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Inside the Issue .... of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) ...... Page 1-2

Paddar valley in Jammu & Kashmir: A Potential Important Area (IBA) ...... Page 3

State Birds of Indian Himalayan Region ...... Page 4-5

Avifauna of High Altitude Wetlands of Changthang Plateau in Eastern , J&K, Indian Trans Himalaya ...... Page 6 -7

Birds of Ramgarh: Mukteshwar Region of District , ...... Page 8

Avifauna of the Chopta-, , Region of Grahwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand ...... Page 9-10 Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) Certificate Course in Bird Identification Birds has always been a fascinating creature for humankind. Birds belong's to a group of endothermic and Basic Ornithology vertebrates known as “Aves”. They rank as the world's most numerically-successful class of tetra pods, ...... Page 11 with approximately ten thousand living . Wings, which evolved from forelimbs, gave birds the ability to fly. providing varied to birds, inhabits more than 1300 bird species. Modules for Bird identification and Basic Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is home to some of the magnificent birds found in planet earth. Ornithology These include the majestic Himalayan , Scarlet’s Monal, Blood , , Great ...... Page 12 Hornbill etc. Himalayan , a bird earlier endemic to Himalayan region is now considered extinct. With the rich diversity of birds, threats to the habitats of these magnificent birds is a matter of serious concern. Conserving our feathered friends from the impending threats to them thus becomes a prime concern. The present issue brings some of the important Bird and Biodiversity areas (IBAs), birds from the IHR. IBAs are places of international significance for the conservation of birds and other related biodiversity and are recognized as a practical tool of conservation world-wide. These areas are designated /identified based on the robust and standardized criteria. There are 4 global IBA criteria that are used to identify and designate a site to be an IBA (Box 1).

1 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology IBAs are designated in such a manner that they ensure safeguarding a viable population of a species, group of species, or entire bird community along with being manageable. The initiative for designating IBAs worldwide is taken by Birdlife International is an organization with a global partnership of conservation organizations (NGOs) that strives to conserve birds, their habitats A Quarterly Publication Vol. 15(4), 2018 and global biodiversity. There are 121 BirdLife partners worldwide and Bombay Natural History The “ENVIS Centre on Society (BNHS) is the Indian partner. As of now, there are 12,000 IBAs all over the world . About Himalayan Ecology” is housed at 40 % of all the IBAs are under some form of protection (Bird Life International, 2019). G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Status of IBAs in Indian Himalayan Region Environment and Sustainable Development Indian Himalayan region (IHR) which is among the 34 biodiversity hotspots of the world is home (GBPNIHESD), Kosi-Katarmal, , to 940 species of birds, which is about 9% of birds of the world and 72% of the birds in Indian Uttarakhand, which is an autonomous Institute of Ministry of Environment, Forest & subcontinent (Chandra et al., 2018). For conserving this rich bird and biodiversity region, 146 Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government IBAs has been designated in IHR. There are 98 IBAs from the IHR that lies under 2 Endemic Bird of , New Delhi, India. areas (EBAs) i.e. and Western Himalaya. In Indian part of Eastern and Western Himalaya there are 34 and 64 IBAs, respectively. Coordinator ENVIS Box 1. Global IBA criteria (Source: BirdLife International) Dr. G.C.S. Negi A1. Globally threatened species : The site is known or thought regularly to hold significant Scientist-G numbers of a globally threatened species. A2. Restricted-range species : The site is known or thought to hold a significant component of a Editor-in-Chief group of species whose breeding distributions define an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) or Secondary Dr. R.S. Rawal Area (SA). A3. Biome-restricted species : The site is known or thought to hold a significant component of the Director group of species whose distributions are largely or wholly confined to one biome. A4. Congregations : The site is known or thought to hold congregations of ≥1% of the global Executive Editor population of one or more species on a regular or predictable basis. Dr. G.C.S. Negi If one sees the distribution of IBAs in the states of IHR, has the highest (28) number of IBAs followed by (27) and Jammu and Kashmir . Maximum number Editorial Board of IBAs (131) that are in the region are having presence of globally threatened species followed by Dr. Eklabya Sharma, FNA those having restricted range species (90) and those having biome-restricted species (40). Among Dr. G.S. Rawat, FNAS the IHR states Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of IBAs having globally threatened Prof. A.R. Nautiyal species of birds followed by Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir. The globally threatened species present includes Chestnut-breasted , Blyth’s , Snowy throated Babbler, Red- headed Vulture, White bellied Heron, White billed Duck, etc. Arunachal Pradesh again have the highest number of IBAs having restricted range species present followed by Himachal Pradesh and . The restricted range species present in the region are The "ENVIS Centre on Himalayan , Spectacled , Orange Bullfinch, , Sclater's Monal, Cheer Ecology" collects, collates, compiles and Pheasant etc. With respect to Biome-restricted species, Sikkim have the highest number of IBAs builds quantitative and qualitative databases followed by Himachal and Jammu& Kashmir (Fig. 1). The IBAs despite of the fact that they are of information in the fields related to the an example of practical models for conservation are under threat. The major threats to these Himalayan Ecology. The information is conservation models are loss, degradation and fragmentation of . It might be because of the disseminated regulary via online as well as fact that about 60 % of the IBAs are not under any kind of protection. Although out of the 241 IBAs hardcopies to several valuable stakeholders that are under threat (BirdLife International, 2019) none is from IHR and even not from India, still and various users such as DICs, universities, there is need to protect these important biodiversity conservation models. institutions along with other ENVIS Centres across India to support overall Environmental 30 Information System in India. Criteria for IBAs 25 A1 A2 A3 A4 20 ENVIS Team 15 Dr. Mahesha Nand, Programme Officer

