Torsa Strict Nature Reserve

27°19′46″N 89°3′48″E

Torsa Strict Nature Reserve
Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
Location	Haa, Bhutan
Area	609.51 km2 (235.33 sq mi)
Website	Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation

The Torsa Strict Nature Reserve^[1] (officially Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve)^[a] in Bhutan covers 609.51 square kilometres^[b] in Haa District, occupying most of its area. Founded along with other national parks in 1993 by decision of the royal government,^[2] It borders Sikkim and Tibet to the west and is connected to Jigme Dorji National Park via a "biological corridor." Torsa SNR contains the westernmost temperate forests of Bhutan, from broadleaf forests to alpine meadows and the small lakes of Sinchulungpa, at altitudes ranging from 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) to 4,800 metres (15,700 ft). Like Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Torsa SNR has no resident human population.^[5]

Flora and fauna

This diverse ecosystem, home to various endangered species such as the Tibetan snowcock, red panda, snow leopard and rufous-necked hornbills, also grows in the reserve the only endemic poppy, the white poppy.^[6]

Rivers

The Amo Chu river that flows in from Tibet's Chumbi Valley is called Torsa Chu after it enters the Torsa SNR.^[7]

See also

• List of protected areas of Bhutan

Notes

1. Renamed in 2014 in honour of the Druk Gyalpo (King) Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.^[2]
2. The original area, when established in 1993, was 644 square kilometres.^[3][4]