Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

Oct. 18, 2024

Recently, the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved five significant road stretches, including four that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • Location: It is located in the Union Territory of Ladakh along the territory’s border with Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is situated just to the north of Hemis National Parkand to the east of Deosai National Park.
  • It is well known for its diverse landscape, featuring snow-covered peaks, alpine fields, and deep ravines.
  • Climatic condition: The average temperature during the warmest month is lower than 0 degrees Celsius in some heights and remains below 10 degrees Celsius in other parts.
  • Major Peaks: Major peaks within this Wildlife Sanctuary include Saltoro Kangri, Saser Kangri I, and K12.
  • Rivers: Shyok and Nubra Riversare the major water sources of this sanctuary.
  • Vegetation: It is rich in alpine vegetation, medicinal plants, cold desert flora, endemic and rare species, and glacier vegetation.
  • Fauna: Ural, the argali, Tibetan gazelle, Siberian ibex, the bharal (blue sheep), and the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru) and Bactrian camel
  • Flora: It comprises broad-leaved shrubs namely the Rosia webbiana, Ephedra, Caragianae and several other bushes.