In Ladakh, the four-day hands-on training programme for newly recruited wildlife guards, along with the inception of a science-based snow leopard ecotourism initiative concluded in Kargil.
The programme was organised by the Snow Leopard Network in collaboration with the Wildlife Protection Department Kargil, aimed at strengthening field skills and promoting community-based conservation.
On Day One, experts delivered lectures on the wildlife and biodiversity of Ladakh, with special reference to Kargil. Sessions were conducted by noted wildlife expert Dr. Niazul H. Khan and ornithologist Dr. Iqbal Ali Khan, focusing on regional fauna and avifauna.
Day Two featured field-based training at Drass, where participants were introduced to modern wildlife survey tools such as GPS devices, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and camera traps. During the field visit, trainees observed species including the Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan ibex, Long-tailed marmot, along with several bird species like the Fire-fronted serin and Blue whistling thrush.
On Day Three, sessions focused on the taxonomy of medicinal plants found in Ladakh, while Day Four included practical orientation on snow leopard survey techniques and herbivore population assessment at Shargole Valley.
The valedictory session also marked the launch of an initiative titled “Snow Leopard Hotspots to Sustainable Ecotourism: Building Community Capacity for Science-Based Snow Leopard Conservation in Kargil.”
Chief Wildlife Warden Ladakh S. Rajesh addressed the gathering virtually from Leh. He emphasized that human-wildlife conflict can be reduced through awareness among local communities and by promoting responsible tourism. He stressed the need for community participation, coordinated efforts, and a sense of responsibility to ensure sustainable conservation.
A total of 27 newly recruited wildlife guards participated in the training and were advised to act as first responders in their respective areas and work in close coordination with local communities.
