Abstract
A globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, the Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, India, is a rich ecological area within the Eastern Himalayas. Often referred to as the ‘Valley of Flowers’, this valley boasts a surprising array of rare, native, and economically important biological species. Besides a diverse mix of alpine herbs, lichens, mosses, and conifers, the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, an essential conservation area in the valley, hosts over 24 species of rhododendrons. The valley’s wildlife is just as diverse, featuring notable species such as the Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Monal, and Red Panda. Indigenous communities, such as the Lepcha Bhutia and Sherpa, have historically utilized alpine herbs to treat ailments including fever, respiratory issues, stomach issues, wounds, inflammation, etc. Nonetheless, practices like unsustainable harvesting, uncontrolled tourism, and climate change are serious threats to this rich reservoir of biological resources. This review emphasizes the taxonomic distribution, ethnomedicinal and cultural practices of the flora and fauna found in Yumthang Valley. It also discusses conservation challenges while outlining future strategies for the responsible use and scientific exploration of these biological treasures.
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Claims 4
Claim · model-written summary
The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary hosts over 24 species of rhododendrons in Yumthang Valley.
- Taxon
- rhododendrons
Rhododendrone0 - Outcome
- species of rhododendronse0
- Value
- over 24 speciese0
- Setting
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuarye0
Organisms pictured · Representative pictures of the matched species, not figures from the paper.
Verbatim
e0“the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, an essential conservation area in the valley, hosts over 24 species of rhododendrons”
Claim · model-written summary
Yumthang Valley hosts a diverse mix of alpine herbs, lichens, mosses and conifers.
Verbatim
e1“Besides a diverse mix of alpine herbs, lichens, mosses, and conifers”
Claim · model-written summary
Indigenous communities have historically used alpine herbs to treat ailments.
Verbatim
e2“Indigenous communities, such as the Lepcha Bhutia and Sherpa, have historically utilized alpine herbs to treat ailments including fever, respiratory issues, stomach issues, wounds, inflammation, etc.”
Claim · model-written summary
Unsustainable harvesting, uncontrolled tourism and climate change are serious threats to the biological resources of Yumthang Valley.
Verbatim
t0“Flora and fauna of Yumthang Valley”
e3“Nonetheless, practices like unsustainable harvesting, uncontrolled tourism, and climate change are serious threats to this rich reservoir of biological resources”