Ladakh awaits nod to two more wildlife protected areas

Leh, December 7

Two more wildlife protected areas in the Ladakh Union Territory are waiting for a final notification from the Union Government in the name of Zanskar Wildlife Sanctuary and Suru Valley National Park in Kargil district.

Both ecologically sensitive and famous habitats for many endangered animals are proposed by the Regional Wildlife, Ladakh, and the areas have already been approved by the State Board of Wildlife and State Administrative Council of the erstwhile state government.

They are waiting for a final notification of intention of the area of being declared as protected. With the declaration, the Ladakh Union Territory will have total five protected areas. Warden, Regional Wildlife, Ladakh, Sajid Sultan said, “In addition to the existing three protected areas, two new exclusive zones for wildlife protection are planned to be added and they have got an approval from the State Board of Wildlife and SAC. Both zones are awaiting a final notification.” Both zones are home for ibex, brown bear, Himalayan fox, marmot, snowcock and kingfisher bird. — OC