Siachen's silent heroes: Meet the Zanskari ponies, unsung guardians of national pride

The Zanskari pony, an indigenous Ladakhi breed, is a unique genetic resource that has been employed extensively in the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, since 2011. The Indian Army has been a key custodian of the Zanskari pony, highlighting conservation as a matter of heritage and national identity. The breed is witnessing a steady decline in numbers due to modernisation, mechanisation of agriculture, and changing economic patterns.

Source

Down To Earth →

Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

01The Zanskari pony is an indigenous Ladakhi breed.
02The Zanskari pony is a unique genetic resource that has evolved over centuries to survive and perform in one of the harshest environments on earth.
03The Zanskari pony is compact, strong, and exceptionally resilient, thriving in extreme cold and high-altitude conditions.
04The population of Zanskari ponies was approximately 6,600 animals, placing the breed in the endangered category, as per the 20th Livestock Census.
05The Zanskari pony is employed extensively in the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, since 2011.
06The Zanskari pony requires comparatively little maintenance, survives on sparse feed resources, and drinks freezing water without hesitation.
07The Zanskari pony possesses extraordinary stamina and is remarkably disease resistant.
08The Indian Army has employed Zanskari ponies to transport essential supplies to troops deployed in remote locations in the Siachen Glacier.

Trap alerts

Most people think the Zanskari pony is a common breed found worldwide, but actually it is an indigenous Ladakhi breed.
Most people think the Zanskari pony is only used for transportation, but actually it plays a vital role in sustaining military logistics in the Siachen Glacier.
Most people think the Zanskari pony is a rare breed, but actually its population was approximately 6,600 animals, placing it in the endangered category.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

According to the 20th Livestock Census, how many Zanskari ponies were there in India?

A.6,000 animals
B.6,600 animals
C.6,800 animals
D.7,000 animals

The Zanskari pony population was approximately 6,600 animals, placing the breed in the endangered category.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding Zanskari Pony Population: 1. The Zanskari pony population has increased since 2011. 2. The Zanskari pony population was approximately 6,600 animals, placing the breed in the endangered category. 3. The Zanskari pony population has decreased due to modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture. How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None

Statement 1 is incorrect because the population has actually decreased. Statement 2 is correct as it is supported by the 20th Livestock Census. Statement 3 is correct as it is supported by the fact that modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture have led to a decline in the population.

← All current affairs