Ladakh's Snow Leopards and Ranthambore's Tigers

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers

Naturetrek Tour Report 24th February – 12th March 2020

Snow Leopard

Tour report & images by Anand Sinha

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Tour Report Colombia - The Magdalena Valley and Eastern Andes

Tour participants: Anand Sinha (leader) with nine Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Monday 24th February

The group were in flight to New Dehli.

Day 2 Tuesday 25th February

Our flight from London Heathrow to New Delhi arrived on time. We had a few hours’ wait at the airport before our flight to Leh. We were met by our tour leader Anand at the departure gate of the Delhi airport. After the introductions and briefing, we boarded our flight and landed in Leh on schedule.

This is simply one of the most scenic mountain flights anywhere in the world. Just 30 minutes after the takeoff, the scenery changes from lush green plains to the rugged snow-clad mountains. At the Leh airport we were welcomed by the local team led by our guide Morup. The temperature was around -10°C. Our hotel, Mahey Retreat, was only 15 minutes drive and upon arrival we checked into our warm and cosy rooms. The hotel is centrally-heated and it makes a huge difference.

For the rest of the day we took it easy in order to acclimatise properly. In the evening we were briefed about the coming few days’ plans.

Day 3 Wednesday 26th February

The day began with breakfast at the hotel and then we left for local sightseeing trip around Leh. We visited Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery and Shanti stupa. It was great learning about the way of life, history and culture from our very informative cultural guide. The views from some of the old buildings were gorgeous. We spotted some of our first birds in Ladakh like the Mallard, Golden Eagle, Chukar Partridge, Eurasian Magpies, Red-billed Choughs, Güldenstädt's (also known as White-winged) Redstart and Red-fronted (also known as Fire-fronted) Serins. None of the mammals were spotted today.

We also visited the Snow Leopard Conservancy in the town. A couple of guests from the group were members of the same and they enjoyed meeting all the volunteers upfront. All of us learned a lot about the grey ghost we were going to look for and its jaw-dropping habitat.

Back at the hotel, most of us rested as we were still acclimatising. Some of the guests took a stroll down the Leh bazaar.

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Day 4 Thursday 27th February

After our breakfast at the hotel, we left for what was going to be the first search for the denizens of the high mountains. The areas we were headed to were Gya and Meru. In the past, many people have successfully seen Snow Leopards in the area. We first stopped at a stream which is known for its Ibisbill sightings. We saw several Ibisbill and even got some pictures. Hen Harrier, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Teal and Robin Accentors were also recorded at the same spot.

As we crossed the Meru village we saw our first mammals, the Blue Sheep on a mountain slope. The herd comprised of a big ram, several females and young ones. They were quite bold, and the group got some great shots. Several Golden Eagles and Lammergeier were also seen on the mountain tops. A big flock of Horned Larks were also seen. Our guides and spotters scanned a huge area for the leopards, but no luck today.

Back at the lodge we learnt that a couple had been lucky with Snow Leopards on a day trip in the direction of Ulley. This was exciting as were heading in the same direction tomorrow!

Day 5 Friday 28th February

The day began with breakfast and we left for Ulley. On the way we crossed several picturesque villages and valleys. Our guide Morup spotted the first Urials on the way. The first herd was distant, but the second ones were nearby. In fact, they were alarmed by something. Finishing with the Urials, we reached the spot where the Snow Leopard family had been seen the day before. We saw the tracks from last night. It was exciting as they were really close to the road. But even after scanning for about an hour they were nowhere to be found. We still had a long drive left to Ulley, so we decided to leave the spot. The spotters stopped at several places to look for any signs of the leopards. At one such point we saw our first Ibex. They were distant but the view through the spotting scope was great. We saw a couple of big males.

We arrived at the lodge on time and were warmly welcomed by the staff. The lodge itself was a pleasant surprise for the group. It is right in the middle of the valley with 360-degree unobstructed views and regular movement of the Snow Leopards. In the late afternoon we scanned the mountains around. From the rooftop of the lodge, the spotters found a couple of Ibex in the valley behind us. We trekked through the snow to get a closer look and discovered that the herd actually had 27 individuals. It was stunning seeing them operate as a herd, moving towards the higher mountains.

