For the protection of which animal, Pin Valley has been declared a national wildlife conservation park?

The correct answer is Snow Leopard.

Key Points

• Pin Valley National Park is located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• The park was established in 1987 to protect the endangered Snow Leopard and its habitat.
• It is part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve and is known for its high-altitude ecosystem.
• Pin Valley is home to approximately 12 species of mammals and over 20 species of birds, including the Himalayan snowcock and chukar partridge.
• The park also supports other rare species such as the ibex, bharal (blue sheep), and red fox.

Additional Information

• Snow Leopard:
  • The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  • It is found in the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas.
  • Snow leopards are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat.
• Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve: Pin Valley National Park is part of this reserve, which is one of the few cold desert ecosystems in India and is characterized by low precipitation and extreme temperatures.
• Conservation Challenges: Snow leopards face threats like habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.
• Himalayan Ecosystem: The region is known for its unique flora and fauna, including medicinal plants, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wetlands.
• Community Involvement: Local communities play a critical role in the conservation of snow leopards through initiatives like eco-tourism and compensation for livestock loss.