Leh, 06 August (H.S.): Ladakh is set to launch India's first high-altitude wildlife safari, with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approving guided jeep safaris on snow leopard and birdwatching trails to promote sustainable eco-tourism while making local communities equal partners in wildlife conservation and economic development.

The decision was taken at the first governing body meeting of the newly constituted snow leopard and high-altitude nature (SHAN) conservation society, chaired by the LG, officials said.

Under the initiative, the forest department has been directed to introduce guided jeep safaris, modelled on those operated in national parks such as Kaziranga and Ranthambore, using specially designed open-back vehicles driven by trained local drivers and guides, they said.

The move aims to curb illegal off-roading and minimise disturbance to wildlife while enhancing visitors' experience through regulated and eco-friendly tourism, they added.

The forest department has also been asked to identify potential safari routes across Hemis national park, Changthang and Karakoram wildlife sanctuaries, besides wildlife-rich areas such as Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass, known for snow leopard sightings and rich birdlife.

As part of the initiative, 20 local youths will be selected and trained in birdwatching, bird identification and bird-spotting skills and equipped with binoculars. Ten birdwatching hides will also be established at major hotspots, they said.

Officials said Ladakh is home to India's largest snow leopard population, with 477 of the country's estimated 718 snow leopards.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar