LG Ladakh flags off high-altitude Snow Leopard Safari in Ladakh

Lt. Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena flagged off six vehicles for the Ladakh Snow Leopard Safari, aimed at promoting responsible wildlife tourism, conservation and local livelihoods.

The safari, implemented by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society with the UT Forest Department, will initially operate in Rumbak, Shang and Uley, known for frequent snow leopard sightings.

Specially designed vehicles, trained local drivers and wildlife guides will be deployed, with routes being identified across Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, besides Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass.

Mr. Saxena said the initiative was about creating a model where wildlife conservation and community livelihoods could go together.

“Wildlife should not be protected at the cost of people, nor should development come at the cost of wildlife,” he said.

Ladakh is estimated to have 477 snow leopards, out of a national population of around 718.