Tonglu and Dhotrey Declared *National Biodiversity Heritage Sites* in 2015...

..home to the most striking lichens, the brilliant blossoms of rhododendrons, magnolias, the red panda once not so elusive, the rich repository of plant life, the fragrant air.....the wondrous Eastern Himalayas in India.

1. The National Biodiversity Authority, an Autonomous and Statutory Body of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, in its website has recognized the importance of Tonglu covering an area of 230 hectares and Dhotrey covering an area of 180 hectares, both located in the Darjeeling District in West Bengal as *Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas*. 

2. On 21 April 2015, the Darjeeling Times had reported -

Tonglu and Dhotrey Declared - National Biodiversity Heritage Sites

'Taking into consideration the immense bio-diversity and natural wealth of the region, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has declared Tonglu and Dhotrey as National Biodiversity Heritage Sites.

The declaration of this region as National Biodiversity Heritage Site will play an important role in conserving the unique and rare flora, fauna and insects that are currently poached and smuggled into China and other countries via Nepal.

Both these forest regions fall under Singhalila National Park, with Tonglu covering an area of 230 hectors, and Dhotrey covers 150 hectors.

Home to the elusive Red Panda and some of the most beautiful varieties of Rhododendrons, Singhalila National Park was recently declared one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World - by Yahoo.'

References:
1.National Biodiversity Authority
2.Photograph from blog by Amlan
3.DarjeelingTimes.com - Darjeeling News