EnvironmentThursday, 5 March 2026·The Hindu
Indian Army and Ladakh Forest Department sign MoU to conserve high-altitude wildlife
The Indian Army and Ladakh Forest Department signed an MoU to protect high-altitude wildlife species and habitats.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2026, the Indian Army and the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department of Ladakh signed an MoU to jointly conserve high-altitude wildlife species and habitats in the Union Territory.
Key specifics
- The agreement covers Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, Bharal, Ibex, Marmot and Black-necked Crane.
- The MoU aligns with the Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).
- The focus is on Ladakh’s high-altitude ecosystems.
- The Army’s role is linked to both national security and environmental stewardship.
- The partnership aims to balance border defence with biodiversity protection.
Exam lens
Environment and defence overlap question type: species, programme and place matching; remember Ladakh, GSLEP, Snow Leopard, and the Indian Army–Forest Department MoU.