Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Himachal Pradesh government notified the Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve making it India’s largest conservation reserve spanning 1,585 sq. km.

Located in the remote, high-altitude Spiti Valley this reserve significantly strengthens India's biodiversity and snow leopard conservation efforts.

Legal Backing

Declared under: Section 36A(1), Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Category: Conservation Reserve — a protected area designated for conserving biodiversity while allowing limited sustainable use by local communities.

Geographical Significance

Feature	Details
Location	Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
Size	1,585 sq.km (India's largest conservation reserve)
Boundaries	North – Ladakh; East – Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (Malang Nala, Lungar Lungpa); South – Kabjima Nala; West – Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary
Hydrological Significance	Catchment area of Charap Nala, and confluence point of Unam River and Charap Nala
Connectivity	Forms a vital wildlife corridor between Kibber and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuaries

Ecological Importance

Flagship Species

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Known as the "ghost of the mountains"
Keystone and indicator species
Inhabits rocky terrain at 3,000–5,000 m elevation
Reflects ecosystem health and prey abundance

Other Faunal Diversity

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

Conservation & Livelihood Approach

Governance Mechanism

Managed through a Conservation Reserve Management Committee

Includes:

Forest Department

Local Gram Panchayat representatives

Wildlife experts and civil society stakeholders

Community-Based Conservation

Encourages:

Eco-tourism

Trekking and wildlife photography

Research and education

Provides alternative livelihoods to locals

Empowers local communities to become stakeholders in wildlife protection

National and International Relevance

Snow Leopard is listed under:

Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Appendix I of CITES

Vulnerable – IUCN Red List

Aligns with:

Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program

India’s National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15 – Life on Land

Other Conservation Reserves in Himachal Pradesh

Reserve Name	Significance
Darlaghat	Transitional forest ecosystem
Naina Devi	Himalayan biodiversity
Potter Hill	Urban green buffer
Shilli	Bird migration zone

Sources:

DOWNTOEART

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Despite covering a relatively smaller area, Conservation Reserves play a vital role in India’s biodiversity conservation strategy. Examine the legal framework governing Conservation Reserves. 250 Words.