Source: IE
Context: An international bird-watching programme was held at the Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, where participants from 15 countries recorded over 35 bird species.
About Rakchham-Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary:
- What it is?
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- Rakchham–Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary is a high-altitude protected area known for its unique cold-desert ecosystem and rich Himalayan biodiversity.
- It serves as a critical habitat for several endangered alpine fauna and migratory bird species, making it a vital ecological zone in North India.
- Located in:
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- Situated in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, the sanctuary covers an area of 30.98 sq. km.
- It lies at an altitude ranging from 3,200 to 5,486 metres above sea level within the Western Himalayan range.
- Key Features:
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- The sanctuary is surrounded by snow-clad peaks, glacial streams, and rugged valleys, offering spectacular trekking routes such as the Lamkhanga Pass, connecting Kinnaur to Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
- It falls within a dry trans-Himalayan zone, unlike other sanctuaries of Himachal Pradesh that receive monsoon rainfall.
- The region supports ecotourism, mountaineering, and birding, making it a hotspot for conservation-linked adventure tourism.
- Flora:
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- Dominated by rhododendrons, pine, oak, and juniper forests, the sanctuary also harbours rare medicinal herbs adapted to alpine climates.
- Fauna:
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- Home to snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, red foxes, and a variety of Himalayan pheasants.
- The bird species observed include Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart, Rock Bunting, and Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, reflecting high avian diversity.
- Significance:
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- Acts as a biodiversity bridge between the Western and Trans-Himalayan ecosystems.
- Strengthens India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
