An international bird-watching event was recently held in the picturesque Rakchham region of the Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh to promote eco-tourism and biodiversity awareness.
About the Sanctuary
- Location: Situated in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Area Covered: Spans nearly 31 sq. km.
- Altitude Range: Lies between 3,200 to 5,486 metres above sea level.
- Mountain System: Forms part of the Western Himalayan range.
- Geography: The sanctuary is surrounded by snow-clad peaks, lush valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, creating a pristine natural landscape.
Unique Features
- Dry Climatic Zone: Unlike many other sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, it lies in a rain-shadow region and does not experience monsoon rains.
- Trekking Routes: The challenging Lamkhanga Pass trek passes through the sanctuary. This route connects Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh) with the Gangotri region of Uttarakhand, offering adventure and scenic beauty.
Flora
- Vegetation mainly consists of rhododendron shrubs, oak, and pine forests.
- The region also supports rare medicinal herbs used in traditional Himalayan medicine.
Fauna
- The sanctuary shelters a variety of Himalayan wildlife, including:
- Snow Leopard – apex predator of the high-altitude ecosystem.
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Musk Deer
- Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Several high-altitude bird species, making it a hub for ornithologists.
Conservation Significance
- Serves as a critical habitat for endangered Himalayan species and promotes eco-tourism through sustainable activities like bird-watching and trekking.
- Helps protect high-altitude biodiversity and local ecosystems vital to the Western Himalayas.
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