Mr. V.C. Sharma, Information Officer No.of IBAs 10 Mr. S.K. Sinha, IT Assistant 5 Mr. V.S. Bisht, Data Entry Operator 0

Disclaimer: The information furnished in this Newsletter is based on the inputs received from authors/organizations; the Institute/editorial board IHR State will not be responsible for any mistake, misprint or factual error, if any. Fig. 1. Distribution of IBAs in IHR states based on global IBA criteria The authors are solely responsible for the scientific facts presented herein and the copyrights for any References reproduced/ quoted lines from other sources. All rights reserved. Bird Life International (2019). https://www.birdlife.org. The views expressed in the Newsletter are the Chandra K, Gupta D, Gopi KC, Tripathy B, Kumar V (2018). Faunal Diversity of Indian Himalaya, authors’ personal opinions and do not necessarily Zoological survey of India, 1-893. represent those of the organizations they represent. Ravi Pathak and Ravindra K. Joshi (ravi0pathak@ gmail.com) GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand

2 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

Paddar Valley in Jammu & Kashmir: A Potential Important Bird Area (IBA)

Paddar valley in district of Jammu & Kashmir is situated in the livestock, feral dogs and other anthropogenic impacts can potentially result greater Himalayan ranges and is very diverse in avifauna. The valley is in the destruction of nests of many species. The nomad and trans-human drained by river Chenab and one of its tributary named as Bhot-nallah culture in this region which involves seasonal migration of livestock in the originating from the glaciers of . The elevation ranges between high elevation forests and alpine pastures increases the intensity of such 1600m at the bottom to many peaks above 6000m, thus provides a threats on the avifauna. Thus, protection of the breeding grounds of avifauna range of temperate to sub-alpine and alpine habitats. Lower ranges of is very important for conservation of the avifauna in the Paddar valley. the valley are occupied by human habitations with agricultural fields In addition to the avifauna, this region is also rich in many other taxa like but are intersected with temperate broadleaf and deciduous forests. plants, mammals and invertebrates. For, example the region is home to about The mid-elevations are covered with dense coniferous forests, whereas 500 species of plants which include about 300 species of medicinal plants the higher elevations are occupied by alpine scrub, pastures and snow used in folk and traditional medicine systems. These include 32 species covered mountain peaks. The forest types according to Champion and under various threatened categories including 7 critically endangered, Seth (1968) classification include Low level blue pine forest; Dry broad 12 endangered and 13 as per CAMP (2010) and IUCN leaved and coniferous forest; Neoza pine forest; Dry deodar forest; assessments. Among these species Saussurea costushas been listed in Western mixed coniferous forest; West Himalayan sub-alpine birch CITES-I index and Dioscore adeltoidea, Picrorhiza kurrooa and Podophyllum forest; Birch scrub forest; Sub-alpine pasture and Alpine hexandrum have been listed in CITES-II index. Among the mammals pasture. These wide array of habitats makes the valley diverse in avifauna. prominent species reported from the region include, Snow Leopard Panthera During five years of my ecological surveys in the Paddar valley, a uncia, Black Bear Ursus americanus, Brown Bear Ursus arctos, Himalayan total of 151 species of birds were encountered representing 91 genera Wolf Canis himalayensis, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Himalayan Ibex and 40 families. The dominant families of birds in the valley include Capra sibirica, Himalayan tahr Hemitra gusjemlahicus, Himalayan Goral Muscicapidae, Fringillidae, Corvidae, Phylloscopidae, Accipitridae etc. Naemorhedus goral, Musk Deer Moschus moschiferus etc. Thus, the region (Fig.1). The valley is comparatively diverse in avifauna than many other with rich array of biodiversity deserves to be identified as a legally protected regions in northwest Himalaya and qualifies the criteria for identification area (e.g. Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park, Conservation Reserve) for of a region as an Important Bird Area (IBA) developed by Birdlife the biodiversity conservation. Specifically for the avifauna, identifying the International (https://www.birdlife.org). The first criteria include presence region as an IBA will help in conservation of bird habitats in particular and of at least one globally threatened species and the region is home to three the biodiversity in general. Further, identifying the region as IBA will help in threatened species i.e. Egyptian Vulture (Neophronpercnopterus), Steppe recognition of the area to both naturalists and policy makers, which will help Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), Western Tragopan (Tragopanmelanocephalus) in conservation planning and management in the Paddar valley. and two near threatened species i.e. Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Himalayan Griffon(Gyps himalayensis). All these species are seen frequently in the region and thus needs dedicated studies for estimation of their population status. The second criteria include presence of restricted range or biome- restricted species. In addition to threatened species many species with restricted ranges i.e. Orange Bulfinch ( aurantiaca), Kashmir Nutcracker (Nucifraga multipunctata), Spectacled Finch (Callacanthis burtoni), White-cheeked Nuthatch (Sitta leucopsis), Black-and- yellow Grosbeak (Mycerobasic terioides), White-throated Tit (Aegitha losniveogularis) etc. were encountered in the region during the field surveys.Although some of these species might have large species ranges Fig. 1. Birds of Paddar valley in Jammu & Kashmir in the Himalaya as shown in various databases but detailed studies on the distribution of these species are currently unavailable. Based on the relative abundance information of these species across their range based on reportsin ebird (https://ebird.org), it is evident that these species are more abundant in the northwestern parts of Himalaya including the Paddar valley. Most of these species were frequently encountered in the Paddar valley and the population were larger in size as compared to other parts of the Himalaya. Third criteria for the identification IBA include congregation of large number of species in the region. This is mainly applicable to water-birds migrating from one region to another and forming large coaggregations in the wetlands. However, this criteria might be extended to forest ecosystems as well. For example, the Himalaya provide breeding grounds to many forest birds especially Muscicapidae (Old world flycatchers) and Phylloscopidae (Leaf warblers) species which migrate only during the Fig. 2. Dominant families of avifauna in Paddar valley (J & K) summer months for breeding. In addition, all the resident birds breed Reference during the summer months, since winters in the region are very severe Champion, Seth (1968). Methodology and Approach, Biodiversity due to harsh weather conditions.Among the 151 species reported from Information System, IIRS, Govt. of India. https://bis.iirs.gov.in thePaddar valley 42 species are summer migrants and 109 species are residents with local altitudinal migration. Protection of the breeding Suresh K. Rana ([email protected]) grounds of avifauna is crucial since destruction of nests and of a GBPNIHESD, Kosi- Kataramal, Almora, species may result in severe population decline within very short period. Uttarakhand Many of these species are ground nesting and factors like grazing of the 5 3 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

