Where Is Sikkim?
Sikkim, a mountainous, landlocked Indian state was integrated as part of India in 1975. Nepal borders Sikkim to the west and Bhutan lies to the east of the state. The Tiber Autonomous Region of China lies to the north and northeast of Sikkim and the Indian state of West Bengal to the south.
Spanning an area of 7,096 square km, Sikkim is India’s second smallest state after Goa, and the first smallest in terms of population which is 607,688 (2011 census). Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and nearly 25% of the state lies within the boundaries of the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Climate Of Sikkim
Sikkim experiences the five seasons of spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter. The monsoon lasts between June and September. Due to change in altitude, the southern parts of the Indian state experiences sub-tropical climate while the tundra climate prevails in the northern parts of Sikkim. The average annual temperature of the state is 18 °C. Sikkim also receives snowfall on a regular basis. In the north, the tundra-type ecoregion is snowbound for four months of the year. The temperature in this part of the state drops well below 0 °C during this period every night. The tall mountain peaks in the northwest part of the state have a permanent snow cover. Temperatures in these high mountain regions can be as low as −40 °C in winter. Heavy rain, sometimes lasting for 11 continuous days, triggers frequent landslides during the monsoon season. During monsoons and winter, fog affects visibility in the state, making driving perilous.
Topology Of Sikkim
Sikkim has a primarily mountainous terrain located in the heart of the Himalayan mountains. The elevation of the state rangers from 920 feet to 28,169 feet. It also houses the summit of the third highest peak in the world, Mount Kangchenjunga. Though the mountainous terrain of Sikkim makes agriculture almost impossible, some hilly slopes have been converted to terrace farms. Numerous streams, fed by glaciers of the Himalayas, carve out narrow valleys throughout the state and finally drain into the major river of Sikkim, the Teesta River. The Himalayas borders the state on all three (northern, eastern, and western) sides. 20 mountain peaks, over 80 glaciers, and 227 high altitude lakes, five major hot springs, and over 100 streams and rivers are part of this natural resource rich Indian state. Eight mountain passes connect the state to neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
Soil In Sikkim
The half-schistose and gneissose rocks cover most of Sikkim and result in poor quality, shallow brown clay soils. The soil has large iron oxide concentration, is coarse in nature, and is poor in mineral and organic nutrients. The pH of the soil ranges from neutral to acidic. Evergreen and deciduous forests are supported by this type of soil. Soil nutrients are also lost through leaching facilitated by the heavy rainfalls and mountainous terrain of the state. Thus, landslides are common in Sikkim.
Rivers In Sikkim
The Teesta River and its tributary, the Rangeet River are the major rivers of Sikkim. Other rivers of the state are:
• Takchang
• Roro Chu
Hot Springs In Sikkim
Sikkim has a number of hot springs that are well known for their healing properties. The hot springs in Yumthang, Borang, Phurchachu, Ralang, Yumey Samdong are among the best ones in the state. The water of these springs have a high sulfur content, some emit hydrogen, and the average temperature is about 50 °C.
Ecological Regions Of Sikkim
Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests: Present in the lower altitude regions of the state. Sal, orchids, bananas, figs, and laurel are some of the trees growing in this ecoregion.
Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests: Found at elevations from above 4,900 feet to about 10,000 feet. Chestnuts, alders, maples, oaks, alders, birches, and magnolias.
Himalayan subtropical pine forests: Same elevation as
Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests. Chir pine is the dominant vegetation here.
Alpine-type vegetation: Found at elevations between 11,500 and 16,400 feet. Pine, fir, cypresses, juniper, and rhododendrons grow at the lower reaches of this ecoregion and form the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests. A variety of rhododendrons and wildflowers are part of the Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows at higher elevations.
Flora And Fauna Of Sikkim
Flora in Sikkim is of various types, tropical, temperate, alpine, and tundra types. Almost 80% of the land area of Sikkim is under the control of the state’s forest department.
Over 5,000 species of flowering plants grow in Sikkim. This includes 515 rare varieties of orchids, 36 species of rhododendron, 11 species of oak, 8 tree ferns, 60 primula, 424 species of medicinal plants, 23 bamboo species, 16 conifers, 362 varieties of ferns and fern allies, and more. The vegetation of Sikkim varies with altitude.
Sikkim also has rich faunal biodiversity. Snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, Asian black bear, clouded leopard, Himalayan serow, Himalayan marmot, Tibetan wolf, marbled cat, dhole, Himalayan jungle cat, etc., are some of the notable species of fauna of Sikkim.
Most commonly found animals of Sikkim are the yaks which are reared for milk, meat, and also used as a beast of burden.
A large number of beautiful birds (over 550 species) are sighted in Sikkim. These birds include Old World flycatchers, babblers, robins, quails, Tibetan snowcock, pheasants, snow partridge, golden eagles, bearded vultures, griffons, etc. A great diversity is also observed among the arthropods residing in this Indian state and butterflies are the most notable among them. Of the 1,438 found in the Indian subcontinent, 695 are found in Sikkim.
State Symbols Of Sikkim
State animal: Red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
State bird: Blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus)
State flower: Noble dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile)
State tree: Rhododendron (Rhododendron niveum)
Protected Areas In Sikkim
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