Divisional Forest Office, Monggar

14/09/2026

🐅 Tiger use of Biological Corridor 7 confirmed
Divisional Forest Office, Mongar, is pleased to share new scientific evidence confirming the use of Biological Corridor 7 (BC7) by a tiger (Panthera tigris).
A study recently published in Oryx documented an adult male tiger at two locations within BC7 during a 2025 camera-trap survey. While further monitoring is needed to confirm movement between adjoining protected areas, the finding provides important evidence that a wide-ranging large carnivore is using the corridor.
📘 Use of a biological corridor by a tiger Panthera tigris: evidence from a 2025 camera-trap survey in Bhutan
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605326103676
The finding is particularly important as major infrastructure developments are taking place within BC7. One hydro project lies in the southern section of the corridor, while another proposed hydro project will affect its north-eastern part.
A biological corridor can serve its purpose only when wildlife can continue to move through it. Roads, hydropower infrastructure and other developments therefore need careful planning, with suitable wildlife crossings, protection of key habitats and movement routes, and continued monitoring.
A related study on prey occupancy and functional connectivity identified seven major pinch-point zones within BC7, further highlighting areas where conservation measures should be prioritised.
📘 Prey Occupancy and Functional Connectivity in Biological Corridor Seven, Bhutan
https://www.bjnrd.org/index.php/bjnrd/article/view/192
These studies show that development and conservation need not compete. With proper planning and wildlife-friendly mitigation measures, development can proceed while maintaining BC7's ecological function.
Division and authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support received from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Bhutan Ecological Society, and Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation; camera-trap support from the Nature Conservation Division; and the contributions of all field staff and institutions involved in the research.
The evidence is now available; the next step is to ensure that wildlife continues to have space to move through BC7.

Prey Occupancy and Functional Connectivity in Biological Corridor Seven, Bhutan Authors Jigme Thinley Department of Forests and Park Services https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5028-5687 Bhagat Suberi College of Natural Resources https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8568-9086 Ugyen Dorji College of Natural Resource...

12/09/2026

A team of 26 BSc Forestry students, including an international student, from the College of Natural Resources (CNR), Lobesa, led by Dr. Yeshey Khandu, a leading dendrochronologist in Bhutan, visited the Mongar Forest Division from 6–12 September 2026 as part of their field week on Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Planning and Practical Field Exercises.

The field program provided the students with basic opportunities to bridge classroom knowledge with practical applications of sustainable forest management planning. The students were introduced to the principles and practices of SFM, particularly in the context of core forestry sciences in Forest Management Unit (FMU).

Major activities and practical exercises undertaken during the field week included:

1. Introduction to Sustainable Forest Management in FMUs, including the principles, objectives and practical considerations of SFM planning and implementation processes.

2. Operational inventory design and methodology, covering sampling design, plot establishment, measurement techniques, data collection procedures and their application in forest management planning.

3. Field visit to a Low-Impact Logging (LIL) operation site at Yarila under Lingmethang FMU, where students were exposed to practical aspects of environmentally responsible planned harvesting operations, cable-line-based extraction and measures to minimise damage to the residual forest and surrounding environment.

4. Operational inventory field data collection exercise at Shongjari Block, followed by data compilation, result interpretation/analysis- providing them hands-on experience in tree measurement, forest stand assessment, inventory data recording and field-based resource assessment.

5. Forest Function Mapping using QGIS, through which students were introduced to the application in spatial analysis, forest zoning into protection, non-production and production working circles, resource assessment and management prescriptions, estimation and regulation of sustained yield called annual allowable cut(AAC) from the net operable areas.

6. Visit to Yakpugang Community Forest and Payment for Environmental Services (PES) site, providing an opportunity to understand community-based forest management, ecosystem services, community participation and emerging approaches for incentivising conservation and sustainable management of forest resources.

7. The field exposure also provided an opportunity for the students to interact with real-time forestry professionals and gained practical understanding of the planning process, inventory, mapping, implementation, and monitoring of forest management regimes.

The program highlighted the importance of integrating field-based forestry technologies, sustainable harvesting practices, community participation and ecosystem-service approaches in achieving sustainable and resilient forest management.

Mongar Forest Division appreciates the efforts of Dr. Yeshey Khandu for opting our Division for the opportunity to support the practical learning of our next generation of forestry professionals and hopes that the field experience will contribute to strengthening their understanding of evidence-based, participatory and environmentally responsible forest management in Bhutan.

