Daily Current Affairs : 15-December-2023
In a remarkable discovery, a tiger has been spotted at an unprecedented elevation of 3,640 meters within the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, setting a new record for the highest observed tiger habitat in India, surpassing the previous milestone of 3,630 meters in Arunachal Pradesh.
Location:
The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is strategically positioned at the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bengal, and Bhutan. The Pangolakha range in the east serves as a natural border, separating Sikkim from Bhutan.
Size:
Notably, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim, underscoring its significance as a haven for diverse flora and fauna.
Connectivity:
The sanctuary is intricately connected to the Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal, fostering ecological continuity. Additionally, it shares links with the forests of Samtse and Haa districts in Bhutan, further enhancing regional biodiversity.
Biodiversity:
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich biodiversity, hosting a spectrum of species. Among its inhabitants are red pandas, elusive snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, agile goral, and enigmatic black bears.
Landforms:
- Lakes: The sanctuary features high-altitude lakes, with Lake Tsongmo standing out as a biodiversity hotspot for migratory birds.
- Rivers: Significant rivers, including Rangpo and Jaldhaka, originate from the lakes within the sanctuary, contributing to the region’s hydrological diversity.
Biogeographic Realm:
The sanctuary falls at the convergence of the Palearctic realm and the Indomalayan realm, creating a unique ecological niche that supports a wide array of species.
Ecoregions & Biomes:
Encompassing various ecoregions, the sanctuary unfolds diverse landscapes:
- Terai-Duar Savanna: Offering a transition between grasslands and dense forests.
- Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf Forests: Hosting a variety of broadleaf trees.
- Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests: Featuring pine-dominated ecosystems.
- Eastern Himalayan Subalpine Conifer Forests: Marked by coniferous trees adapting to higher altitudes.
- Eastern Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows: Characterized by alpine vegetation thriving in harsh climatic conditions.
Important Points:
- Tiger’s Record Elevation:
- Spotted at 3,640 meters in Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim.
- Sets a new highest elevation record for tiger habitats in India.
- Location:
- Tri-junction of Sikkim, Bengal, and Bhutan.
- Pangolakha range acts as a natural border between Sikkim and Bhutan.
- Size:
- Largest wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim.
- Connectivity:
- Linked to Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal) and forests in Bhutan.
- Promotes ecological continuity and enhances regional biodiversity.
- Biodiversity:
- Red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, goral, and black bears inhabit the sanctuary.
- Landforms:
- Lakes:
- High-altitude lakes, including Lake Tsongmo.
- Lake Tsongmo serves as a biodiversity hotspot for migratory birds.
- Rivers:
- Major rivers (Rangpo and Jaldhaka) originate from lakes within the sanctuary.
- Lakes:
- Biogeographic Realm:
- Located at the junction of the Palearctic and Indomalayan realms.
- Supports diverse species due to this unique ecological positioning.
- Ecoregions & Biomes:
- Encompasses various ecoregions, including:
- Terai-Duar Savanna: Transition between grasslands and dense forests.
- Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf Forests: Rich variety of broadleaf trees.
- Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests: Dominated by pine ecosystems.
- Eastern Himalayan Subalpine Conifer Forests: Coniferous trees adapted to higher altitudes.
- Eastern Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows: Alpine vegetation in harsh climatic conditions.
- Encompasses various ecoregions, including:
Why In News
A tiger has been spotted at a record-high elevation of 3,640 meters in the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of these majestic creatures to diverse habitats. This marks the highest elevation in India where tigers have been observed, surpassing the previous record of 3,630 meters in Arunachal Pradesh.
MCQs about Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
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Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is known for the highest elevation where tigers have been observed. Where was this record elevation recorded?
A. 3,620 meters
B. 3,630 meters
C. 3,640 meters
D. 3,650 meters
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What is the location of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Sikkim, Bengal, and Nepal
B. Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh
C. Sikkim, Bengal, and Bhutan
D. Sikkim, Assam, and Tibet
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What is the major connectivity link of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Neora Valley National Park
B. Rangpo River
C. Haa district in Bhutan
D. Samtse district in Bhutan
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In Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, which region serves as a biodiversity hotspot for migratory birds?
A. Eastern Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows
B. Terai-Duar Savanna
C. Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests
D. Lake Tsongmo
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