focused on the multifaceted threats that wildlife in Ladakh faces, including poaching, climatechange, and habitat degradation. Dr. Baqir underscored the necessity of stringent conservation policies, alongside community-driven conservation efforts, to protect the vulnerable species that inhabit Ladakh. He further elaborated on sustainable conservation practices, such as eco-tourism, which could be harnessed as a tool for both local economic development and wildlife protection. The role of cutting-edge technology in conservation was showcased through a thoughtprovoking lecture by Jigmet Yangchan, Project Associate from the Department of Computer and IT, on the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Wildlife Conservation. Jigmet focused on the use of algorithms like YOLO (You Only Look Once), which have revolutionized wildlife monitoring and data collection. This AI technology, combined with satellite imagery and drones, enables realtime tracking of wildlife populations, detection of poaching activities, and habitat surveillance. The speaker demonstrated how this technological leap could provide solutions to longstanding conservation challenges, especially in remote regions like Ladakh, where traditional conservation methods face significant limitations due to the harsh terrain. The event culminated in a felicitation ceremony where the guests and expert speakers were honored for their contributions to wildlife conservation. Additionally, the winners of the painting competition, which had been organized earlier in the week, were awarded for their artistic depictions of wildlife and nature. The first prize was awarded to Leela Banoo from the Department of Botany, while the second prize went to Mansoor Hussain from the Department of Environmental Science. The ceremony concluded with formal words of gratitude delivered by Mr. Raza Ali, the Wildlife Warden of Kargil, who emphasized the importance of continued efforts in wildlife preservation and acknowledged the role of academic institutions in fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Mr. Raza Ali further mentioned that his department is always willing and ready to extend all possible expertise and resources towards the conservation of wildlife in Ladakh in collaboration with the university. National Wildlife Week 2024 was a resounding success, shedding light on the critical ecological issues facing Ladakh and providing a platform for knowledge exchange on wildlife conservation. The event not only raised awareness but also encouraged proactive participation in preserving the unique biodiversity of the region. The integration of traditional values, cutting-edge technology, and scientific expertise made this event a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect Ladakh’s wildlife.
©2022 University of Ladakh
