The Himachal Pradesh government has notified that the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve, located in the Lahaul-Spiti region, will become India’s largest reserve designated to protect high-altitude wildlife like snow leopards, Tibetan wolves and ibex.
According to Mandar Jeware, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for Wildlife in Spiti, the declaration followed extensive consultations with local panchayats and completion of all formalities in compliance with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Jeware emphasised that the reserve is expected to significantly promote eco-tourism, wildlife photography, camping and research. “These activities will not only protect biodiversity but also boost the local economy by creating livelihood opportunities,” he said to media.
The reserve will be managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee, comprising representatives from local panchayats. This inclusive approach ensures that conservation efforts are aligned with the community’s interests.
Spanning 1,585 sq km, the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve shares its northern boundary with Ladakh and its eastern limit with the confluence of Malung Nullah and Lungar Lungpa. The Kabjima Nullah forms its southern edge; and to the west, it borders the Chandra Taal Wildlife Sanctuary and Baralacha Pass, following the Yunam River to its meeting point with Charap Nullah near Sarchu.
Tsarap Chu is an important ecosystem because it supports one of the highest densities of snow leopards in Himachal Pradesh. The area also shelters a diverse range of Himalayan and trans-Himalayan fauna, including Tibetan wolves, kiangs, bharals, ibex and Tibetan argali. Bird species such as rose finches, Tibetan ravens and yellow-billed choughs are also found here.
The reserve acts as the catchment area of Charap Nullah and serves as a critical wildlife corridor, linking the Kibber and Chandra Taal wildlife sanctuaries. Amitabh Gautam, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, noted that the declaration would also significantly strengthen community-led conservation efforts across the state.
Officials emphasised that Tsarap Chu’s declaration as a conservation reserve will help maintain genetic connectivity among species and support the long-term survival of predators like the snow leopard.
(With inputs from multiple reports)