Divisional Forest Office, Samdrup Jongkhar

—𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓾 𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓶𝓾𝓷𝓲𝓽𝔂 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰—

The revision of Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) for Rechanglu Community Forest under Gomdar Gewog has been successfully completed and officially handed over to the Community Forest Management Group (CFMG). The program was graced by the Chief Forestry Officer (CFO) of the Division and the Gewog Thrizin (Gup), with the presence of CFMG members and forestry officials.

The revised plan (2026–2035) covers an area of 191.78 hectares of cool broad-leaved forest and focuses on sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, water source protection, and livelihood enhancement. The plan sets an Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) of 230 trees (189 m³) to ensure sustainable utilization while maintaining ecological balance.

The revision process was participatory, involving community consultations, socio-economic surveys, and forest resource assessments. It reflects local priorities, particularly the protection of water sources, management of NWFPs, and strengthening community-based forest governance.

This milestone marks a continued commitment toward sustainable forest management and community stewardship of natural resources. 🌿

🌿 𝓘𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓼🌿

Today, we join the global community in celebrating the invaluable role of forests in sustaining life on Earth. Forests are not only rich reservoirs of biodiversity, but also vital for climate regulation, water security, and the livelihoods of millions of people.

In Bhutan, where over 70% of the land remains under forest cover, our commitment to conservation reflects a deep respect for nature and a responsibility toward future generations. From protecting wildlife habitats to supporting ecosystem services, forests continue to be the backbone of our environmental and cultural heritage.

On this important day, let us reaffirm our dedication to sustainable forest management, strengthen conservation efforts, and promote awareness on the importance of preserving our natural resources.

Together, let us protect and nurture our forests; for today and for generations to come. 🌱

--𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞--

DFO Samdrup Jongkhar harbors a remarkable diversity of mammalian fauna. Through sustained field surveys and the consolidation of earlier records, a total of 𝟓𝟒 mammal species have now been documented, representing approximately 𝟒𝟏% of the total mammal species recorded in Bhutan.

Of these, 5 species fall under the IUCN Endangered category, 9 species are classified as Vulnerable, and 6 species are listed as Near Threatened, underscoring the substantial conservation significance of our landscapes and the imperative for continued and proactive protection measures.

Encouragingly, the presence of the Red Panda (𝘼𝙞𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙨) within the division was recently confirmed during the Local Forest Management Area (LFMA) survey in Gomdar Gewog, based on droppings and feeding signs, indicative of suitable habitat conditions and the ecological integrity of our forest ecosystems. Furthermore, a Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel (𝙋𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝙣𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙨) was recorded for the first time just yesterday near the division colony at an exceptionally low elevation of approximately 𝟏𝟐𝟎 masl. Existing literature indicates that this species may descend to around 800 masl under certain conditions. The occurrence of this species at such an unusually low altitude is therefore both remarkable and unexpected.
These observations reaffirm the division’s role as a critical refuge for mammalian biodiversity. Continued monitoring, strengthened habitat protection, and active community engagement remain pivotal to ensuring the long-term conservation of these species.



Photo credit: Wangchen Namgay

**𝔸𝕧𝕚𝕒𝕟 𝔻𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕌𝕡𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕖**
During the recent Gomdar LFMA field survey, the team recorded three additional bird species: Fire-tailed Myzornis (𝘔𝘺𝘻𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢), Spotted Nutcracker (𝘕𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘴), and Large Niltava (𝘕𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘷𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴). With these additional records, the total number of bird species recorded under the division has reached 𝟐𝟓𝟏 species, representing approximately 𝟑𝟑% of the country's avifaunal diversity.
This updated checklist is a result of cumulative efforts, integrating recent field observations with previously established baseline data. The high species richness can be attributed to the division’s wide altitudinal gradient, ranging from approximately 100 meters to 2800 meters above sea level, which supports a broad spectrum of habitats and ecological niches.
Such diverse elevational zones provide favorable conditions for both lowland and montane bird species, highlighting the ecological significance of the landscape in sustaining rich avian biodiversity.

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖 (𝙇𝙁𝙈𝘼) 𝙁𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙮 – 𝙂𝙤𝙢𝙙𝙖𝙧 𝙂𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙜

The Divisional Office successfully completed the Local Forest Management Area (LFMA) field survey for Gomdar Gewog, conducted as scheduled from 26 February 2026 to 08 March 2026.
A total of 272 sample plots were planned for the survey. Out of these, 229 plots were successfully accessed and assessed, covering both forested areas and croplands. Due to the rugged terrain and challenging landscape of Gomdar Gewog, 49 plots remained inaccessible, as the survey team could not reach those locations for data collection.
Despite the difficult field conditions, our dedicated field staff demonstrated remarkable commitment and perseverance, working tirelessly to ensure the survey was completed within the planned timeframe. Their hard work and sacrifice in navigating steep and remote terrain are highly commendable.
The DFO management would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all field colleagues for their dedication and teamwork in successfully completing this important task on time.
We would also like to sincerely thank the Gewog Administration and the people of Gomdar Gewog for their cooperation and support throughout the survey period.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀
On the joyous occasion of the Birth Anniversary of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, we are pleased to warmly welcome our new team members to the Divisional Forest Office, Samdrup Jongkhar.
We extend a heartfelt welcome to:
Mr. Sonam Zangpo from DFO, Pema Gatshel
Mr. Karma Wangchuk from DFO, Pema Gatshel
Mr. Norbu Gyeltshen from DFO, Gedu
Mr. Ugyen Wangchuk from Bhutan Tiger Center, NCD.
Mr. Pema Wangda from DFO, Trashigang
Mr. Choki Wangchuk from JWS
Your skills, dedication, and fresh perspectives bring great value to our office. We are confident that your contributions will strengthen our team and support our shared goals.
We wish you every success in your new roles and look forward to working together to achieve meaningful milestones and continued progress.
Welcome to the journey: let us grow, learn, and succeed together as one team. Department of Forests and Park Services

The Divisional Forest Office, Samdrup Jongkhar family joins the nation in offering heartfelt prayers and warm wishes on the joyous occasion of the 10ᵗʰ Birth Anniversary of His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. May His Royal Highness be blessed with good health, long life, wisdom, and happiness