State Birds of Indian Himalayan Region

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Jammu & Kashmir - Black necked crane (Grus nigricollis), Conservation Sikkim - Blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) : status: Vulnerable Least concern The blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) is the only The beautiful bird, Black-necked crane Grus( nigricollis) is a medium-sized species in genus Ithaginis of the pheasant family. This relatively crane in Asia that breeds on the Tibetan Plateau and remote parts of India small, short-tailed pheasant is widespread and fairly common in and . The bird is celebrated as a festival in Bhutan and is considered eastern , ranging across India, , Bhutan, and as a state bird of Jammu and Kashmir. It is whitish-gray, with a black head, northern . Since the trend of the population appears to be red crown patch, black upper neck and legs, and white patch to the rear. slowly decreasing, the species has been evaluated as Least Concern by It is 139 cm (55 in) long with a 235 cm (7.8 ft) wingspan, and it weighs 5.5 kg IUCN in 2009. The blood pheasant was the national bird of the former (12 lbs). It is revered in Buddhist traditions and culturally protected across Kingdom of Sikkim, and remains Sikkim's state bird. They move their much of its range. The breeding areas are alpine meadows, lakeside, riverine range depending on the seasons, and are found at higher elevations marshes and river valleys. during the summer. With snow increasing in fall and winter they move Himachal Pradesh - Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) Conservation status: Vulnerable The western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) is a medium-sized brightly plumed pheasant found along the Himalayas from north-eastern districts of province in northern in the west to Uttarakhand within India to the east. It is the state bird of Himachal pradesh. In summers, it inhabits upper temperate forests between 2,400 and 3,600 m and in winters it inhabits, dense coniferous and broad-leaved forests between 2,000 and 2,800 m elevations. The western tragopan is mostly arboreal but feeds on the ground as well. They feed mostly on leaves, shoots and seeds, but also consume and other invertebrates. Like most , they roost in trees singly or in pairs except during nesting.

Ithaginis cruentus Arunachal Pradesh - Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) The white-winged wood duck (Asarcornis scutulata) is a large species of duck, formerly placed in the genus Cairina and allied with the dabbling ducks. This is one of the largest species of duck. This secretive species is only known to feed at night. Its diet consists of seeds, aquatic plants, grain, rice, snails, small fish and insects. It inhabits stagnant or slow-flowing natural and artificial wetlands, within Grus nigricollis Tragopan melanocephalus or adjacent to evergreen, deciduous or swamp forests, on which it depends for roosting and nesting, usually in tree-holes. Although Uttarakhand - (Lophophorus impejanus), Conservation lowlands provide optimum habitat, it occurs up to 1,400 m of altitude, status: Least concern especially on plateaus supporting sluggish perennial rivers and pools. The Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), is a bird in the pheasant family, . It is the national bird of Nepal and also the state bird of Uttarakhand, India, where it is known as the monal. It was also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007. It lives in upper temperate oak-conifer forests interspersed with open grassy slopes, cliffs and alpine meadows between 2400 and 4500 meters, where it is most common between 2700 and 3700 meters. It descends to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in the winter. It tolerates snow and digs through it to obtain plant roots and invertebrate prey. The adult male has multicoloured throughout, while the female, as in other pheasants, is more subdued in colour.

Buceros bicornis - Blyth's tragopan (Tragopan blythii), Conservation status: Vulnerable Blyth’s tragopan (Tragopan blythii) or the grey-bellied tragopan is a pheasant that is a vulnerable species. Tragopan blythii normally flocks to wooded areas as it prefers the undergrowth of evergreen oak and Lophophorus impejanus rhododendron forests, and other dark, quiet places. This bird has a higher elevation than most birds. Blyth’s tragopan are generalists. 5 4 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

State Birds of Indian Himalayan Region

In the wild, they consume seeds, berries, fruits, and buds. Captive birds usually consume insects, worms, and even small frogs. This is a forest species which is a widespread resident breeding While they are primarily vegetarians, most birds have a predilection bird in tropical southern Asia from India east to . This for berries and fruit. In north-east India, deforestation is a major factor is an arboreal dove, feeding on plant material in the tree canopy. in the decreasing population of T. blythii, as the forests are the main Its flight is fast and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional source of food. By removing this source, the pheasants are left with little sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in or no food to consume. In addition, its primary habitat is in the forest. general. It builds a stick nest in a tree and lays a single white . The birds are not very gregarious, but will form small flocks.

