Rare animals keep Army company in Ladakh
Once the sun goes down, and night vision devices are focussed on the enemy, venomous pit vipers, furry marmots, Himalayan wolves, red fox, Himalayan ibex and more keep popping up on their sights. Amid the barren rock faces and mountains under crystal clear skies, these animals, their trills and their glowing eyes divert the attention of the forces, albeit temporarily. Rarely, the elusive snow leopard would appear like lightning and vanish, so do a few other rare Himalayan animals.
For the soldiers of the Army and the IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed on the mountain tops and ridgelines along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, it is not only the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China soldiers or the harsh weather that give them company.
“Flora and fauna in Ladakh-Leh has a great diversity. We keep coming across all sorts of Himalayan animals that come out and make peculiar sounds which can be crystal clear due to complete silence in the mountains, especially after dark,” sources within the forces told Deccan Chronicle. Though working in the most tough conditions, they say that sometimes their mood lightens up when they spot the rare animals.
With close to 250 species of rare birds and animals, the mountainous areas of Ladakh is flocked by wildlife enthusiasts who have often captured animals after days or even months of camping. Among the most frequently spotted animals are the Himalayan marmots who adapt themselves perfectly in harsh terrains at altitudes of over 15,000 feet, the Himalayan wolves,
● WITH CLOSE to 250 species of rare birds and animals, the mountainous areas of Ladakh is flocked by wildlife enthusiasts who have often captured animals after days or even months of camping ● WILDLIFE enthusiasts are worried that the massive deployment of men and material along the LAC will take its toll on the wildlife
musk deer, the Himalayan tahr, ibex, Bactarian camels, blue sheep and the yaks.
Snow leopards and brown bear, though very rare, have been spotted. The venomous pit vipers in different sizes and colours often slither around and sometimes blend perfectly with the sand, making it impossible to spot them. Among the most spotted birds are the Himalayan griffon, bearded vultures and golden eagle. Animals keep criss-crossing Indian and Chinese territory all the time.
The doctors who travel with each Army unit stock up on anti-venom injections and other medications required to treat snake, scorpion or even insect bites — something soldiers suffer regularly at the borders with both Pakistan and China.
The border stand-off with China aside, wildlife enthusiasts are worried that the massive deployment of men and material along the LAC will take its toll on the wildlife. “Sadly, the wildlife and the environment are the greatest sufferers apart from the tragic irreparable loss to the biodiversity,” Mike Pandey, well-known wildlife conservationist and filmmaker, told this newspaper.
Another wildlife activist said that the Himalayan animals are used to living in a peaceful habitat, which is now completely disturbed in the otherwise peaceful mountains.