Seeking help from the Armed forces of India, the Environment Ministry asked the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) to help protect the Snow Leopard – a rare and scarce species of the high altitudes and an endangered animal.
In order to conserve the snow leopard, ‘Project Snow Leopard’ was launched in 2009 taking under its umbrella, scientists, civilian organisations and local communities. The primary objective of this project was to strengthen and conserve wildlife in the high altitudes.
On March 11, the environment ministry held a second meeting of the national steering committee on Project Snow Leopard, under the chairmanship of Jairam Ramesh, minister for environment. The environment ministry sought the help of Indo Tibetan Border Police –ITBP and Indian army in conserving and protecting the snow leopards.
A statement issued on Monday by the ministry said “There is need for more structured dialogue with the army and the ITBP to facilitate a deeper involvement of these bodies in conservation issues in the snow leopard landscapes”.
The defence forces have a large presence in habitats where snow leopards reside and roam and the ministry recognises the importance of Army involvement in this conservation process.
Snow Leopards are found in 5 states of India: Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarkhand and Arunachal Pradesh. Unfortunately, the total number of snow leopards is just about 750, all states put together. The committee comprises of World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife trust of India, Nature conservation foundation, Wildlife institute of India, apart from the senior officials of snow leopard states.
The environment minister also emphasised the need to involve international know-how exchange and expertise in tackling snow leopard preservation. A proposal to the effect of hosting an International conference on conservation of snow leopards and mountain land scapes, in India, was also put forth by the minister.
If the armed forces do get involved in the conservation process, the move will definitely be good in bringing the manpower, discipline and local area expertise needed for protection of a rare animal.
– Atula Gupta
Article source Image courtesy Kyle Bradshaw via cc Flickr
thanks for highlighting issue of endangered snow leopards. Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust and Snow Leopard Conservancy US are leading the way with many local organisations to save this beautiful animal in Ladakh. Last month I was able to sit and watch a wild snow leopard in Hemis National park for 8 hours – a rare privilege and wonderful experience.
best regards Sibylle Noras
Founder and Publisher
snowleopardblog.com
You have been incredibly lucky. I wish I get an oppurtunity like that.
Thank you for your valuable comment.
I wonder what’s the progress of the move. Did Army’s efforts helped in a meaningful manner.
Thank you for your comment sir. Yes, the army is actively participating in protecting this endangered species along its habitat areas. Personnels from the army and ITBP have a large presence in areas where snow leopards are found and they are using their knowledge of the territory to ward off any danger related to poaching or human-animal conflict in the area.