(a) whether the Government has conducted any survey of Wild Asses in Changthang
region of Ladakh bordering China;
(b) if so, whether the number of these wild animals is increasing alarmingly; and
(c) if so, the impact thereof on the pastures of Pashmina goats in the area and the
measures taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI
NATARAJAN)
(a)&(b) Survey on Wild Ass, known as Kiang in Ladakhi, has been conducted by Wildlife
Institute of India, Dehradun in 1996, 2006 and 2009. As per information received from the
Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun no increase in Kiang population between 2006-2009
has been detected in these surveys.
(c) Kiang being a coarse grass feeder enhances availability of quality forage for smaller
ungulates including Pashmina goats.