Sikkim celebrated Global Tiger Day for the first time this year to create awareness about the animal that has been spotted in the state over the past few years.

Between 2018 and 2024, three tiger sightings have been recorded in Sikkim.

During an international workshop on countering wildlife trafficking held in Bhutan between June 11 and 13, a collaborative effort between forest officials from Sikkim and Bhutan identified a tiger that was seen in the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in February and found in Samtse district of Bhutan in April this year.

The tiger whose picture was captured by a trap camera was identified by its distinctive stripes and was confirmed by the Wildlife Institute of India.

The inaugural Global Tiger Day celebration in Sikkim, which started on June 26, took place in villages on the fringes of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. Tigers have also been spotted at Kyongnosla sanctuary.

“The celebration and awareness initiative was organised by the Sikkim forest and environment department in collaboration with the Global Tiger Forum and local eco-development committees engaging local community, school students and various stakeholders through a series of interactive and educational events across multiple locations,” said Moumita Chakraborty, consultant, Global Tiger Forum (eastern Himalaya).

The interactive sessions focussed on co-existence with wildlife, tiger-prey dynamics, traditional conflict mitigation methods and the role of solid waste management in preventing wildlife encounters.

The event also included interactive quizzes and activities like tiger face painting
centred around the theme “Roar and Draw, Celebrating Tigers”.