Sikkim's birding hotspot map unveiled at international fair in Texas

GANGTOK,: Sikkim's rich avian diversity and potential for nature-based tourism gained international visibility with the unveiling of the State’s birding hotspot map at the ongoing four-day International Birding Fair in Texas, USA.

The map was released by Tracy Zervos, one of the organisers of Birdfair Texas, in the presence of international participants from the United States and several countries, informs a press release.

Copies of the map were distributed among participants to introduce Sikkim’s diverse birdlife, wildlife and prominent birding destinations to the global birdwatching community.

Dr Peter Lobo, Chapter Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) for Sikkim and North Bengal, is representing the region at the event. He has been actively promoting the Sikkim-North Bengal birding circuit and exploring opportunities to attract international birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts to the Eastern Himalayas.

The map was conceptualised and designed by Chewang R. Bonpo, president of Sikkim Ornithological Society.

It showcases iconic Himalayan bird species, wildlife and key birding hotspots across Sikkim, offering international visitors an overview of the State’s natural heritage and its potential as a global birding destination.

“The initiative goes beyond tourism promotion. Its broader vision is to encourage high-value, low-impact nature tourism, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for trained and licensed local bird guides while supporting rural homestays and local communities across Sikkim,” the release states.

The concept of promoting birdwatching tourism internationally was also discussed at the recently-held International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Tawang, where State Tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia and Tourism secretary Hondala Gyaltsen held discussions with Lobo on the proposed Birdfair initiative.

These discussions helped lay the foundation for promoting Sikkim's birding potential on an international platform, the release mentions

Lobo said the response from international participants at the Texas event had been encouraging, with considerable interest in the biodiversity and natural landscapes of Sikkim and North Bengal.