List of protected areas of Bhutan
Encyclopedia
The protected areas of Bhutan are its national park
s, nature preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Most of these protected areas were first set aside in the 1960s, originally covering most of the northern and southern regions of Bhutan
. Today, protected areas cover more than 42% of the kingdom, mostly in the northern regions. Protected areas also line most of Bhutan's international borders with China
and India
.
, spanning a 4914 square kilometres (1,897.3 sq mi) swath in northern Bhutan. The parks and sanctuaries are all connected either directly or by "biological corridors
." As of 2011, the Fund had recruited 189 field staff, had trained 24 post-graduate specialists, and had provided over 300 short scientific courses. The Fund alone manages a total protected area of 16396.43 square kilometres (6,330.7 sq mi) – nearly the size of Swaziland
and more than 42 percent of Bhutan's total 38394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi). With the exception of Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
and Torsa Strict Nature Reserve
, these protected areas are inhabited or are located within populated areas.
In practice, the overlap of these extensive protected lands with populated areas has led to mutual habitat encroachment. The Lateral Road
, Bhutan's main highway, bisects Thrumshingla National Park
in the center of the kingdom. Protected wildlife has entered agricultural areas, trampling crops and killing livestock. In response, Bhutan has implemented an insurance scheme, begun constructing solar powered alarm fences, watch towers, and search lights, and has provided fodder and salt licks outside human settlement areas to encourage animals to stay away.
In addition, the Royal Government maintains the following protected areas:
The following areas of Bhutan are protected or maintained by private organizations:
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
s, nature preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Most of these protected areas were first set aside in the 1960s, originally covering most of the northern and southern regions of Bhutan
Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked state in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by the People's Republic of China...
. Today, protected areas cover more than 42% of the kingdom, mostly in the northern regions. Protected areas also line most of Bhutan's international borders with China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Background
The government agency responsible for their oversight is the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Services Division. Since 1992, protected areas have been managed by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation. In 1993, the Fund revised and reduced its extensive parks system for better ecological representation and management. Through 2008, however, protected areas expanded significantly with the establishment of Wangchuck Centennial ParkWangchuck Centennial Park
Wangchuck Centennial Park in northern Bhutan is the kingdom's largest national park, spanning over five districts, occupying significant portions of northern Bumthang, Lhuntse, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. It borders Tibet to the north and is bound by tributaries of the Wong Chhu basin to the...
, spanning a 4914 square kilometres (1,897.3 sq mi) swath in northern Bhutan. The parks and sanctuaries are all connected either directly or by "biological corridors
Wildlife corridor
A wildlife corridor or green corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities . This allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity that often occur within...
." As of 2011, the Fund had recruited 189 field staff, had trained 24 post-graduate specialists, and had provided over 300 short scientific courses. The Fund alone manages a total protected area of 16396.43 square kilometres (6,330.7 sq mi) – nearly the size of Swaziland
Swaziland
Swaziland, officially the Kingdom of Swaziland , and sometimes called Ngwane or Swatini, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered to the north, south and west by South Africa, and to the east by Mozambique...
and more than 42 percent of Bhutan's total 38394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi). With the exception of Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary is the second-smallest national park in Bhutan, covering in western Sarpang District and southeastern Dagana District along the border with West Bengal. It is connected to Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Royal Manas National Park via a "biological corridor"...
and Torsa Strict Nature Reserve
Torsa Strict Nature Reserve
The Torsa Strict Nature Reserve in Bhutan covers in Haa District, occupying most of its area. It borders Sikkim and Tibet to the west and is connected to Jigme Dorji National Park via a "biological corridor." Torsa contains the westernmost temperate forests of Bhutan, from broadleaf forests to...
, these protected areas are inhabited or are located within populated areas.
In practice, the overlap of these extensive protected lands with populated areas has led to mutual habitat encroachment. The Lateral Road
Lateral Road
Bhutan's Lateral Road is its primary east-west corridor, connecting Phuentsholing in the southwest to Trashigang in the east. In between, the Lateral Road runs directly through Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, and other population centers...
