Home / Environment / $3 Million Boost for Protecting India's Largest Snow Leopard Haven
$3 Million Boost for Protecting India's Largest Snow Leopard Haven
26 Jul
Summary
- International Big Cat Alliance donates $3 million for Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
- Reserve covers 1,585 sq km and is home to snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and other wildlife
- Funds to support management plan, committee formation, and stakeholder capacity building
In a significant move for wildlife conservation in India, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has recently donated a $3 million cheque to the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The funds are earmarked for the conservation and management of the newly notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve in Lahaul and Spiti district, which is home to a high density of snow leopards.
Tsarap Chu was formally designated as India's largest conservation reserve on May 7th, covering an area of 1,585 square kilometres. The reserve is situated in a strategic trans-Himalayan region, bordering Ladakh, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kabjima Nullah, Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary, and Baralacha Pass. In addition to snow leopards, the reserve supports a rich variety of Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan flora and fauna, including species such as Tibetan Wolf, Kiang, Bharal, Ibex, Tibetan Argali, and avifauna like Rose Finches, Tibetan Ravens, and Yellow-billed Choughs.
Expressing gratitude for the IBCA's support, Chief Minister Sukhu stated that the funds will catalyze early-stage conservation activities, including the preparation of the management plan, the constitution of the conservation reserve management committee, and capacity building of relevant stakeholders. This significant investment in the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve underscores the importance of protecting India's high-altitude ecosystems and the endangered species that call them home.
