Species focus: Ladakh cliff racer

As the world celebrated International Day for Biodiversity on 22 May 2025, it is important to draw attention to the fact that there are many overlooked species that quietly sustain our ecosystems. Ladakh is known for its unique and fragile ecosystems and is also home to a little-known, harmless snake species, the Ladakh cliff racer or Platyceps ladacensis (Anderson, 1871). This semi-venomous snake is not as celebrated or well-known as the snow leopard or black-necked crane. Though it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the cold desert, it has received minimal scientific attention and public attention.

Globally, Ladakh cliff racer is distributed from north-western India through Pakistan and Afghanistan to eastern Iran and north to southern Turkmenistan, southern Uzbekistan, and western Tajikistan. In India, it is reported from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and J&K. In Ladakh, it is found in pockets of lower altitudes areas in Kargil and Leh. They inhabit rocky terrains and cliff edges, which are habitats that are increasingly under threat.

The Ladakh cliff racer is uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the Trans Himalayan region with body patterns that blend with the rocky landscape. These snakes are diurnal (active during daytime) or crepuscular (active during dawn and/or dusk) and inhabit extremely dry and rocky areas. There is very limited knowledge on its ecology, behaviour and conservation status especially in Ladakh. This knowledge gap is partly due to its elusive nature and effective camouflage and partly due to limited attention given to lesser fauna in Ladakh. The absence of baseline ecological studies makes it challenging to accurately assess its conservation status or monitor population trends over time.

Current literature reports that it feeds primarily on rodents, small lizards, and amphibians and serves as a natural pest controller. By regulating the population of these animals, it prevents crop damage and supports a balanced food chain. In turn, it serves as prey for predators such as birds of prey and other larger predators. This makes it an integral part of Ladakh’s ecological food chain.

Despite its ecological importance, Ladakh cliff racers remain understudied and unappreciated. Their presence often goes unnoticed, and misconceptions about snakes in general contribute to their neglect. The lack of awareness about their harmless nature and beneficial role leads to them being killed unnecessarily due to fear and superstition.

The most pressing threat is habitat fragmentation caused by expanding roads and tourism infrastructure. Many individuals become road-kills while basking or migrating though these losses remain unreported. This species is listed under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. In addition, unregulated development in the region including road construction and tourism-related infrastructure is leading to degradation and fragmentation of their habitat. Until more research is done, this cold desert species will remain ‘Data Deficient’ on the IUCN Red List—a reminder of how much we still have to learn about this resilient high altitude species. There is a pressing need to initiate population studies, raise public awareness, and implement mitigation strategies like road signage in snake-inhabited areas to reduce human-snake conflicts and foster respect for this important species. In a region where every species is finely tuned to the fragility of high altitude environments, every species matters. If we truly aim to conserve biodiversity, we must broaden our focus to include all species, including the unseen, the misunderstood, and the underrepresented that sustain our ecosystems.

Photograph and text by Dr Amjad Hussain

Dr Amjad Hussain is a faculty in the Department of Zoology, University of Ladakh.