Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve

27/10/2026

*BFL Board of Trustees Visit JKSNR and Tergola Red Panda Nature Trail*

The 21st Board of Trustees of Bhutan for Life, including Mr. Nik Sekhran of WWF-USA, accompanied by the Executive Director of the Bhutan for Life Fund Secretariat (BFL-FS), the Country Representative of WWF-Bhutan, and the Deputy Program Director of Bhutan for Life’s Project Coordination Unit (PCU), visited JKSNR in Haa from 24–25 October 2026.
The delegation explored the Tergola Red Panda Nature Trail, taking part in trekking, camera-trap monitoring, and bird watching activities while learning about the reserve’s biodiversity and potential for nature-based tourism.
The team also visited the JKSNR Head Office, established with support from BFL and the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC), to learn about the reserve’s conservation programmes and efforts to strengthen biodiversity protection and service delivery.

23/10/2026

New Record

23/10/2026

JKSNR Records Its 240th Bird Species

In a significant milestone for Bhutanese ornithology and biodiversity conservation, the Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) was recorded for the first time in Bhutan at Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR), Haa.
The bird was sighted by Mr. Wangchuk, Forest Ranger II of JKSNR, on 17th October 2026, at Jadhoten, at an elevation of 4,038 metres above sea level. The discovery was made during a joint field expedition involving officials from JKSNR and the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT), Lamai Goempa, Bumthang, under the Department of Forests and Park Services. The team was conducting seasonal monitoring of Black-necked Crane breeding habitats when the remarkable sighting was made.
The Great Grey Shrike is a medium-sized bird characterised by pale grey upperparts, whitish underparts, a prominent black facial mask and a strong, hooked bill. Its black wings feature conspicuous white patches, while its long black tail has distinctive white outer feathers. The species is typically observed perched upright on exposed branches, scanning the surrounding landscape for prey in open habitats.
With this discovery, Bhutan's recorded bird species count increases to 775, while the number of shrike species documented in the country rises from six to seven.
Beyond its significance as a new addition to Bhutan's avifaunal checklist, this discovery further highlights the ecological importance and rich biodiversity of Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve. As Bhutan's only strict nature reserve, JKSNR plays a vital role in safeguarding pristine high-altitude ecosystems and providing important habitats for diverse wildlife species. The addition of the Great Grey Shrike also brings the reserve's recorded bird species count to 240, further strengthening its significance as an important area for avian diversity and conservation.
This remarkable discovery underscores the immense potential of JKSNR for further exploration and documentation of Bhutan's rich floral and faunal diversity. It also demonstrates the importance of continued scientific research, systematic biodiversity monitoring and collaborative field expeditions in advancing our understanding of the country's natural heritage.
Photo credit: Wangchuk JKSNR and Gyeltshen UWIFoRT.

23/10/2026

🐾 International Snow Leopard Day 2026

Protect the Mountain Queen. Preserve Our Shared Future.

On this International Snow Leopard Day 23.10.2026, the management celebrate the elusive Snow Leopard, the Mountain Queen, a magnificent symbol of the pristine Himalayas and a vital guardian of our fragile alpine ecosystems.
The findings of the JKSNR Snow Leopard Survey-II reaffirm the importance of science-based monitoring and collective conservation action. With 12 individual snow leopards identified and a model-based abundance estimate of 14 individuals, these findings strengthen our understanding of this elusive species and reinforce our responsibility to safeguard its future.
Yet, conserving the snow leopard goes beyond protecting a single species. It means preserving alpine habitats, maintaining healthy prey populations, strengthening coexistence with local yak herding communities, and safeguarding the natural heritage of future generations.
Our rangers, yak herders, local communities, and conservation partners stand together on the frontlines of this shared responsibility. Through continuous monitoring, habitat protection, community engagement, and conflict 2 coexistence (C2C) mitigation, we can build a future where people and snow leopards thrive together.
Let us remember: the snow leopard is not merely a symbol of the wilderness; it is an integral part of our mountain ecosystem and our shared natural heritage.
Protect its habitat. Respect its existence. Strengthen coexistence. Secure its future.

Conserve • Monitor • Coexist

“A thriving snow leopard population means healthy mountains, resilient herding communities, and a sustainable future for JKSNR.”

14/10/2026

JKSNR and UWIFoRT Collaborate on Black-necked Crane Leg Tagging and Monitoring: 14.10.2026

The Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, in collaboration with the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training (UWIFoRT), conducted a consultation and hands-on training on Black-necked Crane (BNC) leg tagging to strengthen monitoring of the species’ movements and behaviour.
JKSNR is home to Bhutan’s only known Black-necked Crane breeding ground, making it a site of national conservation significance. Through this collaborative initiative, the team will undertake leg tagging to track the cranes’ movements, understand their habitat use, and gather valuable information on their seasonal migration patterns.
Importantly, this expedition is expected to help identify the cranes’ wintering and roosting grounds, providing critical insights into their migratory routes and winter habitat preferences. The findings will support evidence-based conservation planning, guide the protection of important habitats, and strengthen long-term efforts to conserve this globally significant species.

