The launch ceremony of the first high-altitude safari in India dedicated to snow leopard routes took place in Ladakh. The ceremony was opened by the Deputy Governor of Ladakh, Vinay Kumar Saxena, on Wednesday.
The goal of this project is to transform local communities into 'equal partners in the protection and promotion of Ladakh's wildlife and to generate economic benefits.' The Deputy Governor emphasized that nature conservation should not come at the expense of people, and development should not be detrimental to wildlife, insisting on creating a model where both aspects can thrive together.
Six safari vehicles were involved in the launch. The project is being implemented by the Snow Leopard and High Altitude Conservation Society (SHAN) in partnership with the state forest department.
The safari routes were laid out through areas such as Hemis National Park, Changtang, and the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, and also cover the districts of Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil, and Dras.
Ladakh is a unique region because it is home to all 477 snow leopards found in India. Furthermore, this region is home to more than 38 species of mammals, over 340 species of birds, and about 1800 species of vascular plants.