Pashmina Production and Wildlife Conservation in Changthang

The Changthang Region of Ladakh in the Indianmoving from pasture to pasture, living in
Trans-Himalaya has a very challenging environment,spider-shaped black tents called Ribos. They have
as the climatic conditions are very harsh andhigh cultural and religious affinities toward Tibet. Their
unyielding. People of the region are however warmdiet consists largely of milk products and meat, and
and acquiescent. They rear a variety of animals thathardly any vegetable. Their dresses usually have inner
are adapted to this austere environment. Pashmina orlinings of animal skin for warmth. Changpas are
cashmere wool, a soft natural fibre produced by agenerally happy people and often indulge in cultural
local breed of goat, is the primary source of incomeextravaganzas, performing a special dance called
of the people known as Changpas. Traditionally, theyZhabro.
bartered Pashmina for barley and dried apricots fromChangthang is also home to a wide variety of wild
western Ladakh. But presently they are beinganimals that include charismatic species like the
dragged into the vortex of globalization, and theTibetan antelope, Tibetan argali and Tibetan gazelle.
economy is being transformed fast into a cash-basedThese animals are currently threatened with
market economy.extinction and conservation measures are undermined
Changthang is a wonderland with unparalleled naturalby the increasing needs and aspirations of the people.
beauty with saucer-shaped valleys and immenseRecognising the need to conserve the threatened
space. Lush meadows with multi-colored mountains inanimals of Changthang, the Government constituted
the background are visual feasts to the covetousthe Changthang Wildife Sanctuary in 1987 under the
eyes of visitors. The people are largely nomadic,Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act.