Exploring the Unique High-Altitude Ecosystem of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Location and geography

The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Ladakh region of Ladhak UT in northern India. It occupies an area of over 22,000 km^2 in the eastern part of Ladakh. The sanctuary encompasses a vast high-altitude plateau with an average elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level and altitudes ranging from 4,000 to 5,500 meters.

Geographically, this plateau is the western extension of the Tibetan plateau. The landscape consists of rolling grasslands, sandy plains, alluvial fans, and a number of large inland lakes and brackish water basins that provide important wetland habitats for wildlife (Source: document 1). Major geographic features include the Pangong Tso lake, the Changchenmo and Shyok river valleys, and the Zanskar mountain range along the southern boundary. The geography and high-altitude environment of the Changthang sanctuary shares great similarities with the adjoining Tibetan plateau region.

In this article, the UCN Team provides a detailed analysis, presenting key facts and insights on the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary alongwith Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Map.

Climate and environment

The Changthang region has a harsh high altitude arid desert climate with extreme seasonal variations in temperature. Summer temperatures can reach up to 30°C, while winter temperatures can plummet to -40°C. The area is characterized by powerful winds, intense sunlight, and low annual precipitation below 100mm. The short growing season of just 4-5 months limits plant growth and primary productivity.

As a result, the landscape is dominated by cold and drought resistant vegetation consisting mainly of hardy grasses like Stipa and Kobresia species along with specialized cushion plants such as Androsace and Thylacospermum. These grasses and small shrubs are adapted to the harsh high altitude desert conditions of the area. The extreme climate and aridity of Changthang supports vegetation and wildlife specially evolved for survival in this cold Trans-Himalayan environment.

Biodiversity

Flora

The vegetation in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary consists predominantly of cold desert grasses and herbaceous plants that have adapted to the harsh climate and growing conditions. The grassland steppe is dominated by drought and grazing resistant species of Stipa and Kobresia, which form the main ground cover. Other common plant species include specialized cushion-forming herbs like Thylacospermum caespitosum and Androsace globifera that can withstand the extreme temperatures.

Rhubarb (Rheum spiciforme) and arnebia (Arnebia euchroma) are other representative herb species found in these high-altitude rangelands. Several types of small shrubs like Rhododendron are also occasionally seen. However, the vegetation is sparse overall with less than 10% ground cover across much of the area. The unique assemblage of flora in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is adapted to the conditions of a cold, windswept Tibetan plateau environment.

Fauna

The Changthang region harbors a unique assemblage of wildlife that occupies an ecological transition zone between the Palearctic and Oriental biogeographic realms.

The area supports several globally threatened mammal species, including the endangered snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and Tibetan gazelle. Prominent wild ungulates found here include Tibetan argali, blue sheep, and kiang (Tibetan wild ass) that graze these high-altitude steppes. Smaller mammal fauna consists of species like the Himalayan marmot and woolly hare that are ubiquitous across the landscape.

Changthang is also the only known breeding site in India for the endangered black-necked crane, which inhabits the wetlands and marshes of the area. These water bodies also support migratory waterfowl like bar-headed geese and great crested grebes. Birds of prey like golden eagles and upland buzzards have breeding territories throughout the region’s cliffs and grasslands. Tibetan snowcock, chukar and several lark species represent the assemblage of montane and plateau adapted birdlife found here.

In short, the unique Trans-Himalayan position of Changthang at high altitude has given rise to an distinctive blend of Palearctic and Indian wildlife in this area.

Conservation Issues in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

Several key conservation threats face the fragile ecosystem of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

Livestock grazing from the local nomadic herders, with numbers exceeding 14,000 animals, exerts heavy pressure on the limited vegetation and brings them into direct competition for forage and habitat with threatened wild ungulates like kiang and Tibetan gazelle. There is also intentional harassment of species like kiang and golden eagles by herders due to livestock protection concerns, further disturbing wildlife in the landscape.

Increased human access along newly constructed roads and tracks facilitates various development activities even in remote areas that negatively impact habitats. Mineral prospecting sites, religious tourism and small-scale cultivation bring disturbance as well as habitat fragmentation.

Specifically, precious wetland areas around Hanle village, which support endangered black-necked cranes, have been intentionally drained for agriculture and plantation efforts – drastically reducing this vital habitat.

Conservation plans for Changthang seek to balance wildlife protection with sustainable development of the region. There is urgent need for multi-stakeholder dialogue along with habitat restoration efforts focused on wetlands and marshlands that are critical breeding grounds for endemic and threatened species. A landscape-level ecosystem management approach is required that promotes co-existence of humans and biodiversity in Changthang.

Cultural Context

The Changthang region has a long history of nomadic pastoralism dating back over 3,000 years with livestock grazing still the main occupation and livelihood of communities here. The local residents are Tibetan people with close ethnic and linguistic links to neighboring Tibet, following Tibetan Buddhism which deeply respects all forms of life.

Despite this long history of habitation and use of the landscape, Changthang has an extremely low population density less than 2.5 persons per sq km as per 2011 census data. The villages are small and scattered giving the area an isolated, wild character away from dense human settlements even today. However, recent decades have seen some shift away from traditional rotational grazing practices along with lifestyle changes negatively impacting the rangeland ecosystems.

Thus, the communities of Changthang have deep cultural and economic connections tied to conserving these fragile high altitude ecosystems they inhabit. There is opportunity for convergence between traditional stewardship practices and modern conservation science that allows both sustainable development and wildlife preservation in the region.

Final Thoughts

As far as the UCN team can tell, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a special high-altitude Trans-Himalayan ecosystem with globally significant biodiversity. However, balancing conservation needs with sustainable development is crucial for this region that has an ancient culture deeply intertwined with the land.

Collaborative stewardship models that bring together traditional knowledge and ecological research can help preserve Changthang’s unique natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The sanctuary’s long-term management requires an integrated landscape-level approach across boundaries for conserving the rich biodiversity and endemic wildlife in this area.

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