Pangong Tso, Leh – Flora & Fauna
It is the largest and most brackish wetland in the cold desert ecosystem
of the Trans-Himalaya. Due to its extreme salinity, the lake does not have any
vegetation in the deeper parts, but at the margins and marshy areas, typical,
steppe vegetation is seen. Sedges and grasses are found towards the northern
and eastern sides. The surrounding plateau and hills support low thorn scrub
and perennial herbs. There are some brackish to saline marshes near the western
end, with adjacent wet meadows.
The low biodiversity has been reported as being due to high
salinity and harsh environmental conditions. There are no fish or other aquatic
life on the Indian side of the lake, except for some small crustaceans. Freshwater
snails of the genus Radix also live in the lake. The stream coming from the
south-eastern side (Cheshul nalla) has fish species namely False Osman (Schizopygopsis
stoliczkai), Tibetan stone loach (Triplophysa stolickai), Triplophysa
gracilis and Kunar snowtrout (Racoma labiata).
The lake is an important breeding area for a variety of waterfowl. The
birds found in the lake are Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed goose, Brahmini duck and
Black-necked crane. The region around the lake supports a number of species of
wildlife. Some of the animals found are Tibetan wild ass (kiang), snow leopard,
great Tibetan sheep, Ladakh urial, blue sheep, Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wolf,
red fox, Himalayan mouse hare, and Himalayan marmot.
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