28% of the state of Sikkim (2049 sq. km) lies within protected areas, a proportion that compares favorably with other countries within the EHR. Most of this protected land lies within Kanchandzonga* National Park (1784 sq. km). Five alpine, wildlife, and rhododendron santuaries protected an additional 256 sq. km.
Existing Protected Areas in Sikkim
| Name | Areas (sq.km) | Comments |
| Kanchandzonga National Park | 1784 | Established 1977 in North West part of Sikkim includes middle elevation and alpine habitats |
| Kyongnosia Alpine Santuary | 31 | East of Gangtok city, near Changgu Lake |
| Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary | 52 | Subtropical and temperate elevation, 20 km North-West of Gangtok city |
| Maenam Wildlife Santuary | 35 | Includes temperate and subalpine forests in southern Sikkim |
| Barsay Rhododendron Santuary | 104 | Exterme South-West of Sikkim, forests contiguous with Singhalila NP in Darjeeling |
| Singhba Rhododendron Santuary | 43 | Yumthang Valley North of Gangtok at 3700m, diverse Rhododendron Habitat |
Proposed Protected Areas in Sikkim
Currently there are 6 additional protected areas proposed under the biodiversity "hotspot" program. If approved, these will extend Sikkim's protected area system to total size of 3871 sq.km (53% of Sikkim's total area). However, these proposed protected areas were not included in the present report.
Protected areas proposed under "biodiversity hotspot" program
| Name | Areas (sq.km) |
| Kitam Sanctuary | 13 |
| Pangolakha National Park | 108 |
| Tholung Wildlife Sanctuary | 230 |
| Dzongri Wildlife Santuary | 468 |
| Nimphu Wildlife Sanctuary | 167 |
| Kanchandzonga National Park (International Biosphere Reserve Extension) | 946 |