Latest news with #SnowLeopard
India.com
25-06-2025
- India.com
Safari Soul: Wild North East India With These 5 Must-Visit Spots Near Shillong
Shillong finds its place in the core of Meghalaya while locals call it the 'Scotland of the East' because of its characteristic rolling hills and extensive verdant landscapes. Shillong City shows itself through amazing vistas and cultural richness while the adjacent regions deliver complete chances to see wildlife. This piece explores the seven vital features of a unique wildlife safari destination which stands near Shillong City. 1. Nokrek National Park Nokrek National Park stands at a distance of about 120 kilometers from Shillong as a sanctuary dedicated to biodiversity enthusiasts. The designation of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 has honored this park which supports the rarest wildlife species including Red Panda, Slow Loris and rarely spotted Snow Leopard. Birdwatchers find Nokrek National Park attractive because it protects more than 200 species of birds scattered throughout its dense forest areas. Tourists can participate in guided wilderness tours throughout the untouched wilderness to study the distinct plant and animal species of the area. 2. Balpakram National Park Balpakram National Park obtains its local name as the 'Land of Perpetual Winds' while located about 300 kilometers south of Shillong. Native local tribes consider this park a spiritual location because they believe that lost souls rest there. Balpakram features multiple natural environments which include both subtropical forest areas along with grasslands. The park provides habitat for the Indian Bison (Gaur) together with Elephants and Leopards and many different reptilian species. The jeep safari adventures here let people experience both dramatic encounters with nature while enjoying panoramic views of deep valleys and waterfalls. 3. Siju Caves and Wildlife Sanctuary Similar to spelunkers who want a blend of cave exploration and wildlife activities, Siju Cave and Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as a secret location. The Garo Hills region houses this sanctuary which contains Asia's longest cave system at approximately 150 kilometers distance from Shillong. Visitors who explore the caves can find bats among other nighttime animals and the sanctuary features wild boars together with deer and monkeys throughout its area. The cave system and forest trails allow visitors access to guided tours that enable them to deeply explore the natural treasures of Meghalaya. 4. Umiam Lake and Surrounding Habitats The primary status of Umiam Lake as a sight to behold for its natural beauty coexists with its vital ecosystem functions for supporting the local animal population. Migratory birds such as ducks and kingfishers along with herons visit the lake during winter since it rests 15 kilometers north of Shillong. Birdwatchers who visit Umiam Lake can both sail on boats while looking at migrating birds and make walks through the lakeside trails. The surrounding hills along with the forests of the area host diverse small reptiles and mammals which enhance the safari adventure. 5. Eco-Tourism Initiatives Around Shillong Shillong together with its surrounding region has started multiple eco-tourism initiatives which protect their abundant biodiversity while delivering environmentally friendly safari experiences. Community-driven tourism activities enable visitors to work almost one-on-one with native communities to understand their historic preservation methods. Protected reserve tours form part of such initiatives where visitors are guided to medicinal plants and endangered species while learning about deforestation programs. These initiatives support sustainable development for tourists who gain advantages from the ecosystem while protecting their surroundings. Final Thoughts Shillong City offers wildlife safaris to meet all kinds of nature enthusiast needs regardless of their adventurous spirit or their interest in peaceful birding or cultural exploration. Across Nokrek and Balpakram National Parks and Siju Caves and Mawphlang Sacred Forest each place shows how humans can live in peace with nature despite their rough climates. Tourist activities that respect natural ecosystems paired with a deeper comprehension of their sensitive connections enable guests to create enduring memories alongside a fresh dedication to wildlife protection.
United News of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Bhupender Yadav presides over inaugural assembly of International Big Cat Alliance
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired the inaugural Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), marking a significant milestone in global conservation efforts for big cats. The IBCA, an initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, aims to protect and conserve big cat species across their range countries. During the Assembly, an apex governing body of the IBCA, key decisions were made, including the approval of the workplan, the rules of procedure, and the staff and financial regulations manual, paving way for its functioning at the ground level. These foundational steps are set to guide the entity's governance, operations, and international collaborations. The Assembly also unanimously appointed Bhupender Yadav as the President of the IBCA, while SP Yadav was named the Director General of the alliance, as per a statement from the Union Environment Ministry. A coalition of 95 range countries, IBCA has a mandate for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the collective action among big cat range countries is important for conservation and protection of the seven major big cat species and their natural habitats. The assembly was attended by ministerial delegation from 9 countries including Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia and Kazakhstan. "The ratification of the headquarter agreement signed by IBCA with India, will enable the entity to establish its headquarters and such other offices in the host country as may be necessary to fully and efficiently discharge its official functions and programmes," added the statement. UNI AJ SSP
India.com
13-06-2025
- Science
- India.com
7 Animal Species In India That Are Extinct Now
photoDetails english Updated:Jun 13, 2025, 09:28 PM IST Asiatic Lion 1 / 7 The Asiatic lion is only found in Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat and it is one of the species which is on the verge of extinction. Bengal Tiger 2 / 7 The Bengal Tiger, a flagship species in India, is found in various protected areas but is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction due to various threats. Snow Leopard 3 / 7 The Snow Leopard is found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas but is critically endangered. Nilgiri Tahr 4 / 7 The Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat native to South India's Nilgiri Hills, is critically endangered. 5 / 7 Great Indian Bustard is a large bird found in grasslands and semi-arid regions. Blackbuck 6 / 7 Blackbuck is a large antelope found in various parts of India but critically endangered. 7 / 7 One-horned Rhinoceros found in Assam and West Bengal, primarily in protected areas. (Image: Freepik)
