Plants of Phobjikha Valley

This project aims to document the floral diversity of the Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley is best known as one of the largest high altitude marshlands in the country. The valley is located on the western slopes of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. It is famous as it is the major wintering ground for the vulnerable Black Necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis). In a move to protect the habitat of the Black Necked Cranes, the valley is surrounded by an important watershed which is proposed as Phobjikha Landscape Conservation Area (PLCA). Besides the place best known for providing home for the heavenly birds, it is also valued for its outstanding scenery and cultural ethnicity. As a result the valley is gaining popularity as one of the places in Bhutan where the majority of the tourist visits.

According to a research report by ICIMOD and RSPN, seven vegetation types were said to be defined by the PLCA management plan. The preliminary checklist published in the research report shows 25 mammals, 55 tree species, 73 shrubs, 254 herbs and around 90 bird species. The report lacks the checklists of fern, butterfly, moth, fish, mushrooms, reptiles, amphibians and other invertebrates. less ↑