Day 6 Saturday 29th February

The day began with the first light as we scanned the area again from the lodge premises. A few Golden Eagles were seen catching the rays of the sun on top of the high peaks. There was no mammal activity in the area and hence, after breakfast, we left for a new area called Hemis Sukpachen. It is known for its Tibetan Wolf sightings. Some of the spotters from the region showed us a spot where they had made a kill a few days back. But the

2 © Naturetrek September 20

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

carcass was finished by now and except for some tracks, we didn’t see anything else. We did see a couple of Golden Eagles and Himalayan Vultures circling near a cliff. As we drove out of the Hemis area several Ladakh Urials were spotted. A few impressive males were photographed in beautiful landscape.

On the way back towards the lodge, the spotters stopped at several places to scan but luck was still not favouring us!

Day 7 Sunday 1st March

As usual, with the first daylight we started scanning the valley near the lodge. Again, just Golden Eagles were seen on the cliff tops. Although a potential hotspot for wildlife, the valley seemed really empty. A pair of Himalayan Snowcocks were seen mating. It is a rare sight indeed.

We had our breakfast and decided to check some new areas out. As we were climbing down, a fresh set of footprints caught our attention. A little below a different team of spotters were already on the trail. These were left by the wolves! But again, they had moved around really early and disappeared. We continued our search in the new areas but again only got the Ibex and Urials. After the complete descent from the Ulley area, we found Snow Leopard tracks which were about a day old. After a rigorous search, the team returned back to the Ulley valley hoping to get the wolves. But they remained elusive.

Back at the lodge after finishing our checklist and dinner as we went to bed, a few of us heard several dogs barking nearby. As it died down in a few minutes, we didn’t go out to inspect!

Day 8 Monday 2nd March

The day began with a cracking news from the chief tracker Morup. A male Snow Leopard had walked 50 metres away from the lodge and gone down in the valley. So this is exactly what the dogs were alarmed about! We went to check and found the fresh tracks. He had also marked his territory on a big rock. The news swept through the valley and several trackers scanned every inch of what was visible. Hours went by and no signs of the grey ghost. So close yet so far! It was just not happening for us.

A bit later in the day we discovered that the leopard had killed a young cow in front of the lodge itself. Although it was close to the road and right in the open. Hence there was little chance of him coming to feed again. We did see a Red Fox sleeping not so far from where the kill was. As it grew darker, the fox came down to the carcass and started feeding. There was still no news on the leopard. Some of the guests saw a Large-eared Pika today.

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Day 9 Tuesday 3rd March

With still no news from anywhere in the valley, we needed a new game plan. Morup decided than we would not waste time in or around Ulley today but head to a completely new area called Mongbyu on the other side of the River Indus. On the way we continued scanning the hotspots but only got the usual Urials.

As we crossed the Indus and entered a new valley, it appeared to be a very promising area. A heard of Ibex were seen and this time they were well within the photographic distance. A Pika also appeared on the road and this time, all of us saw it well. Near Mongbyu a herd of Blue Sheep and Urial were seen grazing on the same hill. Lunch was served at a beautiful location by our team. We then continued in the Mongbyu valley till the road actually came to a dead end. In fact, it was so narrow that our drivers found it difficult to turn around. While all of this was happening, the trackers decided to check the valley for the last time.

Bingo! The magic words, Snow Leopard, Snow Leopard! Scopes were set and finally, we all got to see our first Snow Leopard. A male was sitting right on top of a high mountain like the true king of his domain. Some shots were also taken though the scopes as he was a bit far for the cameras. The sighting lasted for about seven minutes and then he went on the other side of the mountain. We were all so elated. Later he called a few times which meant he was looking for a mate. This sighting brought in a different kind of energy in the whole group.

