Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS)

Park Information

Regardless of its comparatively small size, the sanctuary functions as one of the major watersheds benefiting downstream districts from its two main rivers and numerous lakes

Faunal and Floral Diversity

Faunal and floral diversity under the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS)

Species of mammals
25
species of birds
200
species of reptiles
0
species of fish
0
species of plants
600
species of butterflies
700

Risk and Threats

Grazing pressure from the demand of a high livestock population

Construction of farm roads

Another upcoming threat is caused by clearing the strip of pristine habitat for the construction of farm roads to connect the two areas of Merak and Sakteng

Hydro-power construction

The Gamri River that meanders through the sanctuary has been identified as one of the potential river to harness water energy.The risk of losing a huge proportion of habitat to this construction in the near future is foreseen.

SWS's Future with Bhutan for Life

An eco-tourism project implemented

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

Eco-lodges and eco-treks designed and developed

Watersheds in SWS fully protected and effectively managed by 2030

Park communities implement climate-smart organic agriculture and alternative energies

Forest quality and extent is maintained

New nature-based local enterprises implemented

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

Inhabitants

people reside inside the Parks
4000

Livelihoods

The primary source of livelihood for the residents is livestock rearing yaks, sheep, and Dzoe and Dzoms (hybrid of yak and cow)

Residents are primarily farmers who mainly on agriculture for livelihood

Camping and Trekking Sites

Popular Trekking Routes

The Merak-Sakteng loop trail is the longest trekking route inside the sanctuary aside from a short birding and orchid trail near a camping site at Joenkhar

Major Projects

Management Plan

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.

Environmental and Social Management Plans

2019

Grievance Redressal Mechanism