In a significant development for wildlife conservation, the Forest and Environment Department of Sikkim has achieved a notable milestone by facilitating tiger movement between Sikkim in India and Bhutan. This accomplishment underscores the critical role of sustainable ecosystem management and transboundary conservation efforts in the region.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 2002 in Sikkim’s Pakyong district, spans an area of 128 square kilometres and serves as a crucial corridor for wildlife, particularly tigers, between India and Bhutan. Recent camera trap installations in Sikkim’s high-altitude regions, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, have documented the presence of three tigers within the sanctuary from 2018 to 2024. This discovery not only highlights the sanctuary’s significance in tiger conservation but also places Sikkim prominently on India’s national Tiger Conservation map.

In a groundbreaking development this year, camera trap images confirmed the movement of tigers from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary into Bhutan’s Samtse district, validating the existence of vital wildlife corridors between the two countries. This revelation was unveiled during an international workshop on “Countering Wildlife Trafficking,” held from June 11–13, 2024, under the auspices of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) and hosted by Bhutan. The workshop saw participation from officials across South Asia, fostering collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation.

During the workshop, officials from Sikkim’s Divisional Forest Officer, East Wildlife Division, and Bhutanese forest authorities agreed to exchange camera trap images for comparative analysis. This collaboration yielded a significant finding: a tiger with a distinctive stripe pattern matched images captured both in Sikkim and Bhutan, as confirmed by experts from the Wildlife Institute of India.

This discovery underscores the imperative to safeguard transboundary wildlife corridors and underscores the success of conservation initiatives in Sikkim and Bhutan. The movement of tigers reflects effective habitat preservation and restoration efforts, signaling the resilience and health of Sikkim’s ecosystem. Looking forward, the Sikkim Forest and Environment Department remains committed to bolstering its conservation strategies through enhanced monitoring, strengthened law enforcement measures, and active engagement with local communities. These initiatives are designed to ensure the long-term survival of tiger populations and promise a promising future for cross-border wildlife conservation efforts.

The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in Sikkim’s Pakyong district, has emerged as a linchpin in the broader framework of wildlife conservation. Established in 2002 and encompassing an expansive 128 square kilometres, the sanctuary serves as a critical passage for wildlife, particularly tigers, traversing between India and Bhutan. Recent installations of camera traps across Sikkim’s high-altitude terrain, conducted in collaboration with the esteemed Wildlife Institute of India, have yielded compelling evidence of tiger habitation within the sanctuary’s confines. This finding not only underscores the sanctuary’s pivotal role in the conservation of tigers but also firmly positions Sikkim on India’s esteemed Tiger Conservation map.

The year 2024 heralded a landmark moment as camera trap images unequivocally confirmed tiger migration from the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary into Bhutan’s Samtse district. This revelation substantiates the existence of crucial wildlife corridors linking the two nations. The epochal discovery was unveiled during an international workshop themed “Countering Wildlife Trafficking,” convened from June 11–13, 2024. Hosted by Bhutan under the auspices of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), the workshop attracted a consortium of officials from across South Asia, galvanizing concerted efforts in wildlife preservation.

Key participants included officials from the East Wildlife Division of Sikkim’s Divisional Forest Officer and counterparts from Bhutan’s forestry agencies. A pivotal outcome of the workshop was the mutual agreement to exchange camera trap images for comparative analysis. This collaborative endeavour yielded a momentous revelation: the stripe pattern of a tiger, captured in images from both Sikkim and Bhutan, was conclusively matched by experts from the Wildlife Institute of India.

The remarkable finding underscores the imperativeness of safeguarding transboundary wildlife corridors and underscores the success of conservation efforts in both Sikkim and Bhutan. The migratory patterns of tigers bear testament to the efficacy of habitat preservation and restoration initiatives, affirming the robustness and vitality of Sikkim’s ecosystem. Looking ahead, the Forest and Environment Department of Sikkim is resolutely committed to fortifying its conservation strategies. Plans include augmenting monitoring frameworks, fortifying law enforcement measures, and actively engaging local communities. These concerted efforts aim to secure the enduring survival of tiger populations and augur a promising trajectory for cross-border wildlife conservation.