Ducula aenea - Hill ( religiosa), Conservation status: Least concern The common hill myna Gracula( religiosa), sometimes spelled "mynah” and formerly simply known as hill myna, is the myna most commonly seen in , where it is often simply referred to by the latter two names. It is a member of the family (Sturnidae), resident in hill regions of and . The common hill myna is often detected by its loud, shrill, descending whistles followed by other Tragopan blythii calls. It is most vocal at dawn and dusk, when it is found in small groups in forest clearings high in the canopy. This myna is almost entirely & - Mrs. Hume's pheasant ( humiae) arboreal, moving in large, noisy groups of half a dozen or so, in tree- Conservation status: Near threatened tops at the edge of the forest. It hops sideways along the branch, unlike Mrs. Hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), is a large forest pheasant the characteristic jaunty walk of other . Like most , the with a greyish brown head, bare red facial skin, chestnut brown hill myna is fairly omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar and insects. They plumage, yellowish bill, brownish orange iris, white wingbars and build a nest in a hole in a tree. The usual clutch is two or three eggs. metallic blue neck . This rare and little known pheasant is found There is no sexual dimorphism in these birds, which results in a limited throughout forested habitats in China, India, Burma and . The possibility of choosing the sex to work with for mating. diet consists mainly of vegetation materials. The female lays three to - White winged wood duck twelve creamy white eggs in nest of leaves, twigs and feathers. (Asarcornis scutulata), Conservation status: Endangered The white-throated kingfisherHalcyon ( smyrnensis) is also known as the white- breasted kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia. This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements. It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in urban areas or on wires. Gracula religiosa References Image source: Google Images, Text source: Wikipedia, Image credits: Syrmaticus humiae Himalayan Monal- Vikram S. Negi; - Green imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea), Conservation White throated kingfisher- Ravi Pathak status: Least concern Ravi Pathak The green imperial pigeon (Ducula aenea) is a large forest pigeon. (ravi0pathak@gmail. It is a large, plump pigeon, 45 cm in length. Its back, wings and tail are metallic green. The head and underparts are white, apart from maroon com), GBPNIHESD, Kosi- undertail coverts. Sexes are similar. The bird's call is deep and esonant, Katarmal, Almora and is often the first indication of the presence of this treetop species.

5 5 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

Avifauna of High Altitude Wetlands of Changthang Plateau in Eastern Ladakh, J&K, Indian Trans Himalaya

The Himalaya constitute one of the richest and most unique ecosystems little information is available from Tso moriri, Chushul and Tisgul on the earth. Two of the ten bio-geographic zones of India stretch marshes, Tso kar region. During the study of high altitude wetlands along the Main Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya (Rodgers & Panwar of Changthang, a total of 20 species were found (Table 1). The avian 1988). The Indian Trans Himalaya are a unique and fragile biome diversity of these high altitude wetlands proves quite rich, attributing characterized by extremes climate condition, like low temperature, to the landscape, food availability, extreme climatic conditions and higher ultraviolet radiation, extreme cold condition, low productivity, high elevation. Birds habitats is very unique and restricted like and a high degree of resource seasonality. A major portion of the marshy areas, meadows, boulder-strewn, agriculture field, even closer Indian Trans-Himalaya, is Lahul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and to village. These birds breed in Ladakh, migrates to south to warmer Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir. Most of the high altitude wetlands parts during winter. During summer, the Bar-headed goose and are found in the Changthang region of Ladakh between the altitudes Brahmini ducks are commonly seen here, other than these include: 4000 to 5000 m. The Changthang plains lie between the Leh and the the black-necked crane, Ruddy shelduck, Common redshank, Nyoma blocks of the Leh district in southeastern Ladakh, which is the Brown-headed gull, Lesser sand plover, and Great crested grebe etc. western extension of Tibetan Changthang. The area is characterized Most of these birds visit during summer for breeding, from the plains by an arid, cold desert climate, unique assemblages of flora and of the Indian subcontinent. The survival of these migratory species will fauna. In this area summer temperature ranges from 0° to 30°C depend on the adequate protection of their breeding grounds. During than falls between -10° and -40°C in winter (Chaurasia et al., 1997). the recent years these wetlands are facing the growing impact of tourism. High altitude wetlands is an “areas of marsh, meadow, fen, peat-land or Many unplanned developmental activities are also putting adverse water bodies located at an altitude higher than 3000 m, (amsl), whether impact on these fragile ecosystems. A high priority must be given to the natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static protection, management and conservation of these bird communities or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline”. Some of the important high and breeding grounds of migratory birds, rare and endangered species altitude lakes such as Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, and Chushul such as black-necked crane, bar headed geese, and other waterfowls. marshes and Tisgul, Hanley and Phoktsey are located in Changthang Globally threatened bird species of High altitude wetlands (Black- region. Despite the low annual precipitation of about 100 mm and necked Crane): Grus nigricollis is considered as Vulnerable under an extremely cold environment, these high-altitude wetlands contain the IUCN Red List of threatened , because it has a single relatively high densities of invertebrates (Prins et al., 2017).The High small population that is declining owing to the loss and degradation Altitude Wetlands of Changthang provides important breeding ground of wetlands, and changing agricultural practices in both its breeding for host of resident and migratory birds. The fresh water of the lake with and wintering grounds. It breeds on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, marshy patches around attracts many migratory birds. It represents China, with a small population in adjacent Ladakh, India. Major the only breeding grounds of globally threatened Bar-headed Geese threats to this species are Intensive grazing, pesticide, planting and Black-necked Crane in India (Mishra & Humbert-Droz 1998). high yield winter wheat rather than traditional crops, drying-up of Avifauna of Ladakh was first studied by Ferdinand Stoliczka (1870). marshes and desertification as a result of surrounding development Ladakh has a great diversity of birds- a total of 225 species have and agriculture, dam, habitat degradation and climate change. been recorded from entire Ladakh region (Pfisture, 2004) but very

A B C

D E F

j G H Fig. 1. A- High altitude wetland, B- Bar-headed Goose, C- Ruddy Shelduck, D- Pigeon, E- Black-necked Crane, F- Black Redstart, G- Bar-headed Goose habitat, H- Citrine Wagtail, J-White Wagtail