India.com
30-05-2025
- India.com
10 Breathtaking Locations In Kullu-Manali For Travel Photography Lovers!
Kullu City is one of the most attractive spots in Himachal Pradesh valleys that provides opportunities for photography lovers to capture the beauty of nature as well as its cultural heritage. Here are some of the best places within Kullu City that will provide stunning photographs, including images with snow-capped mountains and local people's life being full of rhythms. 1. Bijli Mahadev Temple Bijli Mahadev Temple situated on a hill top allows one to have peace of mind and beautiful panoramic views over Kullu Valley. Journey to this temple is an adventure itself which continues through dense forests and quiet villages. The photo of the Himalayas framed by it looks amazing either at dawn or dusk. 2. Great Himalayan National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Great Himalayan National Park is a haven for photographers interested in wildlife and landscape pictures. It occupies acres of unspoiled alpine meadows and forested slopes where rare species like Snow Leopard, Western Tragopan from diverse flora and fauna, this park offers views over snow-clad peaks. 3. Raghunath Temple With historic significance and architectural grandeur Raghunath Temple in Kullu City is a goldmine for culture temple complex built in 17th century has intricate woodwork and elaborate this interplay between darkness and light against wooden structure especially during the festive seasons when vibrant rituals bring the place to life. 4. Solang Valley Solang Valley becomes a paradise for every photographer who comes here during winter period due to breathtaking adventure sports combined with mesmerizing snow-covered valley can be used as background while taking up skiing or snowboarding the other hand, when visited in summer season it allows you capturing paragliders moving amongst lush green slopes against white snowy mountain tops. 5. Bhrigu Lake A trip to Bhrigu Lake, on the other hand, is a must for those who are fond of natural beauty and take lake is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level and remains frozen most part of the year due to the ice cap mountains reflected in these various shades as they appear on the lake surface from morning till evening that will make high altitude landscapes collection. 6. Naggar Castle The Naggar castle with its old world charm crowns a hill top from where you can see the entire Beas River Valley. Photography Naggar Castle in medieval times against green covered hills or orchards in the background. The best time to go there is during monsoon season to enjoy dramatic cloud formation or autumn days when trees surrounding it exhibit colors ranging from red to golden. 7. Local Markets and Festivals Street and cultural photographers have many opportunities for taking shots in Kullu City's crowded markets and vividly colored festivity areas such as the renowned Kullu Dussehra festival which is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Take pictures of people wearing traditional dresses, folk dances or beautifully decorated platforms used during this around local markets like Akhara Bazaar will give you a chance to photograph daily life scenes, indigenous handicrafts and smiling faces of Kullu residents. Conclusion Kullu City has all resourceful landscapes alongside rich culture making it a perfect place for one interested in Kullu City, every corner narrates unique stories whether about calm himalayan ranges,tall ancient temples or bright colored festivals. They all need your camera lenses!
