ABSTRACT
Ladakh, a union territory in India’s northernmost part, forms the north-western end of the Indian Trans-Himalayas. Ladakh hosts several species of flora and fauna that have uniquely adapted to the high-altitude region. Likewise, the people who have adapted to harsh conditions have created a distinct ecological interaction with Buddhism. We review the sacred complex reflected in the religio-cultural system that influences people’s daily lives and is also a means of community engagement and conservation in Ladakh. We look specifically at the case of the vulnerable flagship species: Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis or cha thung thung as known locally. The black-necked crane, a migratory bird, has a reverential status in the Buddhist Himalayas of Ladakh, often cited in the Ladakhi worldview and diaspora. We present the case of a project implemented by WWF-India in collaboration with the local communities and the role of religion and indigenous nuances for the conservation of high-altitude wetlands and black-necked cranes. While we emphasise the importance of incorporating historical, religio-cultural elements, we also critically examine its standing with present socio-economic pressures and ecological changes in Ladakh. We conclude that faith and lessons in Buddhism, especially the ‘middle way’, are vital for conservation efforts.