6 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

....Table 1. Birds of Changthang Plateau in Eastern Ladakh, J&K, India S. Common Scientific name Local name Habitat Altitude range IUCN Breeding Distribution No name (masl based on Status season study area 1. Bar-headed Anser indicus Ngangpa Freshwater, saline lakes, 4500-4600 LC May-July Pangong, Tso Goose marshes, agricultural Moriri, Tso fields Kar, Tisgul and Chushul 2. Black-necked Grus nigricollis Cha Marshes range 4200-4600 VU May-July Pangong-Chushul Crane ThungThung marshes 3. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Tsilder, Santig- Steppe habitat in 4100-4500 LC June- Pangong nagpo meadows August 4. Black-Winged Himantopus Tabia Brackish water, 4200-4400 LC May –Aug Pangong Stilt himantopus marshes 5. Great Crested Podicep scristatus Changa–rankest Brackish water 4100-4500 LC June- Pangong Grebe August 6. Hoopoe Upupa epops Hututusay, Utu- Cultivated land 4100-4500 LC May-June Pangong, Tso tutse, Pupuk- moriri shele 7. Magpie Pica pica Katang-putit Open cultivated land 4100-4400 LC May-July Pangong 8. Pigeon Columba leuconota Phurgon Gorges 4100-4600 LC June- Tso Moriri September 9. Ruddy Tadorna ferruginea Cha Muru Brackish water lakes 4200-4600 LC May-July Pangong, Chushul Shelduck marshes 10. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Tingrilmo Open cultivated 4100-4500 LC May- Tso kar, Pangong August 11. Turnstone Arenaria interpres TangnakLdogbi Rocky areas 4100-4600 LC June- Pangong , Tso August moriri, Chushul 12. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Star-zee Open cultivated, 4100-4600 LC May- Pangong, Chushul marshes range August 13. Wagtail Motacilla citreola Sterzi, Star-zee Open cultivated, 4100-4700 LC June-July Pangong (Merak) 14. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Sterzi, Marshes range 4100-4600 LC June-July Pangong (Merak) 15. Green Tringa ochropus Ldokbi shallow waters with 4100-4500 LC June-July Tso kar, Tso Sandpiper emergent vegetation Moriri 16. Ferruginous Aythya nyroca Ghustat Freshwater and 4100-4500 NT June-July Tso kar, Tso Pochard submerged aquatic Moriri vegetation 17. Plover Charadrius mongolus Mignagtsellay Marshes range 4500-4600 LC April-May Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Chushul 18. Black-tailed Limosa limosa Thingril Jognak Freshwater and 4100-4500 NT June-July Tisgul Tso and Godwit Brackish water Tso kar 19. Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Jingmar Cultivation field 4100-4500 LC June-July Tso Kar 20. Tern Sterna hirundo Niaza Freshwater and 4100-4600 LC July- Tisgul Tso and submerged aquatic August Tso kar vegetation References Chaurasia OP, Singh B (1997). Cold desert plants of Changthang Valley, Leh, India: DRDO Defence Research and Development Organization, Field Research Laboratory, 84-98. Mishra C, Humbert-DrozB (1998). Avifaunal Survey of Tsomoriri Lake and Adjoining NuroSumdo Wetland in Ladakh, Indian Trans-Himalaya, Forktail, 14(1), 865-867. PrinsHHT, Namgail T (2017). Bird migration across the Himalayas: wetland functioning amidst mountains and glaciers Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press, 1-33. Pfister O (2004). Birds and Mammals of Ladakh.Oxford University Press, New Delhi Rodgers WA, Panwar HS (1988). Planning a protected areanetwork in India. Vol. I: Wildlife Instituteof India. IUCN (2019). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2019-2. https://www.iucnredlist.org, accessed on 17 October, 2019. Puja Bhojak (pujabhojak007@ gmail.com) Dipti Dey and K. Chandra Sekar GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand

