In News:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated Khangchendzonga National Park as “Good” in its latest global review of Natural World Heritage Sites.
• It is the only Indian site to receive a positive “Good” conservation status, while sites like the Western Ghats and Sundarbans face concerns.

Location & Status

• Located in North Sikkim, along the India–Nepal border.
• Forms the core area of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR).
• India’s first “Mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016) – recognised for natural and cultural values.
• Part of the Himalaya Global Biodiversity Hotspot.

Geographical Features

• Area: ~ 1,784 sq. km
• Altitude Range: From 1,220 m to 8,586 m (vertical sweep of over 7 km).
• Home to Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m) - 3rd highest peak in the world.
• Landscape includes plains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, lakes, glaciers, and snow-clad mountains.
• Glaciers:
  • 18 major glaciers (as per park records);
  • Zemu Glacier - one of the largest glaciers in Asia.

Biodiversity

• Flora: Subtropical to alpine vegetation; oak, fir, birch, maple, rhododendron, alpine meadows.
• Fauna (Flagship species):
  • Snow leopard
  • Red panda
  • Tibetan wolf
  • Blue sheep
  • Himalayan tahr
  • Mainland serow
• Avifauna:
  • Nearly half of India’s bird species recorded.
  • Includes Impeyan pheasant (State bird of Sikkim) and Satyr tragopan.

Cultural & Community Significance

• One of the few regions with Lepcha tribal settlements.
• Known as “Mayel Lyang” (sacred land) by the Lepchas.
• Considered a sacred beyul (hidden valley) in Tibetan Buddhism.
• Ancient monasteries such as Tholung Monastery reflect cultural continuity.