Bumdeling

Bumdeling. 07/05/12; Tashiyangtse Dzongkhag; 142 ha; 27°40'23"N 091°26'29"E. Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the glacial valleys northeastern Bhutan, it was a rice-producing floodplain until a series of floods washed away the paddy fields and left it fallow with sandy soil. It is home to at least 74 bird species, including the vulnerable Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) that migrate from the Tibetan plateau each year to winter at the site. Other endangered species recorded at the site include the Snow Leopard (Panthera unica), Tiger (Panthera tigris), Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpines primaevus) and Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster). Located at 1,900 to 2,000 meters above sea level, the fairly isolated valley is at a much lower altitude than other crane wintering areas in Bhutan and is comparatively warmer with a warm-broad leaf forest dominating the area. Alder (Alnus nepalensis), Maple (Acer sp.) and Birch (Betula sp.), found in and around the wetland, are used for making traditional household items and represent the main source of income for some communities in the area. The river Kholong Chhu and its three tributaries flow through the wetland; while the tributaries provide the local communities with a source of water for irrigation and drinking, the main river will be the site of a hydropower project 35km south of the wetland, which will not impact on the site itself. Ramsar Site no. 2032. Most recent RIS information: 2012.

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