Wildlife authorities in the high-altitude, cold desert district of Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh have initiated a comprehensive survey to estimate the populations of blue sheep (bharal) and Himalayan ibex, the primary prey of the snow leopard.
Survey Details
- Conducting Organizations: The National Conservation Foundation and Wildlife Division, Spiti.
- Duration: 15 days.
- Method: Double observer survey technique.
- Terrain: The survey will cover the challenging landscape of the district, which borders Chinese-controlled Tibet.
Initial Findings
- Blue Sheep Sightings: 453 blue sheep were recorded in the Tabo area on the first day.
- Conservation Measures: There is a complete ban on hunting all wild animals, including blue sheep and Himalayan ibex.
Local Involvement
- Cultural Influence: Most residents of the district are Buddhists and refrain from hunting activities.
- Community Pledge: Locals have pledged not to hunt wildlife and to assist in the treatment of injured animals.
- Local Testimonies:
- Lara Tshering, a youth from Langcha village involved in wildlife conservation and tourism, reported frequent sightings of blue sheep and Himalayan ibex, which have also led to more snow leopard sightings.
Impact on Snow Leopards
- Conservation Status: Snow leopards are classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Increased Sightings: The increase in prey population has led to more frequent snow leopard sightings.
Wildlife Tourism
- Tourism Growth: The rise in sightings of snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan ibex has boosted wildlife tourism in the region.
- Local Economy: Many locals now support conservation efforts as tourism provides a sustainable livelihood.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which two species are being surveyed in Lahaul & Spiti?
- A) Snow leopards and red pandas
- B) Blue sheep and Himalayan ibex
- C) Tigers and elephants
- D) Red foxes and wolves
- Answer: B) Blue sheep and Himalayan ibex
- What technique is being used for the wildlife survey in Lahaul & Spiti?
- A) Aerial survey
- B) Camera trapping
- C) Double observer survey technique
- D) GPS tracking
- Answer: C) Double observer survey technique
- How many blue sheep were spotted in Tabo on the first day of the survey?
- A) 453
- B) 300
- C) 200
- D) 500
- Answer: A) 453
- What is the cultural reason most locals in Lahaul & Spiti do not engage in hunting?
- A) Government regulations
- B) Buddhist beliefs
- C) Lack of wildlife
- D) Economic reasons
- Answer: B) Buddhist beliefs
- What is the conservation status of the snow leopard according to the IUCN?
- A) Endangered
- B) Critically endangered
- C) Vulnerable
- D) Near threatened
- Answer: C) Vulnerable
- How has the local community contributed to wildlife conservation?
- A) By banning tourism
- B) By hunting other predators
- C) By pledging not to hunt wildlife and assisting injured animals
- D) By relocating the animals
- Answer: C) By pledging not to hunt wildlife and assisting injured animals