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Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is situated in the southeasternmost tip of Bhutan, within the Samdrup Jongkhar district, covering an area of 334.73 square kilometers
BLUE-NAPED PITTA
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park

OVERVIEW

Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located in the southeasternmost tip of Bhutan, in the Samdrup Jongkhar district, spanning an area of 334.73 square kilometers. It was designated as an important reserve for Asian Elephants, Gaur, and other tropical wildlife species due to its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. The sanctuary is one of the few locations in Bhutan where rare and endangered species such as the Pygmy Hog and Hispid Hare have been reported.

The sanctuary features a tropical and subtropical forest ecosystem, home to diverse flora and fauna. It supports a variety of wildlife, including primates, large herbivores, and carnivores, making it a biodiversity hotspot in the region. Furthermore, it provides crucial wildlife habitat connectivity with the protected areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India, facilitating transboundary conservation and the movement of migratory species.

Mammals

This sanctuary is home to rare species such as the Pygmy Hog and Hispid Hare, with reports also indicating the presence of both Chinese and Indian Pangolins. Other notable mammals found here include the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, and Capped Langur, among many others.

Birds

The sanctuary boasts an impressive avian diversity, with 460 bird species recorded within its boundaries. Notable among them are the Great Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blyth’s Tragopan, and Gray Peacock Pheasant. It is also home to Indian and Blue-naped Pittas, along with a wide variety of cuckoos and flycatchers.

Insects

The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of butterfly species, including the Red-breasted Jezebel, Sixbar Swordtail, Orange Oakleaf, Common Crow, Lemon Pansy, Brown Prince, Black Prince, and Plain Tiger, among many others.

Plants

The sanctuary is predominantly covered by broadleaved forests, which form its primary forest type. However, the eastern regions are characterized by extensive bamboo forests, adding to its ecological richness. The floristic diversity of the sanctuary is remarkable, with over 300 plant species identified, showcasing its vibrant and varied ecosystem.

Tourism

Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique tourism experience, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Visitors can explore its pristine landscapes, spot diverse wildlife like elephants and gaur, and enjoy the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity. The sanctuary also provides opportunities for eco-tourism, combining wildlife observation with cultural insights from the surrounding areas.

Human Presence and Management

Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to local communities who rely on traditional livelihoods, including farming and livestock herding. The sanctuary is managed with a focus on balancing conservation efforts with sustainable development. Authorities work to protect the area’s biodiversity while promoting eco-tourism and ensuring the well-being of local populations. The sanctuary’s management includes collaborative efforts with neighboring regions, particularly Assam’s Khaling Reserve, to maintain trans-border conservation initiatives.

Conservation Significance

  • Biodiversity Hotspot: Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare species like elephants, gaur, and possibly the pygmy hog and hispid hare, making it a vital area for wildlife conservation.
  • Trans-border Conservation: It forms a critical part of a trans-border reserve with Assam’s Khaling Reserve, facilitating the movement of species across borders and promoting regional biodiversity protection.
  • Tropical Habitat Protection: The sanctuary preserves tropical and subtropical ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of plants, animals, and insects that thrive in these environments.
  • Community Engagement: Conservation efforts are integrated with the livelihoods of local communities, ensuring sustainable land use and promoting eco-tourism alongside biodiversity protection.
  • Climate Resilience: The sanctuary’s varied habitats provide refuge for species in the face of climate change, helping maintain ecosystem stability in the region.

FEATURED

General Nature-based Tours Available

15 DAYS
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Bhutan Botanical Tour

GUIDE: PEMA DAWA
STARTING USD $4,700
Butterflies in Bhutan
13 DAYS
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Bhutan Butterfly Tour

GUIDE: PEMA DAWA
STARTING USD $3,840
9 DAYS
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A Red Panda Safari

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Bhutan’s Bird Songs

Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds

Bhutan Birdsong Collection
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.

Norbu

With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.
View Bird Sounds