NEWS – India’s Largest Conservation Reserve Declared in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

BASIC FACTS

• Name: Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
• Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
• Area: 1,585 sq km — India’s largest conservation reserve
• Notification Date: May 7, 2025
• Legal Backing: Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Significance: Fifth conservation reserve of Himachal Pradesh

GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES

• North: Union Territory of Ladakh
• East: Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary up to Malang Nala and Lungar Lungpa
• South: Kabjima Nala
• West: Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Rivers: Confluence of Unam River and Charap Nala

 ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

• Prime Snow Leopard Habitat:
  • Known as the “ghost of the mountains”
  • Altitude: 3,000–5,000 metres
  • Indicator species of ecosystem health
• Wildlife Corridor:
  • Connects Kibber and Chandratal sanctuaries
  • Important for migratory movement and genetic flow
• Catchment Area:
  • Of Charap Nala
  • Ensures ecological and hydrological balance in the region

BIODIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Mammals:
  • Snow Leopard
  • Tibetan Wolf
  • Bharal (Blue Sheep)
  • Himalayan Ibex
  • Kiang (Tibetan Wild Ass)
  • Tibetan Argali
• Birds:
  • Rose Finch
  • Tibetan Raven
  • Yellow-billed Chough

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Consultative Process:
  • Input from Gram Panchayats
  • Field surveys and data analysis
• Management:
  • Through a Conservation Reserve Management Committee
  • Includes local Panchayat representatives
• Benefits:
  • Encourages eco-tourism, photography, trekking
  • Supports livelihoods of local communities