We assessed distribution and abundance of mammals in dense, rugged eastern Himalayan habitats of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (BR), Sikkim, India, from April 2008 to May 2010, using field methods and remote cameras under varying rain and snow conditions. We report the occurrence of 42 mammals including 18 species that have high global conservation significance.

The conservation of wildlife species in the Indian sub-continent has often been influenced by their aesthetic, socio-cultural and religious importance, prior to their ecological role. This system over the years has certainly been biased towards the terrestrial ecosystems affecting