Unique fauna of Sikkim

 Hey guys if you haven't read my last blog then do check it out. Here's my next blog and in this we'll be talking about the endemic fauna of Sikkim. Let's Start

1. Snow Leopard

Snow leopards live in the mountainous regions of central and southern Asia. In India, their geographical range encompasses a large part of the western Himalayas including the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas. The last three states form part of the Eastern Himalayas – a priority global region of WWF and the Living Himalayas Network Initiative.

Snow leopards prefer steep, rugged terrains with rocky outcrops and ravines. This type of habitat provides good cover and clear view to help them sneak up on their prey. They are found at elevations of 3,000-5,000 metres or higher in the Himalayas.

It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because the global population is estimated to number less than 10,000 mature individuals and is expected to decline about 10% by 2040. It is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction following infrastructural developments.

2.Red Panda

The Red Panda is a mammal species native to Eastern Himalayas and South Western China. It is listed indangered on the IUCN Red List because the wild population is estimated fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and continues to decline due to habitat loss and Fragmentation, Poaching and Inbreeding depression.

The red panda has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its shorter front legs; it is roughly the size of a domestic cat, though with a longer body, and is somewhat heavier. It is arboreal and feeds mainly on bamboo, but also eats eggs, birds, and insects. It is a solitary animal, mainly active from dusk to dawn and is largely sedentary during the day. It is also called the lesser panda, the red bear-cat, and the red cat-bear.

3.Musk Deer

The white-bellied musk deer or Himalayan musk deer  is a musk deer species occurring in the parts of Sikkim. It

is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List because of overexploitation resulting in a probable serious population decline.

As the musk the deer produces is in demand for the manufacture of perfumes and medicines, it is highly valuable. Since the species is endangered and hard to find, its value on the wildlife trade market is increased still further. The hunting and trade of the white-bellied musk deer is the main threat to the species. Deer musk may sell for as much as $45,000/kg, making it one of the most valuable animal-derived products in the world. Hunters catch and kill the deer using snares. Only males produce the musk, so this creates a problem because females and young are caught in the traps and killed.

The white-bellied musk deer is protected by law in Bhutan, Nepal, and India. In China, hunting may be permitted in some areas, although a license is required. It is listed as an endangered species.Improving the enforcement of antipoaching laws is a key priority for the conservation of this species.

That's all for today. Thank you so much for reading my blog. If you liked it then do share and comment.

Mehak Siwal