, Bhutan's main highway, bisects Thrumshingla National Park
Thrumshingla National Park
Thrumshingla National Park in central Bhutan covers just over across four districts, but primarily in Mongar. It is bisected by the Lateral Road, and contains the Thrumshing La pass.-Flora and fauna:...
in the center of the kingdom. Protected wildlife has entered agricultural areas, trampling crops and killing livestock. In response, Bhutan has implemented an insurance scheme, begun constructing solar powered alarm fences, watch towers, and search lights, and has provided fodder and salt licks outside human settlement areas to encourage animals to stay away.
List of protected areas
Below is a list of the ten protected areas of Bhutan maintained by the Trust Fund:- Bumdeling Wildlife SanctuaryBumdeling Wildlife SanctuaryThe Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary , which also contains the former Kulong Chu Wildlife Sanctuary, covers in north-eastern Bhutan at elevations between and . The Sanctuary covers most of Trashiyangtse District, including Bumdeling Gewog. The Sanctuary was planned in 1995 and established in 1998...
(Lhuntse, MongarMongar DistrictMongar District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. Mongar is the fastest-developing dzongkhag in eastern Bhutan. A regional hospital has been constructed and the region is bustling with many economic activities. Mongar is noted for its lemon grass, a plant that can be used to produce...
, and Trashiyangtse Districts; contains the former Kulong Chu Wildlife Sanctuary) - Jigme Dorji National ParkJigme Dorji National ParkThe Jigme Dorji National Park, named after the late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, is the second-largest National Park of Bhutan. It occupies almost the entire Gasa District, as well as the northern areas of Thimphu District, Paro District, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts...
(GasaGasa DistrictGasa District or Gasa Dzongkhag is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. Its capital is Gasa Dzong near Gasa. It is located in the far north of the county and spans the Middle and High Himalayas. The dominant language of the district is Dzongkha, the national language...
, ParoParo DistrictParo District is the name of a district , valley, river and town in Bhutan. It is one of the most historic valleys in Bhutan. Both trade goods and invading Tibetans came over the pass at the head of the valley, giving Paro the closest cultural connection with Tibet of any Bhutanese district...
, PunakhaPunakha DistrictPunakha District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. It is bordered by Thimphu, Gasa, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts...
, ThimphuThimphu DistrictThimphu District is a dzongkhag of Bhutan. Thimphu is also the capital of Bhutan and the largest city in the whole kingdom.-Languages:...
, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts) - Jigme Singye Wangchuck National ParkJigme Singye Wangchuck National ParkJigme Singye Wangchuck National Park covers an area of in central Bhutan. The Park occupies most of Trongsa District, as well as parts of Sarpang, Tsirang, Wangdue Phodrang, and Zhemgang Districts. Jigme Singye abuts Royal Manas National Park to the southeast...
(SarpangSarpang DistrictSarpang District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan.-Languages:...
, TsirangTsirang DistrictTsirang District , is one of the 20 dzongkhags of Bhutan. The administrative center of the district is Damphu...
, TrongsaTrongsa DistrictTrongsa District is one of the districts of Bhutan. It is the most central district of Bhutan and the geographic centre of Bhutan is located within it at Trongsa Dzong....
, Wangdue Phodrang, and Zhemgang Districts) - Khaling Wildlife SanctuaryKhaling Wildlife SanctuaryKhaling Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest protected area of Bhutan covering in Samdrup Jongkhar District along the southern border with Assam. Its elevations range between and . Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary is, despite its small acreage, an important habitat for elephants, gaur , and other...
(Samdrup Jongkhar District) - Phibsoo Wildlife SanctuaryPhibsoo Wildlife SanctuaryThe Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary is the second-smallest national park in Bhutan, covering in western Sarpang District and southeastern Dagana District along the border with West Bengal. It is connected to Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Royal Manas National Park via a "biological corridor"...
(DaganaDagana DistrictDagana District is one of the 20 dzongkhag comprising Bhutan...
and Sarpang DistrictSarpang DistrictSarpang District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan.-Languages:...
s) - Royal Manas National ParkRoyal Manas National ParkRoyal Manas National Park is Bhutan's oldest national park, and the Royal government considers it the "conservation showpiece of the Kingdom" and a "genetic depository" for valuable plants. It has an area of and covers eastern Sarpang District, the western half of Zhemgang District, and western...
