Bamboo resources of Sikkim Himalaya: diversity, distribution and utilization

We recorded 8 genera and over 30 species of bamboo in Sikkim of the reported 23 genera and 125 species in India. Thirty percent of bamboo species were recorded in tropical forests (0–900 m), 40% of species in sub-tropical forests (900–1,800 m), 17% of species in temperate forests (1,800–2,700 m), 9% of species in sub-alpine forests (2,700–3,500 m) and 4% of species in alpine vegetation (3,500–4,500 m). Bamboo is used for various purposes and its versatility qualifies it to be a multiple-use alternative to timber, food for villagers and for tribal in particular. Bamboo is also equally important to Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), the state animal of Sikkim. We develop a list of bamboos occurring in Sikkim with their vernacular names, distributions and uses in the Himalayan state. However, more extensive study is required to fully describe the bamboo diversity of the Himalayan state.