Sikkim Biodiversity: Where nature smiles

Friday, 11 April 2014

Dendrobium aphyllum (Leafless Dendrobium) - Sikkim Orchid

Dendrobium aphyllum (Leafless Dendrobium)

Place : Chisopani, Singtam, East Sikkim
Date: Aprol 2, 2010
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Tribe:	Dendrobieae
Subtribe:	Dendrobiinae
Genus:	Dendrobium
Species:	D. aphyllum

Phaius tancarvilleae (Greater Swamp-orchid) - Sikkim Orchid

Phaius tancarvilleae (Greater Swamp-orchid)

Place : Sungdung, Rongli, East Sikkim
Date: March 30, 2010
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Other names :

Swamp Lily, Swamp Orchid, Nun's orchid and Veiled orchid

Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Tribe:	Collabieae
Alliance:	Calanthe
Genus:	Phaius
Species:	P. tancarvilleae

The species is considered endangered under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Theretra nessus (Yam Hawk Moth) - Sikkim Moth

Theretra nessus (Yam Hawk Moth)

Place : Ravangla, South Sikkim
Date: April 6, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Sphingidae
Genus:	Theretra
Species:	T. nessus

Sunday, 6 April 2014

Accipiter trivirgatus (Crested Goshawk) - Sikkim Bird

Accipiter trivirgatus (Crested Goshawk)

Place : Shantinagar, Singtam, East Sikkim
Date: April 6, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

The Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) is a stunning bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This medium-sized raptor is notable for its prominent crest, robust build, and broad wings, making it well-adapted for hunting in dense forest habitats. Its striking plumage features a mix of grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage among the foliage.

Primarily found in the lush forests of Southeast Asia, including Sikkim, Myanmar, and Thailand, the Crested Goshawk preys on birds and small mammals, showcasing remarkable agility and speed while hunting. With keen eyesight and powerful talons, it is a formidable predator.

Generally solitary or found in pairs, this bird communicates through sharp calls during the breeding season. Both parents participate in raising their young, highlighting a remarkable teamwork dynamic. The Crested Goshawk represents the delicate balance of nature, reminding us of the importance of preserving its habitat for future generations.

Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Plumbeous Water Redstart - Female) - Sikkim Bird

Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Plumbeous Water Redstart - Female)

Place : Rongli, East Sikkim

Date: March 8, 2015

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Rhyacornis fuliginosa (Plumbeous Water Redstart - Female)

Place : Shantinagar, East Sikkim
Date: April 9, 2010
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Friday, 4 April 2014

Musa laterita (Bronze Banana) - Sikkim Flora

Musa laterita (Bronze Banana)

Place : Dalapchand, East Sikkim

Date: November 23, 2011

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Musa laterita (Bronze Banana)

Place :Ranipool, East Sikkim

Date: May 24, 2011

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Zingiberales
Family:	Musaceae
Genus:	Musa
Species:	M. laterita

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Monticola solitarius (Blue Rock Thrush) - Sikkim Bird


Monticola solitarius (Blue Rock Thrush - female) Place : Sirwani, East Sikkim Date: February 16, 2010 Pic: Krishna Dahal

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Muscicapidae
Genus:	Monticola
Species:	M. solitarius

Binomial name: Monticola solitaries (Linnaeus, 1758)

Other Names:

Special feature: The blue rock thrush is Malta's national bird and is shown on the Lm 1 coin that was part of the previous currency of the country.(Wikipedia)