Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

Current Context : The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently approved five major road projects passing through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

ABOUT KARAKORAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

• Location: Situated in Ladakh, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), bordering Jammu and Kashmir.
• Area: Covers approximately 5,000 sq km, one of India’s largest high-altitude protected areas.
• Altitude: Ranges between 4,200m to 7,500m; major peaks include Saltoro Kangri and Saser Kangri I.
• It is situated just to the north of Hemis National Park and to the east of Deosai National Park.
• Climate: Experiences harsh cold desert conditions; winter temperatures drop below -20°C, and summers stay below 20°C.
• Rivers: Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the sanctuary.

Biodiversity:

• Fauna: Includes snow leopards, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Siberian ibex, and Bharal (blue sheep).
• Flora: Sparse vegetation, featuring medicinal plants and cold desert flora.