Ecosystem diversity of Sikkim

              Ecosystem diversity of Sikkim

The ecological complexes can be a component of landscape such as a natural forest, a mountain, grassland, an 

agricultural field, a desert, a human habitation or it can be a component of waterscape such as a river and a wetland, a 

delta, a marshy area, ocean, etc. The natural ecosystems provide civilization with a variety of essential services gratis and 

on a large scale. The World Resources Institute classified the ecosystem into five types namely, i) agro-ecosystem, ii) 

forest ecosystem, iii) grassland ecosystem, iv) fresh water ecosystem and v) coastal ecosystem. Like many large tropical 

countries, India is characterised by a complex mosaic of distinct agro-ecosystems differentiated by their climatic, soil, 

geological, vegetations, crop growing, and other features. The NBSS&LUP, Nagpur has delineated the country into 21 

agro-ecological zones, based on physiography, soil bioclimatic type and crop growing period (Sahgal et al., 1992). The 

North Eastern Hills (Purvachal) including Sikkim with warm perhumid climate, red and lateritic soils and growing 

period < 210 days form one among the 21 agro-ecological zones.

Ecoregion of Sikkim: The geographical area of Sikkim stretched over 112 km in North-South and 64 km in East-

West can be considered as “God's Own Garden” because this is perhaps one of the few regions in India to exhibit such a 

vast diversity of ecosystem, flora and fauna within a small area. There are about 21 glaciers, 28 mountains and peaks, 227 

lakes and wetlands, more than 104 rivers and streams, sloppy lands, terraced agricultural fields spreading over 16% of the 

GA of Sikkim. The Teesta and Rangit, originates respectively, from Khangchenjau Lake and Rathong Glacier, are the 

major rivers of the State. Many smaller streams are also flowing. They are Rani Khola, Rangpo Khola, Sethi Khola, Jolly 

Khola in the East District; Lachen chu and Lachung chu in the North District. Lentic water bodies such as lake Aritar, lake 

Chhangu, lake Mamen chu and lake Khecheopalri harbours cold water fauna. The State is blessed with heavy rainfall. 

The annual rainfall varies 2000 to 5360 mm (average 3159 mm) with intensity of precipitation ranging from drizzling to 

torrential rains. The greater part of rainfall occurs between July and September. The temperature varies with altitude and 

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slope. The maximum temperature usually records during Jun-Aug (27 to 29 C) minimum during Dec-Jan (5-8 C) and 

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the average temperature in the region is 20 C. The relative humidity also varies from 63.8 to 88.7% defining the region as 

humid zone. At higher altitudes humidity is more often causing fog and inhibiting the intensity of light. Snowfall during 

January to March is also very common in North Sikkim. Bright sunshine hours vary from 1.97 to 6.3 hrs/day. This is the 

major climatic parameter limiting photosynthesis thereby production of crops. The mountainous State of Sikkim has an 

altitudinal variation ranging from 300 to 8598 m above the mean sea level (amsl). Mount Khangchendzonga (8598 m), 

India's highest and world's third highest peak is located on the north-east border of the State. Such a vast altitude 

gradation might have given a wide variety of plants, from tropical to temperate and even alpine. However, greater 

floristic diversity can be seen between the altitudes of 2,500 and 5,000 m. Elevation plays a prime role in delineating 

vegetation and eco-regions of the state but in some areas, altitude alone may not define a zone but other physical 

properties of the terrain are also be the factors. It is within these diverse habitats the variety of flora and fauna endemic to 

Sikkim has evolved over the millennia. The Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department of Sikkim have 

described 5 ecoregions or altitudinal zones of vegetation in Sikkim

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