Raja Syed Rather
Kargil, May 14: In a landmark development for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism in Ladakh, a Snow Leopard was captured on camera with its kill—an Ibex—for the first time in Suru Valley’s Sangrah area in March this year.
The rare and dramatic sighting was documented by seasoned wildlife explorer Maqbool Hussain Moqudasi, known for his efforts in tracking elusive species in the region.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, lauded the Wildlife Department and Moqudasi for this milestone. Dr. Akhoon noted that of the estimated 477 Snow Leopards in Ladakh, 127 are found in Kargil—a testament to the region’s thriving and largely untouched ecosystem.
“This sighting is not only a breakthrough in wildlife documentation but also a gateway to eco-tourism and local employment opportunities,” Dr. Akhoon stated.
Suru Valley, which recently earned a spot on National Geographic’s list of Top 25 Global Destinations, is now emerging as a promising destination for sustainable wildlife tourism. With this latest discovery, the valley’s global significance as a biodiversity hotspot is expected to rise further.
Moqudasi described the moment as “historic” for Suru Valley and stressed the importance of promoting responsible tourism to preserve the region’s fragile natural heritage.
Wildlife experts believe this development could draw researchers, nature photographers, and eco-tourists from around the world, firmly establishing Kargil as a vital node in global conservation efforts.