(Pemagatshel, SarpangSarpang DistrictSarpang District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan.-Languages:...
, and Zhemgang Districts) - Sakteng Wildlife SanctuarySakteng Wildlife SanctuarySakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located mostly in Trashigang District and just crossing the border into Samdrup Jongkhar District, Bhutan. It is one of the country's protected areas.-Flora and fauna:...
(Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar Districts) - Thrumshingla National ParkThrumshingla National ParkThrumshingla National Park in central Bhutan covers just over across four districts, but primarily in Mongar. It is bisected by the Lateral Road, and contains the Thrumshing La pass.-Flora and fauna:...
(BumthangBumthang DistrictBumthang District is one of the 20 dzongkhag comprising Bhutan. It is the most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted...
, Lhuntse, MongarMongar DistrictMongar District is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. Mongar is the fastest-developing dzongkhag in eastern Bhutan. A regional hospital has been constructed and the region is bustling with many economic activities. Mongar is noted for its lemon grass, a plant that can be used to produce...
, and Zhemgang Districts) - Torsa Strict Nature ReserveTorsa Strict Nature ReserveThe Torsa Strict Nature Reserve in Bhutan covers in Haa District, occupying most of its area. It borders Sikkim and Tibet to the west and is connected to Jigme Dorji National Park via a "biological corridor." Torsa contains the westernmost temperate forests of Bhutan, from broadleaf forests to...
(Haa DistrictHaa DistrictThis page is about the area Haa. For information about the airships, please see high-altitude airship.Haa District is one of the 20 dzongkhag or districts comprising Bhutan. Per the 2005 census, the population of Haa dzongkhag was 11,648, making it the second least populated dzongkhag in Bhutan...
) - Wangchuck Centennial ParkWangchuck Centennial ParkWangchuck Centennial Park in northern Bhutan is the kingdom's largest national park, spanning over five districts, occupying significant portions of northern Bumthang, Lhuntse, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. It borders Tibet to the north and is bound by tributaries of the Wong Chhu basin to the...
(BumthangBumthang DistrictBumthang District is one of the 20 dzongkhag comprising Bhutan. It is the most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted...
, GasaGasa DistrictGasa District or Gasa Dzongkhag is one of the 20 dzongkhags comprising Bhutan. Its capital is Gasa Dzong near Gasa. It is located in the far north of the county and spans the Middle and High Himalayas. The dominant language of the district is Dzongkha, the national language...
, Lhuntse, TrongsaTrongsa DistrictTrongsa District is one of the districts of Bhutan. It is the most central district of Bhutan and the geographic centre of Bhutan is located within it at Trongsa Dzong....
, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts)
In addition, the Royal Government maintains the following protected areas:
- Motithang Takin PreserveMotithang Takin PreserveMotithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even...
(Thimphu DistrictThimphu DistrictThimphu District is a dzongkhag of Bhutan. Thimphu is also the capital of Bhutan and the largest city in the whole kingdom.-Languages:...
)
The following areas of Bhutan are protected or maintained by private organizations:
- Phobjika ValleyPhobjika ValleyThe Phobjika Valley is a vast U-shaped glacial valley, also known as Gangteng Valley named after the impressive Gangteng Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan, where the graceful Black-necked Cranes in Bhutan from the Tibetan Plateau visit the valley during the winter season to roost...
(Royal Society for Protection of NatureRoyal Society for Protection of Nature, BhutanThe Royal Society for the Protection of Nature is Bhutan's first and only private nonprofit organization with nation-wide operations...
)
See also
- Environmental issues in BhutanEnvironmental issues in BhutanThere are a number of environmental issues in Bhutan. Among Bhutan's most pressing issues are traditional firewood collection, crop and flock protection, and waste disposal, as well as modern concerns such as industrial pollution, wildlife conservation, and climate change that threatens Bhutan's...
- Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN)