October 2012 - Journal of Threatened Taxa

Mammals of Kalimpong HillsMATERIALS AND METHODSStudy areaThis study was carried out during 2008–2009 intwo administrative units in the Kalimpong subdivision(geographical area 1,056.5km 2 ) of Darjeeling District(see Images 1 and 2):(1) KFD (26 0 51’–27 0 12’N & 88 0 28’–88 0 56’E) underWBFDCL is bounded on the north by Sikkim (India)and Bhutan, on the east by Jaldhaka River(borderingBhutan), on the south by the Jalpaiguri District(western duars) and on the west by Teesta River(bordering Sikkim). The land consists of numerousvalleys with moderate to precipitous slopes. Here theforest was commercially exploited at random, causingloss of density and fragmentation.(2) The only wildlife protected area in this regionis NVNP (88km 2 ) having different altitudes (183min the plains to 3,200m in the hills). It is one of theoldest reserve forests (1881) in India, located nearthe ecological trijunction of West Bengal, SikkimJ.K. Mallick(India) and Bhutan on the north and northeast, whichis about 25km east of Kalimpong Town (26 0 52’03”–27 0 7’35”N & 88 0 45’–88 0 50’E). The highest point isRechila Danda (peak) (3,170m). A tabletop with twovery shallow ponds (Jorepokhri) in the middle is alsolocated in Thosum block of East Nar.Originally, the study area was under the Sikkimkingdom, and conquered by the king of Bhutan in1706. Practically, the whole area was then under forest,but was subsequently degraded due to jhooming. In1864, the British captured this region and a large tractof the forest was clearfelled for rapid development ofthe agriculture and introduction of the tea, cinchonaand orange plantations. However, Neora Valley wasput under protection and unworkable working circle.Hence, this park is still virgin in nature providing anundisturbed habitat for the wildlife. Small patches ofmeadow and intervening patches of grassy or nakedplains or rocky slopes are found here.The zoogeographical significance of the studyarea is noteworthy. In spite of being located in theImage 1. Kalimpong Forest Division and important sites within Kalimpong Hills”3106Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | October 2012 | 4(12): 3103–3136