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About Meenam Wildlife
Sanctuary
It
is located near Yumthang in North Sikkim and contains a vast variety
of rhododendrons. The sanctuary is bounded on its southern periphery
by the Yakchey La and on the northern periphery by the Yumthang Valley
known for its alpine meadow and hot springs.
It is hemmed in on the east by the high rugged Chuba-Sagochen mountain
ranges and on the west by part of Chomzomei Tso extending upto Lava
pass. The picturesque Yumthang Chhu (river) flows through the
sanctuary, which is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron
trees and shrubs, 40 species/varieties of which are recorded from
Sikkim alone. When in blossom the rhododendrons provide a riot of
colour to this small park.
The fauna here consists of the Serow, Goral, Blood Pheasant , Common
Hill Partridge etc. also found here. The beautiful and highly
endangered Spotted Linsang or Tiger-Civet (Prionodon pardicolor) has
been reported from here.
The rare and endemic
Rhododendron nevium,
the State Tree occurs only in this sanctuary which is also rich in
ground flora such as primulas, potentillas, gentians, saxifrages,
poppies and aconites. Brown Trout were introduced into Yumthang Chhu
at Phunyi in 1978 and have been flourishing since. Lachung is the last
frontier village before reaching the sanctuary. There is a Forest Rest
House here, as well as one at Yumthang. |
