Sikkim: Wildlife sets national and global records for Sikkim forest department

Sikkim: Climate change is affecting the environment in various ways. To shed light on its impact, cameras were installed at extraordinary heights to capture animal activity. The result was notable because it showed that the real Bengal tiger and gaur have also become victims of climate change. The Forest and Environment Department of Sikkim has achieved an incredible feat by using trap cameras to photograph real Bengal Tiger and high altitude Gaur. The photograph of the tiger, taken at a height of 3.966 meters above sea level, set a national record, while the photograph of the gaur, taken at a height of 3.568 metres, set a new world record. This achievement was possible due to the efforts of the team of Forest Department of Sikkim and Wildlife Institute of India. The collaboration initiated the installation of TRAMP cameras in high altitude areas across the Himalayan state to evaluate the impact of climate change on important mammals. Recent comments have left environmentalists and the people of Sikkim full of optimism. The thing to note is that these rare scenes have occurred. In 2019, a tiger was spotted at an altitude of 3.602 meters above sea level in North Sikkim. Similarly, last year we saw another tiger captured on camera at a height of 3.640 meters in Pangolakha. According to an expert, the presence of Gaur at high places is unusual. These animals are usually found below 1,800 meters and are known as the largest species of cattle in the world. They originated in south and south-east Asia and have a large number in India. The fact that this sighting took place, especially at high altitude, is of significance as gaur play a vital role in the nutrition of various carnivorous creatures such as tigers, common leopards and wild Asian dogs as part of their food chain. The use of tramp cameras in the wildlife sanctuaries of Kyongnosla and Pangolakha has yielded several images capturing tigers. Through these discoveries, important knowledge can be gained about the activities and dynamics of these impressive creatures in relation to various environmental factors. According to the Forest Department of Sikkim, their joint effort aims not only to commemorate these rare sightings but also to provide important information to understand the broader ecological consequences. By examining the behavior of large mammals in highland areas, scientists can determine the potential impact of climate change on their environments and migratory routes. Amid global ecological problems, Sikkim’s achievement serves as a guide of optimism to highlight the importance of conservation efforts and constant monitoring of wildlife in different habitats.