Proposal for Boundary Redraw
Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries in Ladakh: A proposal has been received by the Central Government to redraw the boundaries of the Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries (WLS) in Ladakh. This move aims to enhance ecological management and streamline conservation strategies in the cold desert region. The step is significant for safeguarding the fragile high-altitude ecosystem that houses several endangered species.
About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987 and lies in the Karakoram range of Ladakh, India’s northernmost Union Territory. This sanctuary serves as a critical habitat for several high-altitude fauna and rare species.
It is home to species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Wolf, Ibex (wild goat), and Blue Sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary’s terrain is marked by steep ridges, glaciers, and barren landscapes typical of a cold desert biome.
Static GK fact: The Karakoram Range houses Siachen Glacier, one of the world’s highest battlefields and a source of the Nubra River.
The flora includes alpine vegetation, medicinal herbs, and cold desert plant species, adapted to the region’s extreme temperatures and low precipitation.
About Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Ladakhi Changthang Plateau, within the Leh district. This vast sanctuary forms part of the Trans-Himalayan bio-geographic zone and is known for its unique high-altitude ecology.
Changthang is home to some of India’s highest altitude lakes — Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, and Tso Kar — which serve as critical breeding grounds for migratory birds.
Static GK Tip: Tso Moriri Lake is recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance due to its biodiversity value.
The fauna includes Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass (Kiang), Dark-necked Crane, Tibetan Argali, and several migratory bird species from Central Asia. These animals thrive in the region’s vast grasslands and open plains that remain largely uninhabited.
Ecological and Strategic Importance
Both sanctuaries form a crucial part of the Trans-Himalayan wildlife corridor, ensuring genetic connectivity among species. Their strategic location near the India-China border also adds geopolitical significance, with conservation serving as a tool for sustainable borderland development.
Static GK fact: The Changthang Plateau extends into Tibet, forming part of the Pamir–Karakoram–Himalayan ecological system, one of the highest continuous ecosystems on Earth.
Conservation Challenges
Extreme climate, limited vegetation, and human-wildlife conflicts pose conservation challenges. Overgrazing by domestic livestock and increasing tourism activities around Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are affecting fragile habitats. The boundary revision proposal aims to rationalize protected areas to improve ecosystem connectivity and management efficiency.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries in Ladakh:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location of Karakoram WLS | Karakoram Range, Ladakh |
| Year of Establishment | 1987 |
| Key Fauna in Karakoram WLS | Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Ibex, Bharal |
| Key Flora in Karakoram WLS | Alpine vegetation, medicinal plants |
| Location of Changthang WLS | Changthang Plateau, Leh District, Ladakh |
| Major Lakes in Changthang | Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, Tso Kar |
| Ramsar Site in the Region | Tso Moriri Lake |
| Key Fauna in Changthang WLS | Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass, Dark-necked Crane |
| Bio-geographic Zone | Trans-Himalayan Zone |
| Current Update | Proposal to redraw sanctuary boundaries received by Central Government |
