Jammu, Aug. 7 -- Lieutenant governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved introducing "wildlife safari" on popular snow-leopard and birdwatching trails in high-altitude regions of the Union Territory. This would be India's first ever "high-altitude wildlife safari", providing the visitors with rare guided opportunity to witness Ladakh's distinctive flora and fauna. The LG has directed the forest department to introduce guided Jeep Safari on the lines of popular National Parks like Kaziranga, Ranthambore and others, using specially designed open-back vehicles, to be operated by trained local drivers and guides. The objective behind introducing guided safaris is to prevent the incidents of illegal off-roading and disturbing wildlife, besides strengthening sustainable and responsible eco-friendly tourism and enhancing visitor experience. The decision was taken in the first governing body meeting of the newly constituted Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society, chaired by LG Saxena. The LG has directed the forest department to explore the possible safari routes across Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries, apart from areas like Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass, that are known to have a sizable presence of elusive snow leopards and vivid avian diversity. It has further been decided that 20 local youth will be selected, trained in birdwatching, bird identification and bird-spotting skills and will be provided with equipment like binoculars. Besides, 10 bird-watching hides will be created major hot-spots. Notably, Ladakh is home to India's largest snow leopard population - 477 of the country's estimated 718 snow leopards. Ladakh also supports over 38 mammal species, 340 bird species and 1,800 vascular plant species that have drawn substantial tourist attraction over the years....