For centuries, the people of Ladakh have relied on agro-pastoral traditions, with livestock rearing forming the backbone of their livelihoods. This rugged region, rich in both human culture and unique wildlife, is home to rare species like the bharal, ibex, argali, urial, kiang, Himalayan Wolf, and the elusive snow leopard. Inevitably, human-wildlife interactions have shaped life here, but the relationship between people and predators has always been complex, especially as herders strive to protect their livestock from these formidable hunters.

Over two decades of work in this landscape have revealed a significant challenge: the often-negative interactions between humans and wildlife, particularly as communities attempt to safeguard their livestock from predators such as snow leopards and wolves. Wolf conservation, in particular, has proven to be a sensitive issue.

In the trans-Himalayan and Tibetan regions, livestock herders have historically used various methods to protect their livestock from predation. One such method is the Shangdong—a large traditional trapping pit surrounded by inverted funnel-shaped stone walls, typically located near villages or herder camps. These pits were designed to trap wolves, often lured by a live domestic animal placed within. Once inside, the wolves would be unable to escape and were typically stoned to death.

Our 'Shangdong to Stupa' initiative is a pioneering effort that seeks to transform this age-old tradition, aligning it with modern conservation values. This community-led initiative not only respects and preserves the cultural value of the Shangdong but also promotes the conservation of its wildlife.

The 'Shangdong to Stupa' project began with an extensive survey across 25,000 square kilometres of Ladakh, identifying 94 Shandongs. Since 2017, we have collaborated with community members, local monks, and religious leaders to neutralise these Shandongs, preserving their structure while rendering them ineffective. The community, in turn, signs and adheres to an agreement never to kill wolves again.

The project officially commenced in 2018 in Chushul. Since then, six more projects have been completed across Ladakh.

These efforts have not only instilled a sense of pride within local communities but also offer a promising model for promoting wolf conservation while preserving the cultural heritage of Ladakh and other regions within the trans-Himalayan and Tibetan landscapes.