5 7 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018 Birds of Ramgarh: Mukteshwar Region of District Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital District of Uttarakhand is unique for its biodiversity and Table 1. Bird species documented from Simayal and Myora villages at ecological amplitude. It has more than 1000 species of resident and Mukteswer and Ramgarh area, Nainital, (Uttarakhand) migratory birds, 20 species of mammals, over 525 species of butterflies S. No. Common Name Scientific Name and over 11,000 species of moths, beetles, bugs and other insects. The flora covers a wide and diverse range of plants ranging from Bryophytes, 1 Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus orchids, rare climbing plants, ferns, lichens, fungi, medicinal herbs 2 Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys and shrubs and tree species. Ramgarh is 7th block of Nainital District 3 Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus which is a famous small hill station and tourist destination on the way to Mukteshwar located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The 4 Blue Whistling Myophonus caeruleus Geographic location of this place is 29.45°N and 79.55°E. The altitude 5 Mountain Bulbul Ixos mcclellandii ranges from 1,400 metres in the Talla (Lower) Ramgarh valley to 1,900 6 Large billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos metres in Malla (Upper) Ramgarh. The average elevation of the area is around 1,518 metres (4,980 feet). Whereas the East-West ridge above 7 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Malla Ramgarh has an elevation of 2000–2350 metres. An unobstructed 8 Black-lored Tit Parus xanthogenys view of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas can be seen from this 9 Great tit Parus major place. The nearby areas include: Madhuban, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Hartola, and Nathuakhan, all accessible from Almora, Nainital and 10 Rufous treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda Bhimtal. Climate of the region is pleasant with temperature ranging 11 Red billed blue Magpie Urocissa erythrorhyncha from 20-30 0C. The winters stretched from November to February 12 Rufous Sibia Malacias capristratus in the area are pretty cold with temperature often dropping to -2 0C. The monsoon season witnesses moderate rainfall with the 13 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri surroundings refreshed and blooming. It is best to visit Ramgarh 14 Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana between the months of October and May. The place was once the cantonment of the English army. Ramgarh block is also known for 15 Himalayan Bluetail rufilatus orchards renowned for its fruits and also called "Fruit Bowl of Kumaon". 16 Grey winged Blackbird Turdus booulboul It is home to many orchards of apricots, plums, peaches and apples. 17 Himalayan Barbet Megalema virens Ramgarh and Mukteshwar present a fascinating landscape for Bird watching with a mix of forested patches and orchards. This place is 18 Himalayan Treecreeper Certhia himalayana home to large number of birds species, both resident and migratory. 19 Chestnut belied Nuthatch Sitta cinnamoventris There are more than 130 species of birds found around this area that 20 Grey hooded warbler Phylloscopus xanthoschistos makes it a popular destination for bird watchers. The bird life here is as vibrant as it is diverse, ranging from the diminutive Warblers 21 Oriental white eye Zesterops palpebrosus to the majestic Kalij Pheasants, providing scope for the amateur as 22 Acredotheres tristis well as seasoned birdwatchers. This place throws up surprises of all 23 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata colors of bird and sounds. Bird watching is one of the most popular recreation activities that include wildlife observation. Avid birdwatchers 24 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica spot and document various species of birds by listening for bird 25 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops sounds as many bird species are more easily detected and identified 26 Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach by ear than by eye. Bird watching can be done with naked eye or though visual enhancement devices like binoculars or telescopes etc. 27 Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus falmmeus The 35 bird species listed in table: 1 were recorded during 7-21 28 Common Pigeon Columba livia February 2019 under a Green Skill Development Programme on 29 Oriental turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis Peoples Biodiversity Register under the aegis of ENVIS Centre of GBPNIHESD, Kosi- Almora. During this period two villages, 30 Brown fronted Leiopicus auriceps Simayal and Myura of Ramgarh block are selected for the training 31 Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii of PBR preparation. A total of 35 birds species were recorded in the 32 Black francolinus region with the help of characteristic features such as bird songs, flight patterns, physical appearance, and migration patterns etc. 33 Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans 34 Black throated tit Aegithalos concinnus 35 Grey Bushchat Saxicola ferreus Refrences Text and image Sourse http://www.nainitaltourism.com https://www.euttaranchal.com https://www.hotelbirdcagemukteshwar.gov.in

Mahesha Nand ([email protected]) Bachi Singh Bisht and Rajesh Bhatt Fauna Expert, Ramnagar, Nanital, (Uttarakhand) Red-billed Blue Magpie Pycnonotus leucogenys

8 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(2),15(4), 2018 Avifauna of the Chopta-Tungnath, Rudraprayag, Region of Grahwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Birds have been widely considered as an important indicator of Table 1. Some common bird species of the Chopta-Tungnath, the status of biodiversity and health of ecosystem. Interpretation of District- Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand the avian diversity in different habitats is pivotal to understand the Family Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Population community structure and niche relationships, as well as to delineate the Status trend importance of regional or local landscapes for avian conservation. With Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle LC Stable India inhabiting 1340 species of birds, it now ranks at 10th among the Gypaetus Lammergeier or NT Decreasing top bird rich countries of the world. Out of these, 80 % of the birds Accipitridae are found in the Indian Himalaya (Mondal et al., 2018), thus making barbatus1d Bearded Vulture it a paradise for ornithologists as well as conservationists. One such Gyps himalayensis Himalayan NT Stable birdwatching haven is the Chopta-Tungnath landscape lying in the lap Griffon of Uttarakhand Himalayas. Peregrinating on the treacherous trails of Columbidae Streptopelia Oriental Turtle LC Stable the region, situated within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, provides orientalis Dove one with a pristine natural destination, exotic weather, picturesque Garrulus Eurasian Jay or LC Stable views and bountiful presence of Himalayan birds. The journey of 3.5 glandarius Red-crowned km from Chopta (2680m) to Tungnath (3680m) takes one through Jay the dense forests of Abies, Cedrus, Quercus, Rhododendron and Taxus Garrulus Black-headed LC Stable Corvidae to the alpine meadows (bugyal) at higher altitudes. The diverse lanceolatus Jay or Black- ecological and altitudinal gradients provide habitat, food, shelter throated Jay and other needs for an incredible variety of wildlife, including birds. Urocissa Yellow-billed LC Stable A total of 240 bewildering species of Himalayan birds have been flavirostris Blue Magpie identified from the landscape and has become an Important Bird Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby LC Decreasing Area (BNHS and Bird Life International). The major avian attraction Falconidae of the place is the much sought after Himalayan Monal- the state bird Falco tinnunculus Common or LC Decreasing of Uttarakhand and one of the most beautiful denizens of Himalayan Eurasian Kestrel belt. Apart from this, catching the sight of , koklass, Carpodacus Himalayan LC Stable lammergeier, golden and mountain hawk eagle wheeling overhead pulcherrimus Beautiful is delightful as well. The landscape also inhabits a variety of rare Rosefinch , tits, flycatchers, laughing thrushes, etc. with their strikingly Chloris spinoides Yellow-breasted LC Stable Fringillidae unique features (Table 1). The trails and different treks also showcase Greenfinch some of the best scenic views of the Himalayan terrain with diverse Haematospiza Scarlet Finch LC Stable habitat that keeps the list of birds getting longer and more varied. sipahi1c However, the escalating tourism, forest encroachment and other Carduelis European LC Increasing anthropogenic divers of change have fomented carduelis Goldfinch and fragmentation in the landscape, thus influencing occupancy and Garrulax White-throated LC Stable resource use patterns of birds. The avifaunal population of the region albogularis Laughingthrush is also prone to climate change, which leads to bird species changing their nesting, breeding and migratory patterns as well as shifting Garrulax ocellatus Spotted LC Decreasing Laughingthrush their distribution range so as to obtain optimum resources necessary Leiothrichidae for their survival (Acharya et al., 2012). Being reliable indicators for Rufous Sibia LC Unknown conservation planning and monitoring, there is a need of comprehensive capistrata bird surveys with long term monitoring so as to conserve not only the Streaked LC Stable avian diversity but the pristine landscape from further degradation. lineatum 1e Laughingthrush Chaimarrornis White-capped LC Stable leucocephalus Redstart Eumyias Verditer LC Stable thalassinus Flycatcher Ficedula Rufous-gorgeted LC Stable strophiata1h Flycatcher Ficedula Ultramarine LC Stable Muscicapidae superciliaris Flycatcher Rhyacornis Plumbeous LC Stable fuliginosa Water Redstart Saxicola ferreus Grey Bushchat LC Stable Tarsiger rufilatus Orange-flanked LC Stable Bush Robin or Himalayan Bluetail

