Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected wildlife sanctuary in western Sarpang District, Bhutan
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the western part of Sarpang District, Bhutan, spanning a range of elevations from lowlands to forested hills. This variation in terrain creates different habitats within the same reserve, supporting a wide range of animal and plant life.
The area was formerly known as Phibsoo Reserved Forests before being officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1993. In 2012, a formal management plan was introduced to guide the long-term care of the land.
The Nichula and Singye communities live near the sanctuary and have long maintained ties to the land around it. Certain areas are still used in traditional ways, and the presence of wildlife is woven into local daily life.
The sanctuary has very little development, with uneven paths and conditions that change depending on the season, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Two ranger stations are located within the area and can serve as starting points for those arriving to observe wildlife.
The sanctuary is home to eight different wild cat species living within the same territory, making it one of the most cat-rich places in the region. This concentration of predators from a single animal group in one area is considered very rare worldwide.
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