The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife has recommended approval for 12 key defence projects in Ladakh
About Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary:
Location: Ladakhi Changthang plateau, Leh district.Vegetation: Cold desert steppe ecosystem with sparse alpine shrubs, medicinal herbs, and grasses.
Key Fauna Species:
oMammals: Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), wild yak, Tibetan wolf, brown bear, bharal (blue sheep), ibex.
oBirds: Rare Black-necked Crane, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelduck.
Significance:
oHome to highest altitude water lakes, namely, Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso and Tso Kar.
oInhabited by nomadic pastoral communities primarily the Changpa Tribe.
oHanle Dark Sky Reserve in eastern Ladakh is part of this sanctuary
About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Location: Karakoram range, Ladakh.
Fauna: Snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan wolf, ibex (Wild goat), wild blue sheep (Bharal), etc.
Flora: Alpine vegetation, medicinal plants, cold desert flora etc.
Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