Fig. 1. Some common birds found in Chopta-Tungnath Scarlet Finch (Carpodacus sipahi), (Pucrasia macrolopha), Streaked Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron lineatum), Himalayan Woodpecker ( himalayensis). 9 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

Aegithalos Black-throated LC Stable concinnus Tit Machlolophus Himalayn LC Stable xanthogenys Black-lored Tit Parus monticolus Green-backed LC Stable Paridae Tit Periparus ater1i Coal Tit LC Decreasing Periparus Rufous-naped LC Stable rufonuchalis Tit Sylviparus Yellow-browed LC Stable modestus Tit Lerwa lerwa1g Snow Partridge LC Decreasing Lophophorus Himalayan LC Decreasing impejanus1a Monal Phasianidae Lophura LC Decreasing leucomelanos Black-headed jay Pucrasia Koklass LC Decreasing macrolopha1f Pheasant Phylloscopidae Seicercus Chestnut- LC Stable castaniceps Crowned Warbler Dendrocopos Himalayan Stable himalayensis1b Woodpecker Dendrocopos Rufous-bellied LC Decreasing Picidae hyperythrus Woodpecker Picus canus Grey-headed LC Decreasing or Grey-faced Woodpecker Sittidae Sitta castanea Chestnut-bellied LC Increasing Nuthatch Turdidae Turdus boulboul Grey-winged LC Decreasing Blackbird Chestnut-bellied nuthatch Zoothera Long-billed LC Decreasing monticola Thrush Upupidae Upupa epops Common LC Decreasing Hoopoe or Eurasian Hoopoe Zosteropidae Yuhina flavicollis Whiskered LC Unknown Yuhina or Yellow-naped Yuhina

References Acharya BK, Chettri B (2018). Effect of climate change on birds, herpeto fauna and butterflies in Sikkim Himalaya: a preliminary investigation. In: Arrawatia ML, IUCN (2017). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Version 2014, http://www.iucnredlist.org. Turdus albocinctus Mondal K, Bhattacharya K, Chatterjee P, Dey PK, Maheswaran G, Alam I (2018). Aves in Faunal diversity of Indian Himalaya. Zoological Survey of India, Neha Thapliyal( [email protected]) Kolkata, 831-854. GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand

10 ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol. 15(4), 2018

Certificate Course in Bird Identification and Basic Ornithology (Under GSDP, ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology, GBPNIHESD, Almora)