13/10/2026

𝐀 𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐀’𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂! 🐾
13.10.2026
Some moments in nature are more than just a sight to behold; they are precious reminders of the extraordinary beauty and richness of the natural world we are entrusted to protect.
Earlier this morning, one of teacher was fortunate enough to capture a rare and enchanting sighting of a Himalayan Red Panda at Tergola. Often regarded as an auspicious encounter, a glimpse of this elusive creature brings a sense of wonder, blessing, and good fortune.
Beyond its symbolic significance, the red panda represents the ecological richness of Tergola’s forests and the importance of safeguarding the fragile habitats upon which countless species depend.
We take immense pride in protecting wild red pandas inhabiting our forests, an invaluable part of our natural heritage and a living testament to the importance of conservation. Every sighting renews our commitment to preserving these magnificent creatures and ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the magic of wildlife in its natural home.
May Tergola’s magic bring a little wonder, happiness, and good fortune to your day! 🌿❤️

📸 Photo credit: Sonam Yuden, Bebji Primary School

12/10/2026

🇧🇹 CELEBRATING THE 15TH ROYAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 🇧🇹 13.10.2026

On the auspicious occasion of the 15th Royal Wedding Anniversary of Their Majesties The King and The Gyaltsuen, the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve joins the nation in offering our deepest respect, heartfelt felicitations, and solemn prayers.
May Their Majesties be blessed with everlasting happiness, excellent health, boundless prosperity, and a long life. May Their Majesties continue to illuminate the hearts of the Bhutanese people with their boundless love, compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the peace, happiness, and prosperity of our beloved Kingdom of Bhutan. 🙏🇧🇹
Long Live Their Majesties! Long Live the Kingdom of Bhutan!
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10/10/2026

White-bellied Heron Conservation Programme

The management of JKSNR organized a knowledge-sharing session at the Rangers’ Hall to enhance staff understanding of the global and national conservation status of the White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), one of the world’s rarest and most threatened waterbird species. The session highlighted the species’ critical conservation significance, its vulnerable population status, and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard its remaining habitats and ensure its long-term survival.
Following the recent record of the White-bellied Heron in the Amo Chhu basin, the management in collaboration with RSPN has initiated plans to undertake a comprehensive conservation programme in the area, with financial and technical support from RSPN. The initiative aims to establish a sound scientific understanding of the species’ presence, habitat requirements, potential threats, and conservation needs within the Amo Chhu basin.
During the session, staff were briefed on the proposed activities, which include awareness and conservation advocacy programmes across all Chiwogs under Gakiling and Sangbay Gewogs; social surveys to assess community perceptions and attitudes towards the species and its conservation; habitat assessments along the Amo Chhu basin; systematic identification and assessment of potential threats; and surveys to identify possible nesting sites and document other associated bird species. Practical field exercises on data collection modalities were conducted to familiarize staff with the proposed survey methods and data collection procedures.
These activities are intended to generate essential baseline information, strengthen community awareness, and guide evidence-based conservation planning.
Upon completion of the field assessments and associated surveys, the findings will be consolidated into a comprehensive technical report for publication and wider dissemination among relevant stakeholders. The initiative represents an important step towards strengthening the conservation of the White-bellied Heron in the Amo Chhu basin through scientific research, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships. It also reinforces JKSNR’s commitment to protecting threatened biodiversity and promoting the long-term ecological integrity of the landscape.

10/10/2026

Visit of the Snow Leopard Conservancy Team to JKSNR

The Snow Leopard Conservancy team visited Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve for an interactive exchange on the Reserve’s conservation mandate, ecological significance, and ongoing efforts to safeguard its unique biodiversity and fragile mountain ecosystems.
During the visit, the team was briefed on the Reserve’s mandate as Bhutan’s only strict nature reserve, its conservation programmes and achievements, key issues and operational challenges, and the human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation measures implemented to promote coexistence between local communities and wildlife. The presentation also highlighted future conservation priorities and strategic approaches to strengthening biodiversity protection across the landscape.
The visit provided a valuable platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange, with interactive discussions focusing on emerging conservation challenges, opportunities for technical and institutional support, and potential areas for collaboration and partnership. The discussions underscored the importance of collective action, shared expertise, and sustained partnerships in advancing snow leopard conservation and fostering harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife.
The engagement reaffirmed the significance of collaborative conservation in protecting Bhutan’s high-altitude ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of the snow leopard and other wildlife species that depend on these fragile landscapes.

08/10/2026