07/09/2026

Students from the College of Natural Resources' BSc. Environmental and Climate Studies program visited Yakpugang Community Forest, where they explored the concept of Payment for Environmental Services. Their learning focused on the services extended to resource users and the resultant benefits being acquired by the Community Forest.

07/09/2026

24/08/2026

The Divisional Forest office Mongar had attended and received blessing from on-going Yarney (Summer Retreat) at Tongseng Nunnery and Khidheykhar Shedra during final day of staff coordination meeting. Echoing the principle of achieving dual benefits of “feeding two birds with one scone” to invoke blessings for the punctual ex*****on of the division's plans on time, ensuring maximum benefit for the local communities and the wider public.

24/08/2026

The Divisional Forest Office, Mongar, convened a five-day staff coordination meeting from August 17–21, 2026. Key agenda items included a review of the 2025–2026 scientific thinning results, the presentation of the Annual Work Plan 2026–2027 and its approved budget, and the participatory development of resepctive offices Annual Workplan (AWP) guided by performance standards established during a recent workshop in Punakha. Staff were subsequently trained on preparation Individual Workplans and actively participated in group exercises to formulate the division's Organizational Integrity Plan. Concluding the session, the division's forest fire contingency plan was presented, outlining preparedness measures and strategies to reduce fire incidence by 25%. In the spirit of "feeding two birds with one scone," the meeting concluded on the final afternoon with staff attending ongoing religious ceremonies at Tongseng Nunnery and Khidheykhar Shedra. This was done to seek blessings for the timely and successful implementation of their plans, ultimately benefitting the communities and the public.

01/08/2026

In celebration of International Ranger Day, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our newly promoted officials:
1. Mr. Tashi Wangchuk, promoted from FRI to Sr. FR III
2. Mr. Sangay Lhuendrup, promoted from Assistant Forester to Forester
Your well-deserved achievements are a testament to your years of dedication, perseverance, and exemplary service in protecting our natural resources and forests. May you continue to inspire others as you take on greater responsibilities.

01/08/2026

The Divisional Forest Office in Mongar warmly bid farewell to Mr. B K S***a, Sr. FR III, from the Dramitse Beat Office under the Forest Range Office, coinciding with International Ranger Day. With over four decades of service to the Department of Forests and Park Services, he was celebrated for his energy, commitment, and hard work as a forester. Known for his integrity and diligence, Mr. S***a earned the respect of all around him. As we say goodbye, we will miss you dearly and wish you the best in your future adventures.

01/08/2026

On July 31, 2026, the Divisional Forest Office in Mongar proudly observes World Ranger Day 2026 with the theme: "Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet," honoring our green guardians for their commitment to natural resource conservation. The celebration began with the hoisting of the national flag, proudly displaying the national emblem as it resonated throughout the nation. This was followed by a Zhabten for our beloved King, a ceremonial cake cutting, and a speech by the Chief Guest, Officiating CFO Norbu Wangchuk, who emphasized the significance of the day and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all foresters working tirelessly on the frontlines of conservation.
To mark this occasion meaningfully, several engaging programs were held. As a gesture of appreciation to our past Chief Forestry Officers (formerly Divisional Forestry Officers) up to the present, staff voluntarily contributed framed photographs to the office, which were handed over to the management. Additionally, the Nature Conservation Section presented portraits of the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Himalayan Musk Deer to the office management.
To enhance the joy of the day, an open quiz program focused on technical and forestry-related topics was conducted, where staff participated by spinning a lucky wheel, with prizes awarded to those who answered the quiz questions correctly. There was also an experience-sharing session where senior staff exchanged insights with newer employees, discussing their work experiences and identifying issues for future improvement. In the afternoon, a Khuru competition was held among field offices, awarded prizes for the winners.The day concluded on a mesmerizing note with a graceful circle dance of traditional and classical melodies dedicated to nature and the nation.

14/07/2026

📢 Open Auction of Seized Timber

The Divisional Forest Office, Mongar is pleased to invite Wood-Based Industries, traders and general public to participate in an Open Auction of Seized Timber.

🪵Species: Phoebe spp. & Toona spp.
• Volume: 248.62 cft (65 pieces) in block form
• Location: Lingmethang FMU Office
📅 Auction Date: 31 July 2026 (Friday)
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Venue: Divisional Forest Office, Mongar

📌 Important Information

✅ Interested bidders are encouraged to inspect the timber at the site before the auction.

✅ The successful bidder shall make full payment, including applicable royalty and other charges upon issue of allotment order.

✅ Purchased timber must be lifted within one week from the date of auction.

📞 For further information: 04-641327
📧 Email: [email protected]
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