About GSDP Courses Garrulacinae (Laughing thrush), Aegithininae (Ioras), Barbets and Drongos. India’s has an advantage of huge demographic dividend to accelerate Market Condition Needs and Assessment its economic growth where working age group (15-59 years) accounts Besides making knowledgeable guides, who could offer services to different for 62.5% of country's population and likely to reach 65% in 2036. birders (casual, enthusiastic, hard core), sector of bird tourism offers The situation looks attractive and has potential to become 1 trillion ample scope of diversification and integration with other facets of nature economy by 2023 and envy for many other countries. It indicates more based tourism . Understanding of bird tourism value chain would be quite people have the potential to be productive and contribute to growth of helpful to get familiar with contemporary market trends and linkages the economy. However, it brings-forth some challenges as well, which and to make the existing tourism packages innovative and attractive. includes creating opportunities of sustained income for the working- There are many other sectors where the skill would be quite useful in generating age population, especially for rural youth and women of 15- to 29-year an attractive remuneration. Protected Area Network across Biosphere age group. It further becomes more arduous in the changed scenario, Reserves, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservations Reserves, where the rate of labour force participation is declining continuously. Important Bird Area (IBAs), Wetland and RAMSAR sites; Public sector's Tourism is one of the evolving sector (6.88% to GDP) to speed up state sponsored tourist lodges, like KMVN, GMVN in Uttarakhand; forest the economic growth and an important source of direct and indirect rest houses (FRH) and nature interpretation centers, would be some entry employment (12.36%) & foreign exchange earnings (from 66172 points to start birding business. In addition facilities of private sectors, home Crore in 2010 -177874 Crore in 2017) in the country. Similarly, the stays, resorts, hotels, private tour operators can also be explored for improving trends of international tourist arrival (from 5.78 million in 2010 - existing packages and making a rich and memorable tourism experience. 10.04 million in 2017) and domestic tourist visit (from 5.78 The skills would be quite useful in research and developmental works million in 2010 - 10.04 million in 2017) also reflectS the potential for preparing scientific reports and inventories, environment and impact of the sector to create large scale employment of diverse kind – assessment and environment management plan reports (EIA/EMP), grid from the most specialized to the unskilled and hence can play a based resource making for district level decision support system and scientific major role in creation of additional employment opportunities. outreach and communication material. The skill can also be utilized for Traditionally, tourism in India is largely based on visiting religious conducting citizen science tours in multi location scientific data collections. and historical places. However, with high economic growth, Prior tie ups (if any) for employment of the trained student with increase in disposable income, access and connectivity, strong various sectors marketing and promotion have paved way for new forms of The primary aim of the course is to engage the skilled youth in self tourism, especially nature based tourism and growth in the sector. employment, however, to better understand the market dynamics and Among outdoor activities, bird watching is perhaps the fastest ground realities of the bird tourism sector, a letter of request (LoR) along growing industry is India. As hailed as 2017's unlikeliest craze, a with list of trained participants would be shared with Kumaun Mandal Vikas sort of real life version of Pokémon go, it is one of the significant Nigam (KMVN) and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) heads for but less tapped tourism segment in the country. It is a low impact consideration and inclusion of bird guides into their existing tour packages. form of tourism, therefore offers opportunities of livelihoods Similarly list of eco-resorts, private tour operators involved in nature based for people living in areas, which are largely excluded from tourism; scientific and other institutions involved in birding research and mainstream developmental planning and forced to out migrate. business will also be shared with participants to explore opportunities. Once considered or restricted to elites / professionals, bird watching has grown into a highly popular past time for non-professionals and Goals /targets for Employment Generation others. Many factors could be attributed for this paradigm shift, viz. a viz The course would build capacities of trainees (15 in 1 course) in terms drop in price of birding equipments, growing number of documentaries of various aspects of birding and bird tourism. It would further help on birds and other wildlife, easy and less extreme access to film close/ the trainees to build linkages and start their own ventures and startups, high end photography, good and quality field guides and coffee where more individuals with different sets of skills could become a table books, increasing number of bird festivals and fairs e.g., Amur part of broader value chain system. We envisaged that entering into Falcon festival in Nagaland, Spring Bird festival in Uttarakhand, etc. birding business mill open other avenues of nature based tourism and The criteria for preferred destination for bird tourism include opportunities for diversification, which will attract and engage many youths. safety, quality of wildlife, birdlife accessibility, infrastructure and Course Name Bird identification and basic ornithology knowledgeable guides. In terms of quality of bird life, India is among the top seven traditional long-haul destinations for bird watching Tentative Date/ December 2019/ January2020 in developing countries. However, as far as the destination offers Month quality bird life is concerned the country is even behind than Batch Size 15 and Kazakhstan the only two Asian nations in the list. Course Duration 160 hours Considering the rich diversity across systems and its elements, India could offer the most diverse global basket of products to the Number of course 20 tourism sector. In term of avifauna diversity, India supports nearly module 13% (>1300) of world bird species, 64% of bird families (48) out Mode of Onscreen presentations, hand’s on training of 75 bird families in the world. Likewise 176 species are endemic deliberations and field visits for identification of birds to the Indian subcontinent, of which 30 (17%) have affinity to Palaearctic, 109 (62%) to Indo-Chinese, 30 are related to Ethiopian and 7 of unknown affinity. Some of the prominent groups are concerned of Certhiinae (Tree Creepers), Prunellinae (Accentors),

11 Modules for Bird identification and Basic Ornithology

Sr. No. Name of the topic No. of hours 1. Introduction to the course 6 2. Bird evolution and history 6 3. Bird classification and diversity 6 4. Adaptation in birds 6 5. Birds and their habitats 6 6. Bird behaviour/ Feeding Habits 6 (Insectivore, Nectivore, Gramivore, Fruitivore, etc.) 7. How to observe birds 6 8. Bird identification 6 Spotted forktail 9. Birds and humans 6 - Birds in culture - Birds as resource 10. Threats to the birds 6 11. 6 12. Bird diversity of India and threatened 6 birds of India/ birds in state symbols 13. Bird tourism as a livelihood option 6 14. Importance of ecological notes and site 4 specific observations 15. Essentials of bird watching across 4 different clientele Rufous sibia 16. Value chain in bird tourism 8 17. Bird watching ethics 4 18. Mapping a bird trail 8 19. Preparation of a bird watching calendar 8 20. Global, national and regional bird 4 conservation network ront and Back- Harpal Singh Rawat Bharat Negi 21. Basics of instrumentation- Binocular; 6 spotting scope; GPS; camera

22. Bird Photography: Tricks and techniques 6 f Photo credit: 23. Basics of IT skills -Introduction to smartphone and its application in bird watching (Use of google earth) 24. Field visit to different habitats 6 Wedge-tailed

Forest/ Wetland/ Grass land/ Bush land/ 16 Ravindra Joshi([email protected]), Mahesha Nand, Vipin Chandra Sharma & G.C.S. Negi Agriculture/ Human Habitation GBPNIHESD, Kosi- Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand 25. Examination/ Presentation by Trainees 8 State at a Glance Total 160 ISSN : 2455-8133 (Online) Open Access; 1(1-12 issues) Volume (Since 2014) CENTRE’S ONLINE PUBLICATIONS More Information & Archive http://gbpihedenvis.nic.in/State_at_Glance.html ENVIS Newsletter HIMALAYAN ECOLOGY (Since 2004) ISSN : 2277-9000 (Print); ISSN : 2455-6823 (Online) Subscribe to ENVIS Newsletter Quarterly; Open Access; 16 Volumes More Information & Archive Online version of ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan http://gbpihedenvis.nic.in/Envis_Newsletter.html Ecology is available at least 2 weeks before the printed copy ENVIS Bulletin HIMALAYAN ECOLOGY Since 1993 arrives in the mail.

ISSN : 0971-7447 (Print); ISSN : 2455-6815 (Online), Annual; Open Access; 27 Volumes www.gbpihedenvis.nic.in More Information & Archive Email: [email protected] http://gbpihedenvis.nic.in/Envis_bulletin.html

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