangtok. A handover ceremony, attended by Forest Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, marked the distribution of vital field equipment, including a patrolling van and specialized safety gear.
This initiative, part of the IUCN and KFW-supported project, “Investigating and Addressing Tiger Conservation in Sikkim – The Eastern Himalayas,” aims to enhance frontline operations and protected area management. A key component involved providing a patrolling van to the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (South Range), along with high-altitude field gear and safety equipment tailored to the demanding terrain.
The distribution extended to several critical conservation areas. A total of 24 sets of field operations gear and 99 sets of patrolling safety equipment were allocated to the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Khangchenzonga National Park, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Territorial Range, Barapathing Range, and North Territorial Ranges. These areas have played a crucial role in recent tiger conservation initiatives, including successful camera trap studies.
This substantial investment in equipment underscores Sikkim’s commitment to providing its forest staff with the necessary tools to effectively manage protected areas and address the unique conservation challenges presented by the region’s high-altitude ecosystems. The improved resources will undoubtedly contribute to more efficient monitoring and protection of Sikkim’s valuable biodiversity.