Recently, Himachal Pradesh notified Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

About Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve

• Tsarap Chu is the fifth conservation reserve in Himachal Pradesh and the largest in India, covering 1,585 sq km.
  • Other four Conservation Reserve of the state are Darlaghat, Naina Devi, Potter Hill, and Shilli.
• Process of Designation:  The reserve was declared under Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • This section allows state governments to declare community-managed areas as conservation reserves for wildlife protection and ecological security.

• Location: It is located in the remote Spiti Valley and borders Ladakh (north), Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (east), Kabjima Nala (south), and Chandratal Wildlife Sanctuary (west).
• Ecological Significance:
  • The reserve includes the confluence of the Unam River and Charap Nala, making it ecologically significant.
  • Situated in the Trans-Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, it supports fragile alpine ecosystems and acts as a critical wildlife corridor between Kibber and Chandratal sanctuaries.
  • The region helps preserve snow-fed catchments and promotes climate resilience by protecting alpine flora and fauna.
• Fauna
  • Flagship species: The elusive Snow Leopard, known as the “ghost of the mountains.”
  • Other fauna: Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, bharal (blue sheep), Tibetan argali, and kiang (wild ass).
  • Birdlife: Includes rare species like Rose Finch, Tibetan Raven, and Yellow-billed Chough..

SIgnificance of the Reserve

• Conservation: The notification strengthens efforts to conserve snow leopards and other endangered Himalayan fauna.
  • It also contributes to international conservation goals by preserving a vital part of the global high-altitude ecosystem.
• Generate Livelihood : The reserve is expected to boost eco-tourism, trekking, wildlife photography, and research, providing new sustainable income sources for locals.
• Community Participation: Promotes community-based conservation, making locals active partners in wildlife protection.