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Lenin Peak: Historic Climbs and Tragedies on this 'Easiest' 7,000'er
Lenin Peak, a towering giant in the Pamirs, has attracted climbers for decades. We examine its first ascents (one from the south and one from the north) as well as two expeditions that ended in tragedy, including the deadliest-ever mountaineering disaster. Lenin Peak (7,134m) is located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the Pamir Mountains. Its northern slopes are in Kyrgyzstan's Alai Province, and its southern slopes are in Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan region. The summit lies on the border, making it a shared peak between the two countries. It is the highest peak in the Trans-Alay Range, and the second highest in both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, surpassed only by 7,495m Ismoil Somoni Peak in Tajikistan and 7,439m Jengish Chokusu in Kyrgyzstan. Lenin Peak is one of five 7,000m peaks in the former USSR. Climbers must summit all five to achieve the prestigious Snow Leopard Award. Decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, climbers still pursue the Snow Leopard challenge. In 1871, the peak was named Mount Kaufman after Konstantin Kaufman, the first Governor-General of Russian Turkestan. In 1928, it was unsurprisingly renamed Lenin Peak. The current official name differs between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In Kyrgyzstan, it is called Lenin Chokusu (Lenin Peak), while in Tajikistan, it is Qullai Abuali Ibni Sino (Ibn Sina Peak or Avicenna Peak). Tajikistan renamed the mountain in 2006 after the Persian scholar Abu Ali ibn Sina. Local Kyrgyz names include Jel-Aidar (Wind's God) and Achyk-Tash (Open Rock). We'll call the mountain Lenin Peak, as it bore this name for three of the four expeditions we cover in this article. Renowned as one of the most accessible 7,000'ers, hundreds of climbers visit Lenin Peak annually. Most climb the classic north face route, approaching from Osh in Kyrgyzstan. However, the mountain's reputation as the easiest 7,000m peak is misleading because of its high altitude, unpredictable weather, and avalanche risk. In September 1928, a Soviet-German expedition targeted Lenin Peak. The team included German climbers Eugen Allwein and Karl Wien, and Austrian Erwin Schneider, supported by Soviet climbers and porters. The expedition was a joint effort to map the Pamirs. They approached from the south side, starting in the Saukdara River Valley, continuing up the south slope of the Trans-Alay Range, and then ascending via the Greater Saukdara Glacier. Their route wound from Krylenko Pass (a saddle that connects the Greater Saukdara Glacier to the upper slopes of Lenin Peak at 5,820m) to the northeast ridge toward the summit. The three climbers faced brutal conditions with rudimentary gear: canvas jackets, wool layers, and leather boots with nail soles. High winds and subzero temperatures tested their endurance. On September 25 at 3:30 pm, Allwein, Wien, and Schneider reached the summit. During the descent, the climbers suffered severe frostbite that required medical care in Osh. They left no summit proof on top, leading some to question their success. Despite some skepticism, authorities accepted their ascent, marking a historic first. The team also set a new mountaineering altitude record, surpassing that set by Alexander Kellas on 7,128m Pauhunri in 1911. In 1934, Soviet climbers tried from the northern side. The expedition, backed by the Red Army, included siblings Vitaly and Yevgeny Abalakov, Kasian Chernuha, and Ivan Lukin. They started from Achik-Tash Canyon, ascending to Lenin Glacier's western ice slope on the north face. They reached the crest of the northeast ridge at approximately 6,500m and continued along the ridge to the summit. En route, they established camps at 5,700m, 6,500m, and 7,000m. On September 8 at 4:20 pm, Chernuha, Vitaly Abalakov, and Lukin summited after a four-day climb. Abalakov placed a bust of Vladimir Lenin on the summit. In 1974, Lenin Peak hosted an international mountaineering camp, attracting nearly 200 climbers. A Soviet all-female team led by Elvira Shatayeva planned a traverse, ascending via the Lipkin Ridge on the north face, and descending the Razdelnaya Route on Lenin Peak's northern side. The women topped out on August 7, despite warnings from base camp of an approaching storm. The storm, the worst in 25 years, caught them below the summit. The wind exceeded 100kph, shredded the party's thin cotton tents, and exposed Shatayeva's team to temperatures below -20C°. They didn't want to abandon each other, and all eight stayed together until their last breath. Shatayeva maintained radio contact with base camp, reporting dwindling supplies and frostbite. American climber John Roskelley and some nearby Japanese alpinists attempted a rescue but were repelled by the blizzard. Over two days, the women succumbed to hypothermia and exhaustion. Shatayeva's last radio message was: "I'm alone now, with just a few minutes left to live. See you in eternity." All eight women perished, and climbers later found their bodies scattered along the summit ridge. The disaster, caused by inadequate gear and the ferocity of the storm, shocked the mountaineering community. In the summer of 1990, 45 climbers, primarily from the Leningrad Mountaineering Club, were at Camp 2 (5,300m) on what is now called the Razdelnaya Route on Peak Lenin's north face. The party included Soviet climbers Leonid Troshchinenko, Vladimir Voronin, and Alexei Koren (among others), six mountaineers from the former Czechoslovakia (including Miroslav Brozman), four Israelis, two Swiss climbers, and one Spaniard. On July 13 at 9:30 pm, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake (with its epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush) shook the Pamirs. It dislodged a serac from nearby Chapaev Peak, triggering a massive avalanche. Snow and ice hit Camp 2 on Lenin Peak, burying the climbers in seconds, and killing 43 people from five nations. Koren and Brozman, who were positioned at the camp's edge, survived with a broken arm and leg, respectively. They heard the trapped climbers' cries as the debris froze into the glacial ice. According to Charles Huss's report for the American Alpine Journal, a few other climbers were lucky to survive. Vladimir Balyberdin had decided at the last minute to move to Camp 3 with some friends, and six English climbers escaped because they had established their bivouac some distance from the main camp. Soviet helicopters searched for the avalanche victims but initially could only recover one body. In 2004, because of glacial melt, human remains surfaced at 4,200m, with more emerging in 2008. A plaque near the Achik-Tash base camp commemorates the victims of the 1990 disaster. It remains the deadliest single mountaineering accident in history.
