Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR)

Park Information

Serves as a water head for rivers and streams which are critical for the livelihoods of residents within the Reserve

Faunal and Floral Diversity

Faunal and floral diversity under the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Species of mammals

species of birds

300

species of butterflies

200

species of snakes

species of lizards

species of plants

700

Risk and Threats

Yak husbandry

Over the years, most of the local yak herders have sold their yaks and quit the pastoralist lifestyle. This has led to under-grazing and the immediate absence of large grazers like yaks can change ecosystems in an unprecedented way

Poaching

Poaching of species continues inside the reserve as evident from the many traps and snares encountered during anti-poaching patrols

Human Wildlife Conflict

61% of park inhabitants reported losing maize crops to wild pigs and 15% reported losing their paddy fields.

JKSNR's Future with Bhutan for Life

Increased snow leopard populations

Eco-lodges and eco-treks designed and developed in JKSNR

SMART patrolling implemented in BWS

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

Park staff trained for effective anti-poaching operations

Forest quality and extent is maintained

New nature-based local enterprises implemented

JKSNR equipped with adequate and competent staff and essential equipment and infrastructure

Inhabitants

There are no permanent settlements within the reserve. However, there are people living within the buffer of the reserve who belong to two distinct communities: yak-herding and non-yak herding

Livelihoods

Unlike the other yak herders of Bhutan. They possess some agricultural land and cultivate different cereal crops

Camping and Trekking Sites

Potential trekking & Hiking

There are many potential trekking and hiking trails within JKSNR. The most widely trekked routes are the Meripunsum trail, the Tegola to Nubshonapata trail and the trail to Lolithang

Major Projects

Shangsa 30 KWp Solar Photovoltaic System Project

Bringing light to one of the highest communities of Himalayas.

Installation of 50 kW Solar PV Plant at Aja Community

The light in the Darkness

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.