Now Reading: Ladakh plans snow leopard safaris, conservationists warn of risks
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Ladakh plans snow leopard safaris, conservationists warn of risks
Ladakh’s government has approved guided wildlife safaris on snow leopard and bird-watching trails, triggering warnings from conservationists that the plan could harm a fragile high-altitude ecosystem. The move, directed by Lieutenant Governor…
The Story in Brief
Ladakh’s government has approved guided wildlife safaris on snow leopard and bird-watching trails, triggering warnings from conservationists that the plan could harm a fragile high-altitude ecosystem. The move, directed by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, aims to curb illegal off-roading and use open-back vehicles with trained local guides, modelled on Kaziranga and Ranthambore.
But Dr MK Ranjitsinh, former Wildlife Trust of India member, said the terrain makes it nearly impossible to spot a snow leopard without baiting. Ladakh is home to 477 of India’s estimated 718 snow leopards, but the animals are scattered across vast, open valleys where vehicles are visible for miles. A wildlife official warned the safari could commercialise off-roading into fragile meadows.
The Indian Opinion
Both sides have valid points, but Karnataka-style safari tourism cannot be transplanted to Ladakh’s treeless valleys. The notion that safaris will prevent illegal off-roading is weak, regularising driving on fragile meadows for a price may worsen disturbance. The real test will be whether the government draws a clear boundary: will safari vehicles stay on existing roads, or will new tracks, eateries and hotels follow as lobbies push? The number of new roads allowed in the next year will settle that question.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
