Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP)

Park Information

It represents one of the best examples of the middle Himalayan ecosystem and contains several ecological biomes ranging from blue pine forests to dry alpine screes and permanent snow and ice

Largest Park in Bhutan
Location: Northern frontiers of the country and falls within the boundaries
Total Area: 4914 km2
In the future, the park has plans to conduct studies on the total area of glaciers in the park as well as some impacts from global warming on these glaciers

Faunal and Floral Diversity

Faunal and floral diversity under the Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP)

Species of mammals

species of birds

200

species of butterflies

species of plants

650

Risk and Threats

Illegal & unsustainable harvesting of cordyceps & medicinal plants

Since the legalization of Cordyceps and medicinal plants by the Government, the number of gatherers has increased over the years and has led to unsustainable harvesting and the destruction to habitats

Habitat fragmentation & degradation

Developmental activities have also contributed to the habitat fragmentation and degradation

Solid waste accumulation

With an increasing number of visitors both tourists and local visitors, the accumulation of waste and litters, especially in the alpine region, has been increasing over the years

Glacial lake outburst floods

Human wildlife conflicts

Forest fire & illegal collection of firewood

Poaching

Musk deer poaching specifically has been increasing over the years

Overgrazing of forests & alpine habitats

WCNP's Future with Bhutan for Life

High-biodiversity habitats, degraded forests, and climate refugia designated

Increased tiger and snow leopard population

Degraded lands within WCNP mapped and restored with climate-smart mechanisms

WCNP equipped with adequate and competent staff as well as essential equipment and infrastructure

Park communities implement effective waste management programs

Eco-lodges and eco-treks designed and developed

Park communities equipped with community-based crop and livestock HWC insurance schemes

Human-wildlife Conflict hotspots mapped and installed with appropriate physical barriers

Forest quality and extent is maintained

New nature-based local enterprises implemented

Conservation status of other high-profile, lesser known, endangered and endemic flora and fauna species determined

Inhabitants

people reside inside the Parks

6500

Livelihoods

12%: The yak-herding communities represent about 12% of the households, while the rest are farming (non- yak herding) communities

Subsistence farming and rearing of livestock are the main livelihoods for the communities living inside the park

70%: More than 70% of the fungus collected is from the areas which fall within the park

The income generated from the sale of Cordyceps help the communities purchase necessities, build homes, educate children, buy livestock, and acquire solar and cooking gas

Camping and Trekking Sites

Popular tourist attractions include

The Bebzur Chukpo Heritage Museum, The Dorjibi Weaving Center, The Febilla Eco Trail & The Ravel beak Trail

Major Projects

Management Plans

This conservation management plan describes in details the importance of the park in ensuring biological continuity and ecosystem integrity, human communities and economic status; experiences and challenges, achievements from the past conservation management plan, threats and strategic actions for next 10 years. This plan also includes implementation work plans with budget outlay, monitoring, and evaluation approach for the planned activities.