India's first high-altitude wildlife safari flags off six open-back vehicles in Ladakh
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biodiversity & conservation· Prelims·
Community-led conservation and livelihood diversification: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
The Ladakh administration flagged off India's first high-altitude wildlife safari in Rumbak, Shang, and Uley to link conservation with local livelihoods.
Background
The project involves six open-back vehicles and aims to employ local residents as drivers and guides. Ladakh is estimated to hold 477 of the 718 snow leopards in the region.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceRumbak, Shang, and Uley are locations in Ladakh where the high-altitude wildlife safari was flagged off.
- FactLadakh holds an estimated 477 of the 718 snow leopards in the region.
- EnvironmentThe safari project aims to protect fragile ecosystems while potentially expanding to Hemis National Park.
Prelims practice question
In which specific locations in Ladakh was India's first high-altitude wildlife safari flagged off?
- (a)Changthang, Spiti, and Lahaul
- (b)Rumbak, Shang, and Uley
- (c)Leh, Kargil, and Zanskar
- (d)Nubra, Pangong, and Tso Moriri
Show answer
Answer: (b) Rumbak, Shang, and Uley — The note specifies Rumbak, Shang, and Uley as the locations where the safari was flagged off.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how community-led wildlife tourism can balance ecological conservation with the socio-economic development of mountain communities in high-altitude regions like Ladakh.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Livelihood integration: Transitioning local residents from extractive activities to conservation-based employment
- Ecological integrity: Balancing tourist footfall with the protection of fragile high-altitude habitats
- Spatial planning: Regulated safari routes to prevent habitat fragmentation in snow leopard territories
Keywords: Community-led conservation · Sustainable tourism · Livelihood diversification · Biodiversity protection · Ecotourism
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.