SYED AMJAD SHAH
Jammu, Nov 30: The state Wild Life department is planning to conduct a scientific study, with the help of World Wildlife Federation (WWF), to determine the population of snow leopard and other endangered species in Ladakh region.
The wild life authorities who anticipate a rise in its population is contemplating to conduct a detailed study of 30, 000 Sq kilometre protected area of Ladakh region, to count the number of snow leopards and its prey- the wild yak, Ibex, Bharal or blue sheep, Nyan or Big-Horned sheep. The study will also include collection of genetic samples for DNA analysis
The present population of the snow leopard in Ladakh is put to 400 against a total of 300 found in rest of India. “However now we expect a sharp increase in the population of this rare specie” said Wild Life Warden Ladakh Jignet Takpa.
The population of snow leopard - listed as endangered specie has tremendously increased during the last six years in Ladakh region with the consistent efforts of the wildlife department and cooperation of the people in their conservation, claimed Takpa
“People in the Ladakh region were made aware about eco-tourism and the importance of the wild life in attracting nature lover tourists. The promotion of ecotourism led to the economic prosperity of the people living close to such habitations which reduced pressure on pastures, competition between wild life and live stock” said Takpa, He said with economic prosperity registered in the backdrop of promotion of ecotourism, the dependence of local people on the wild life and live stock decreased which in turn resulted in the increase in their population, including the snow leopard’s prey.
He said, It all helped endanger species, live stocks and their pastures to grow in the region, especially after the initiation of project ‘snow leopard’ and eco-tourism concept promoted by the Wild life department .
Jignet Takpa said that the wild species like snow leopard can be seen on every mountain and at most of the places now.
The official said the department is planning to conduct a comprehensive census of wild yak, Ibex, Bharal or blue sheep, Nyan or Big-Horned sheep, Kiang or Himalayan wild ass, Chiru or Tibetan Antelope and the elusive Snow Leopard . He said though exact number of snow leopard is yet to be ascertained due to and fro movement of the leopard in Chinese territory and back to Ladakh, the department is planning to conduct a scientific study with the help of World Wildlife Federation (WWF).
Nearly 30, 000 sq kilometre area in Ladakh region, official sources said, comes under protected area and even if any wild animals come out of the sanitary or protected area, it is not killed or captured by the people, since they are aware their importance with regard to the lucrative tourism industry .
“The department has been taking strict measures in this regard and hunting is not allowed. Some of those indulged in the trade are being dealt with the iron hand,” said Takpa.
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