Table of Contents
- After being separated from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is now looking for new state bird and animal
Local wildlife bodies in the Union Territory are batting strongly for the black-necked crane and the snow leopard as state symbols.
Background
- In August 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to a legislation to bifurcate the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- The Union Territories came into existence on October 31, 2019. Among the many new tasks each of the new local administrations faced was to identify and declare a new state bird and state animal.
Former State Symbols
- The former state of Jammu and Kashmir had the black-necked crane and Kashmir stag (Hangul) as its State Bird and State Animal. Both species are rare and had been symbols of the state for a long time.
Reason of the change
- The black-necked crane is found only in Eastern Ladakh and the Kashmir stag is found only in Kashmir Valley.
- So, following the bifurcation into separate administrative divisions, the black-necked crane could no longer be the State Bird for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Hangul could no longer be the State Animal of Ladakh.
Need of the state symbols
- Every State and UT of India has symbols such as the State Bird, Animal and Flower, which are recognised for their importance in that region.
- They are chosen from the unique flora and fauna in the State and UT, and represent the culture and the natural wonders of that particular State/UT.
- These symbols play a vital role in boosting conservation and protection efforts, and shine a spotlight on species that are integral to a state or UT.
Selection of the symbols
- In December 2020, the Wildlife Conservation and Birds Club of Ladakh (WCBCL), an NGO working for the preservation of wildlife in the region, called on Lieutenant Governor R.K. Mathur at the Raj Bhawan.
- The delegation, led by its president Lobzang Visuddha and secretary Dorjey Daya, batted strongly for naming the black-necked crane as the State Bird and snow leopard as the State Animal of Ladakh.
The Snow Leopard
- Habitat : Ladakh and the Lahul-Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh.
- IUCN Red List Status : Vulnerable
- Population in Ladakh : between 200-300 individuals
- “Ladakh is internationally known as the snow leopard capital of the world. A lot of attention is given to conservation in the region because of this species.”
The Black-necked crane
- Habitat: Eastern Ladakh’s high-altitude wetlands and marshes
- IUCN Red list Status: Near Threatened
- The birds arrive here as early as March for breeding and leave by October end or early November.
- Their habitat loss could lead to the extinction of this species, at least from this region.
- Ladakh is the only summer breeding ground for the bird in India and the number of breeding pairs are under 20 in the country at the moment.
- The black-necked crane also commands high respect in the region.
- There are local songs that sing its praises.
- It is already a flagship species and many research projects are on in the Ladakh UT for its conservation.
- This makes it a top contender for the State Bird.
Other contenders
- “The Ladakh Urial (endemic to the region), the Asiatic ibex or even the Himalayan brown bear could also be chosen.
- Lesser-known and rare species such as the Pallas’s cat, Eurasian lynx, Tibetan argali, Tibetan antelope or Tibetan gazelle could also be considered.
- Even the wild yak called Dong could be picked.
- The wild yak and Tibetan antelope are found only in the easternmost border area of Ladakh called Chang Chenmo.
Conclusion
- It is only the local administration that can give the final nod for this proposal. They are currently reviewing the proposals and the final selection is expected soon.
Q) Consider the following: [PYQ]
1.Black-necked crane
2.Cheetah
3.Flying squirrel
4.Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Latest Burning Issues | Free PDF
WhatsApp