Leh, Aug 7: Ladakh will introduce its first high-altitude wildlife safari, featuring guided jeep tours on snow leopard and birdwatching trails, after Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the initiative to promote sustainable eco-tourism while strengthening community participation in wildlife conservation.
The decision was taken at the inaugural governing body meeting of the newly constituted Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor.
Under the plan, the Forest Department has been directed to launch guided jeep safaris on the lines of those in Kaziranga and Ranthambore national parks. The safaris will use specially designed open-back vehicles operated by trained local drivers and guides to provide regulated wildlife experiences while curbing illegal off-roading and reducing disturbance to animals.
Officials said the department will identify safari routes across Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, as well as biodiversity-rich landscapes in Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass, which are known for snow leopard sightings and rich birdlife.
“Ladakh’s unique wildlife and fragile high-altitude ecosystem are its greatest natural assets. Conservation efforts can succeed only when local communities become equal partners in protecting nature and also benefit economically from it,” Saxena said.
“Through SHAN, we are creating a model that integrates wildlife conservation, responsible eco-tourism, environmental education, community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. Our vision is to establish Ladakh as a global example of community-led conservation and responsible high-altitude mountain tourism,” he added.
As part of the initiative, 20 local youths will be trained in birdwatching and bird identification and equipped with binoculars, while 10 birdwatching hides will be established at key locations. The governing body also approved the installation of 300 colour-coded waste bins across 40 villages, a plastic-free tourism campaign, and interpretative signages in protected areas to discourage littering, illegal off-roading and wildlife disturbance.
The SHAN society also plans to establish wildlife clubs in 50 government schools, introduce annual wildlife photography fellowships for 10 local youths, train 50 women artisans to produce wildlife-themed souvenirs, and open souvenir shops across Ladakh.
Officials said Ladakh is home to India’s largest snow leopard population, with 477 of the country’s estimated 718 snow leopards. The region also supports more than 38 mammal species, around 340 bird species and nearly 1,800 vascular plant species, making it one of India’s richest biodiversity landscapes.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all departments concerned to complete preparations before the start of the upcoming winter snow leopard sighting season.
