Rhododendron, Tourism and Biodiversity in Sikkim

Dr.SHWETA BASNETT Scientists, Rhododendron expert Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the Netherlands

Introduction       

Sikkim is recognized globally for its rich culture, biodiversity and striking natural landscapes. Take a drive from Melli to Lachung, we will experience the elevation rises sharply from about approximately 200 meters above sea level to more than 4000 meters. These gradients support diverse environmental conditions for a huge variety of plants to evolve, adapt, and thrive. One among these are the remarkable rhododendrons. The flowering of Rhododendron arboreum commonly called Lali gurans/guras is celebrated across Sikkim when it blankets the forests in vibrant red blooms. Sikkim has made its Rhododendron conservation a priority. It is the only place in the world with two sanctuaries dedicated just to protect these plants in their natural environment: the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in the north (Area 43 km2) and the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in the west (104 km2). However, what many may not realize is that Sikkim alone is home to 46 Rhododendron taxa, each differing in flower colour and blooming periods.

The timing of Rhododendron flowering is closely linked to temperature. Following the cold winters, warmer conditions at lower elevations can trigger early blooming. For example, Rhododendron arboreum begins flowering in late February in temperate forests such as in Barsey. As the season progresses, flowering shifts upward. In subalpine forests (above 3,000 to 3,800 meters), species such as R. hodgsonii, R. thomsonii, R. cinnabarinum, etc. dominate the landscape during April and May, particularly in regions like Kyongnosla and Shingba. At even higher elevations (> 4,000 meters), alpine species such as R. lepidotum and R. nivale will continue flowering until early August. Because Rhododendron flowering is tightly linked to temperature, these plants are sensitive to ongoing climate change in mountain ecosystems. Any changes in atmospheric temperature can alter flowering timing, potentially disrupting its diverse ecological interactions.

(Flowering of R. aeruginosum in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Sikkim at 4200m.Image by Dr. Shweta Basnett)

Why is Rhododendron important for Tourism and maintaining Biodiversity?

Flagship plant species such as rhododendrons, serve as significant attractions, with their flowering seasons drawing local and international visitors across all age groups. Over recent years, both Barsey and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuaries have emerged as prominent destinations for nature enthusiasts, including tourist, photographers, hikers, birders, and researchers. This influx of visitors generates substantial income for the tourism sector during the flowering seasons. The flowering seasons also support livelihoods of several people from homestay owners in Hilley, Okhrey, Lachen, and Lachung to tour operators and lodging providers in Gangtok. During my research fieldwork in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, I encountered numerous visitors  across India who stayed in the Sanctuary's forest huts for extended periods, disconnected from social networks. All visitors consistently cited their desire to experience nature as the primary motivation for visiting Barsey.

Apart from cultural, economic and ornamental value, rhododendrons also have a huge influence on local biodiversity. Its flowering supports myriad bird and insect species, some of which serve as potential pollinators of these plants. As a result, conserving rhododendrons in Sikkim and across the Himalaya is not only important for the plants themselves, but also for the diverse pollinator communities they support. These pollinators are essential for plant reproduction, facilitating pollen transfer and ensuring long-term population survival. Therefore, effective conservation strategies must also recognize and incorporate pollinators into planning efforts. In Sikkim, birds are the most common pollinators for the lower elevations Rhododendron species; these species have a higher volume of nectar, which provide the high-energy rewards required by bird pollinators with greater body mass. In contrast the Rhododendron species at higher elevations produce more concentrated, sugar-rich nectar, which attracts insects such as bumblebees. This shift represents a clever adaptive strategy, enabling plants to attract the most effective pollinators under different environmental conditions.

In addition to nectar rewards, rhododendrons have also evolved distinct floral morphologies. Compared to high-elevation species, bird-pollinated rhododendrons at lower elevations have funnel-shaped or tubular flowers in warmer color tones. These traits make the flowers more visible to birds, while their shape allows easy access to nectar, facilitating efficient pollen transfer between flowers. Some of the birds that pollinate Rhododendron in Sikkim are fire-tailed sunbirds, Mrs. Gould’s sunbirds, fire-tailed Myzornis, tickell’s leaf-warblers, rufous-vented yuhinas, etc. Among insect pollinators, bumblebees are most common at high elevations, while rock bees and honey bees are most common at low elevations.

What more can we do to boost Rhododendron-related conservation and tourism?

1.       While tourism is currently expanding in the hills, effective management can enhance both local livelihoods and conservation of this important plant group. The relevant state authorities can implement and promote responsible tourism practices, including regulations and awareness among visitors, prohibitions on littering, and restrictions on loud music within forested areas. These measures would minimise disturbances to the natural habitat, birds and other wildlife in the Sanctuary. Conservation efforts can also be strengthened through citizen science initiatives, which provides a unique opportunity for common people to contribute to conservation activities with their smartphones. Initiatives such as the phenology watch or the tree walk organised by Friends of Trees of Sikkim, where interested people can participate during their free time to identify trees, document flowering times and photograph pollinators in and around their neighbourhood. Sharing these images and additional information in popular platforms such as iNaturalist, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) etc can make a huge difference in Rhododendron and biodiversity conservation in general, as in the long term, such information can assist in predicting changes in phenological events and understanding plant-pollinator mutualistic relationships.

2.       Since different Rhododendron species grow across different elevations in Sikkim, as part of the smart city initiatives in Sikkim, native Rhododendron species can be planted at each elevation along the roadside, enhancing the scenic beauty and supporting local pollinators. Such an initiative would also curb the use of exotic plants, which often compete with native plants for potential pollinators. As part of the tourism initiative, along with other achievements, the state government can also emphasise Sikkim's unique biodiversity.  Highlighting the region's endemic flora and fauna will not only enhance green tourism but also help attract the attention of national and international funders to support long-term biodiversity conservation research in the region. These can be achieved by being inclusive i.e. involving various stakeholders such as subject experts, forest departments, local communities, and political decision makers be involved in developing state-level policies or targeted action plans for preserving biodiversity in general.

3.       From more than decade long research experience in the Sikkim Himalaya, I see that there is a need for more proper documentation of lesser-known Rhododendron taxa. Due to less scientific studies in the Himalaya, several taxa known to be locally endangered and threatened have been poorly represented in the in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Considering the fast-paced changes in our Himalayan landscape, a species categorised as least concern a decade ago may be more vulnerable in the present scenario. Therefore, an urgent need to conduct a more comprehensive field-based study across Sikkim to assess the conservation status of Rhododendron and several other taxa. Furthermore, it is equally important to monitor and accurately record our field-based observations, that can remain in public domains for several years from now to use and analyse scientifically. These contributions will ensure that every penny we spend for conservation activities will have long lasting implications for science as well as society. 

(Email: shweta.basnett@naturalis.nl)