Feroz Sheikh

By Feroz Din Sheikh

Ladakh is the only typical cold arid zone of our country with extreme climate and hostile condition, the area makes its flora and fauna a unique one and distinct from rest of the country. Around 60% of the farmers of Ladakh are Pastoralist and 40% of the farmers are agriculturist and the majority of the economic income comes from animal rearing in Ladakh. It has some of the world’s best animal genetic resource in the form of Changthangi Pashmina goats, Changthangi Sheep, Malra Goat, Malluk and Purig Sheep, Semi domesticated Yak and its crosses, Bactrian (Double Humped Camel) Zanskari horse, Ladakhi Cattle and Changthangi Dog. All these livestock contributes a lot to the income of the farmers of Ladakh especially the Changthang nomads who are completely dependent on livestock rearing. The livestock in Changthang is reared on extensive system on high altitude pastureland. During the past few decades these unique germplasms are facing several threats for its eco-friendly existence with the human populations. These threats and constraints are figured with possible recommendation and solution in the present study. Ladakh has been deprived of basic research facilities in animal science sector for so many years due to which this unique genetic resources are declining in terms of numbers as well as in production. Another reason is shifting of Ladakh economy from agro pastoralist to tourism business. If necessary steps are not taken immediately a time will reach that all this precious animal will be lost forever. The present article describes the present status and critical issues pertaining to animal genetic resource of Ladakh.

Part of the book: Population Genetics