Seed Plants of Kangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve

This is a list of seed plants (angiosperms and gymnopsperms) recorded from the Kangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in North Sikkim, India

Author

ICIMOD - Neha Bisht ( Consultant )

977-1-5275222

Purpose: This checklist was prepared to bridge the existing knowledge gap on biodiversity in the Kangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve.

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Description: The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) (which includes Kangchenjunga National Park in Sikkim), has an area of 1,784 km2, plus an additional area of 825.92 km2 in the buffer zone. The Reserve is representative of the Eastern Himalayan region containing unique habitats and ecosystems, dense forests, a rich array of flora and fauna, and high mountain ranges including the massive Khangchendzonga (or Kangchenjunga), the third highest peak in the world. With the total area of 2609.92 sq. km, the Reserve is spread across the south, west and north districts of Sikkim state in India. At its western extremity, the Reserve’s boundary runs along the Singhalila Range, which marks the border with Nepal. It is the main catchment area for two important rivers, the Teesta and Rangit. The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was established to safeguard the diversity and integrity of biotic communities of plants and animals within the natural ecosystem, and the genetic diversity of species. It is also managed for research, education, and training. The Reserve occupies 36.92% of the total land area of Sikkim.