The sanctuary represents the easternmost temperate ecosystems and landscapes of Bhutan,[2] and is part of the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests ecoregion.

It protects several endemic species including the eastern blue pine, Meconopsis merakensis var.

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary was created in part to protect the migoi, a yeti-like cryptid whose existence has not been scientifically confirmed, but in which the local population strongly believes.

[8] The area including Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary made news in June 2020 when the Chinese government reaffirmed that it is a territory disputed between China and Bhutan.

Bhutan rejected the assertion, and denied that China had ever laid claim to the area in the past.