Phrumsengla National Park: A Haven For Wildlife In Bhutan

Location and Overview

Phrumsengla National Park is situated in the heart of Bhutan in the central region. It is located on the Thrumshingla Pass which is the second highest mountain pass in the country. It spans across four districts namely Bumthang, Lhuntse, and Zhemgang with most of its area lying in the Mongar district. The Phrumsengla National Park is part of the famed biological corridors of Bhutan and connects the eastern and central parks and protected areas of Bhutan. Phrumsengla is known for its exceptional and relatively unexplored scenic beauty and is considered as one of the up and coming potential tourist destinations of Bhutan. The Phrumsengla National Park is also home to several rare, exotic and critically endangered species of birds and animals.

History and Geography

Phrumsengla National Park was previously known as Thrumshingla National Park. It was named after its most significant landmark which is the Thrumshingla Pass, the second highest mountain pass in the country, which covers the park in its entirety. The pass forms the only land connection between the eastern and central regions situated across the Donga range which has historically proven to be extremely difficult to traverse. The topography comprises of tall mountains peaking at more than 14,436 feet and mostly temperate forests as one goes downhill. The strategically important Lateral Road runs through the pass and divides the Phrumsengla National Park into two distinct but connected regions.

Habitat and Biodiversity

Given its varied topography and connectedness with the biological corridors, the Phrumsengla National Park provides a rich habitat for a diverse assortment of flora and fauna. As reported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), as many as sixty-eight different species of rare, threatened or endangered mammal species are found in the park such as leopards, red pandas, Malayan giant squirrels, and tigers. The Phrumsengla National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts who can find over 340 different varieties of exotic, rare and critically endangered birds like the rufous-necked hornbill, black-necked cranes, blood pheasants, brown owls and booted eagles among the many found here. The vegetation here is mainly the ancient fir and chir pine trees with mostly subtropical broadleaf forests dominating the majority of the area of the park.

Threats and Conservation

The Phrumsengla National Park is a center of conservation and research activities with the WWF involved in several projects here. The major threats in the recent past were the government’s construction of a new road. Despite numerous protests and calls for reconsideration demanding the government to assess the irreparable damage this construction will do to the park’s ecosystem, the project still went ahead. Other threats include the winter migration of residents and overgrazing by livestock which depletes the forest resources. Human-wildlife conflict is also a highlighted issue but with very few reported cases. Poaching is also an issue but has been countered to much effect by the anti-poaching unit of the Phrumsengla National Park.

Tourism

The unspoiled and primeval forests of the Phrumsengla National Park are a major attraction. The forest comprises of many medicinal plant species in addition to several hundred prospective species yet to be identified. The park is one of the more easily accessible of Bhutan’s protected areas due to the Lateral Road running right through it. The interest and marketing from the WWF also bring many tourists to the Phrumsengla National Park. Birdwatchers love to hang around the park in a bid to spot exotic and sometimes rare species in the wild mix.