Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
14-07-2024
12:09 PM
1 min read
Overview:
As the summer rush peaks in July, a conservationist looks at how rash development and irresponsible tourism are threatening Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary’s unique animals and environment.
About Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary:
- It is located in the Ladakhi Changthang plateau in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It covers an area of almost 1,600 sq. km and is home to the highest altitude water lakes, namely, Tso Moriri (which also happens to be the highest lake on earth), Pangong Tso and Tso Kar.
- The Changthang region is inhabited by nomadic pastoral communities, primarily the Changpa tribe, who lead a traditional way of life herding yaks, goats, and sheep across the vast grasslands.
- This region is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture and heritage.
- It includes one of the world's highest villages, Korzok Village, which attracts tourists to the Korzok Monastery.
- Fauna: Tibetan wolf, wild yak, bharal, brown bear and the mormot that seems to be present everywhere.
- Flora: It is home to almost 200 species of wild plants that grow in the higher pastures and are food for the animals inside the sanctuary.
Q1:Who are Changpas?
They are semi-nomadic people found mainly in the Changtang plateau of southeastern Ladakh. A smaller number resides in the western regions of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. They share linguistic and cultural affinities with Tibetans.
Source: Ladakh | All is not well at Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
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