Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rugged and diverse terrain, which includes snow-covered peaks, high-altitude plateaus, glaciers, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.
The sanctuary is not easily accessible due to its remote location and challenging terrain. It falls within the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region, which is characterized by extreme weather conditions and limited vegetation. The sanctuary's inaccessibility has helped preserve its pristine natural environment and protect its wildlife.
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Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the easternmost reaches of the Karakoram range in Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.
Specifically, it lies in the northeastern part of the district, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the northwest.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, also known as Leh Airport. The airport is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of the sanctuary. From Leh Airport, visitors can reach the sanctuary by road.
Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a considerable distance from the sanctuary, approximately 720 kilometers (447 miles) south of Leh. From Jammu Tawi Railway Station, visitors would need to travel by road or air to reach the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history as a protected area. Here are some key points about its establishment and development:
1. Establishment: The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987. It was designated as a protected area with the aim of conserving the unique biodiversity of the region.
2. Conservation Importance: The sanctuary was created to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in the Karakoram range. This region is known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude ecosystems, and presence of rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard.
3. Challenges and Management: The remote and inaccessible location of the sanctuary poses challenges for effective management and conservation efforts. However, authorities have implemented measures to control poaching, promote sustainable tourism, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the sanctuary's ecological integrity.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary spans an approximate area of 5,000 square kilometers (1,931 square miles). It encompasses a portion of the Karakoram range of the Himalayas, characterized by its rugged terrain, snow-covered peaks, glaciers, deep gorges, and alpine meadows.
The sanctuary's vast size allows for the conservation of diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan wolf, ibex, blue sheep, musk deer, and various bird species.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Mountains
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karakoram mountain range, which is part of the greater Himalayan mountain system. The sanctuary is surrounded by several prominent peaks and mountains. Here are some notable mountains in and around the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen):
K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). It is located near the border between Pakistan and China and is one of the most challenging mountains to climb.
(2) Broad Peak:
Broad Peak is the 12th highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 8,051 meters (26,414 feet). It is situated on the border between Pakistan and China, adjacent to K2.
(3) Gasherbrum I (Hidden Peak):
Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, is the 11th highest mountain in the world, reaching an elevation of 8,080 meters (26,509 feet). It is located in the vicinity of K2.
(4) Gasherbrum II:
Gasherbrum II is the 13th highest mountain globally, with an elevation of 8,035 meters (26,362 feet). It is situated close to Gasherbrum I.
(5) Masherbrum:
Masherbrum, also called K1, is the 22nd highest mountain in the world, standing at an elevation of 7,821 meters (25,659 feet). It is located near the border between Pakistan and China.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several rivers and water bodies that flow through its rugged terrain. Here are some notable rivers in and around the sanctuary:
(1) Shyok River:
The Shyok River is a tributary of the Indus River and passes through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary. It originates in the Rimo Glacier in the Karakoram range and joins the Indus River near Skardu in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan.
(2) Nubra River:
The Nubra River is a tributary of the Shyok River and flows through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary. It originates in the Siachen Glacier and runs through the Nubra Valley, eventually joining the Shyok River.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by its unique flora, which has adapted to the extreme weather conditions and high-altitude environment of the Karakoram range. Here are some notable aspects of the flora found in the sanctuary:
(1) Alpine Vegetation:
The sanctuary is home to various species of alpine vegetation. These include hardy plants like alpine grasses, sedges, and dwarf shrubs that can withstand the harsh climatic conditions at high altitudes.
(2) Medicinal Plants:
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich diversity of medicinal plants. Several species with medicinal properties are found in the region, which have been traditionally used by local communities for their health and well-being.
(3) Cold Desert Flora:
The sanctuary falls within the Trans-Himalayan cold desert region. As a result, it is characterized by sparse vegetation with hardy desert plants like saxaul shrubs, junipers, and cushion plants. These plants have adapted to the arid and cold desert conditions prevailing in the region.
(4) Endemic and Rare Species:
The sanctuary provides habitat to several endemic and rare plant species that are specific to the Karakoram range. These species have evolved and adapted to the unique ecological conditions found in the area, making their conservation of utmost importance.
(5) Glacier Vegetation:
The presence of glaciers in the Karakoram range also influences the flora in the sanctuary. Glacial valleys support a unique vegetation type known as glacier flora, which consists of mosses, lichens, and small flowering plants that thrive in the moist and cold conditions near the glaciers.
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several rare and endangered species. The sanctuary's rugged terrain and high-altitude environment provide habitat for various wildlife adapted to these challenging conditions.
Here are some notable fauna found in the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Snow Leopard
- Himalayan Brown Bear
- Tibetan Wolf
- Ibex
- Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Musk Deer
- Himalayan Marmot
- Mountain Weasel
- Red Fox
- Lynx
Birds:
- Golden Eagle
- Bearded Vulture
- Himalayan Snowcock
- Himalayan Monal
- Himalayan Griffon
- Lammergeier
- Snow Partridge
- White-winged Redstart
- Himalayan Rubythroat
Reptiles:
- Banded Racer
- Ladakh Ratsnake
- Kukri Snake
Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is in which state?/Where is Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary located?/Which wildlife sanctuary is in Karakoram?
A. The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the easternmost reaches of the Karakoram range in Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.
Q. Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for?
A. The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Snow Leopards: The sanctuary is renowned for being one of the prime habitats of the elusive and endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Snow leopards are a flagship species of the region and draw significant attention from wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, forests, glaciers, and high-altitude plateaus, which support a wide range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to various rare and endemic species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
(iii) High-Altitude Environment: The sanctuary is situated in the Karakoram range, known for its towering peaks, glaciers, and rugged terrain. The extreme high-altitude environment adds to the sanctuary's allure, attracting adventurers, mountaineers, and nature lovers who seek to explore its unique landscapes.
(iv) Scenic Beauty: The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary offers breathtaking and picturesque scenery. The snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, and verdant valleys create a visually stunning environment, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
(v) Cultural Heritage: The sanctuary is located in the Leh district of Ladakh, which has a rich cultural heritage. The region is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and its monasteries, traditional villages, and vibrant festivals contribute to the sanctuary's unique cultural appeal.
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