1. FLORA AND FAUNA

2. . Sikkim can be basically divided into three zones. The tropical from almost sea level to about 5000 feet, the temperate from 5000 to 11000 feet and the alpine above 11000 feet. Till 10000 feet, there are terraced farmlands in which the rice, maize, barley and millet are grown. Cardamoms, oranges, apples, potatoes and ginger are grown in abundance in the state. The lower altitudes towards the south harbour jungle cats, Mongoose, House sparrows. The jungles in the south, are teeming with plantains, bamboos, tree ferns, walnut, sal and oak. Orchids also abound in areas with moderate altitudes. They are the pride of Sikkim and are about 600 species. They come in a wide variety of colours and sizes. The most popular orchids of Sikkim are Cymbidiums, Vanda, Cattaleya, Hookeriana, Farmeri, Dendrobium Amoenum. The Nobile Orchid has been declared as the State Flower of Sikkim. In the temperate zone, the flora consist of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir. In the arid cold alpine regions of Sikkim, roam the snow leopard and wild ass. There are about 35 species of Rhododendrons in Sikkim and are found above the height of 10000 feet. The Rhododendron Nivale grows barely a few inches above the ground. When Rhododendron flower between the month of April and May, it is a sight to behold with hillsides becoming shrouded in colour. The Rhododendron niveum has been declared as the State Tree of Sikkim. At the treeless altitudes above 14000 feet curious types of flowers in colours of blue, red, violet blossom during summers just a few inches above the ground. The stones and rocks also get coloured by lichens and mosses in amorphous pattern. FLORA IN SIKKIM

3. . Among the more exotic mammals is the Red Panda which lives mostly on treetops. It is found at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet. It has been declared as the State Animal of Sikkim. With a population of around six lakhs, the state also known as the Land of Flower, will now be known for its Organic initiative too The striking Dendrobium nobile is the state flower of Sikkim, and has the distinctive long thin jointed stems of many members of the genus Dendrobium. The red panda is the state animal of Sikkim. POPULATION

4. Fauna in Sikkim The diversity in the plant world is complemented by a similar variety in the animal kingdom. Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Shapi, Common Langur, Leopard Cat, and the Flying Squirrel. Shapi* Shapi is a rare animal that inhabits the alpine region. It was discovered only in 1938 by a German doctor Ernest Schalfer. The Shapi has the size of a mountain goat and has a long white mane. The Shapi is an endangered animal which is on the verge of becoming extinct. Red Panda Among the more exotic mammals is the Red Panda which lives mostly on treetops. It is found at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 feet. It has been declared as the State Animal of Sikkim. It is about 2 feet in length when full grown and belongs to the racoon family. It feeds mostly on bamboo leaves. Himalayan Bear These are found roaming in the temperate forest of Sikkim. They feed on corn, wild plants, honey and can sometime grow to enormous sizes. Snow Leopard The snow leopard is an almost mythical animal. It has rarely been sighted and to date, only two field zoologists have succeeded in photographing this elusive animal in its habitat which can vary from 5,000 feet to as high as 18,000 feet.