Back at the lodge we checked on the carcass again. It had not been visited by any big predator. But late in the evening two Red Foxes fed on it.

Day 10 Wednesday 4th March

During the first scan of the day we saw some Golden Eagles and two Ibex in front of the lodge. Later we went to the Pika point and today managed to get some good shots of the shy rodent. As we were watching the Pika, more good news arrived. The Snow Leopard family with mother and two cubs had been in the area last night. Trackers had seen fresh tracks. But a bit later we discovered that they had crossed over and gone on the other side of the valley. This meant an hour-long trek for the group. We slowly but steadily reached the spot.

Our efforts were greatly rewarded. First the cubs appeared on a rock. They were rather far away and only visible through the scope. A little away from the cubs, a herd of Yaks were grazing. In an instant the Yaks appeared to be cornering something. Unbelievable! The mother Snow Leopard had caught a big male Ibex. The standoff between the mother leopard and Yaks lasted for close to an hour, after which the Yaks gave up and the mother then fed on the kill. She then called the cubs and the family fed on the carcass together. For us the sighting lasted around four hours. We had witnessed a sight that only the very fortunate ones get to see.

4 © Naturetrek September 20

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Day 11 Thursday 5th March

It was our last morning in Ulley. We learnt from the trackers that the mother and cubs were still in the same area. We decided to trek again and see what they were up to. As we got there the family was nowhere to be seen. After patiently waiting for an hour the cubs appeared on the rocks. The kill had also been dragged out in the open and some Himalayan Griffons and Lammergeier were seen circling over it. We got some good shots of them as they did their fly-pasts. The mother was nowhere to be seen. Probably the leopards had already had their fill and were not bothered. We decided to leave the spot and head back to the lodge.

Not so far from the lodge, a group of trackers and guests had gathered. Apparently, a male leopard had been seen. As we looked though the scope a huge head appeared from behind the boulders. This time it was close. Although it was on a steep slope, a few of us decided to climb it to get closer. We positioned ourselves at a flattish area. Now the leopard was actually visible through the naked eye. Over the next couple of hours, he raised his head several times and gave us beautiful shots. As we watched him in awe, he really tested our patience and remained asleep. Just like the scenes out of a blockbuster movie, at the last moment he stood up, stretched and started walking towards the ridge. Right on top he sat down in the true Snow Leopard fashion and gave us some stunning shots. After a good 30 seconds, he disappeared on the other side of the mountain.

The best had indeed been saved for the last making it a very successful Snow Leopard expedition.

We arrived at our hotel in Leh late, around 9 pm, but it was a delay that was totally worthwhile and one that nobody complained about.

Day 12 Friday 6th March

After breakfast, we bid goodbye to magical Ladakh and boarded our flight back to Delhi. The flight was slightly delayed due to bad weather. In Delhi we were transferred to our hotel Pullman Aerocity. Although the hospitality in Ladakh had been very warm, it was good to be back in some luxury. We all rested for the rest of the day.

Day 13 Saturday 7th March

Today, after a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, we went to explore the Sultanpur Bird sanctuary. It is a true birdwatcher’s paradise away from the chaos of Delhi. Birds like Little Cormorants, Oriental Darter, Purple Heron, egrets, Painted Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Bar-headed Goose, Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler, Ferruginous Duck, Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle, Sarus Cranes, Moorhen, Grey-headed Swamphen (split from Purple), Black-winged Stilts, sandpipers, Spotted Owlet, kingfishers, bee-eaters, Hoopoe, Grey Hornbill, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Dusky Crag Martin, Reed Warbler etc were seen. Compared to Ladakh it was a completely different experience and the group enjoyed the visit a lot.

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

At the hotel we had our last farewell dinner with the group. We all enjoyed our meal as we reflected on the successful Naturetrek expedition that we had. We all said our goodbyes as the group was to split. Three guests were going on the Ranthambore extension tomorrow and the rest of the group was heading back home tonight. Around midnight the group doing just the main tour was dropped at the airport for the flights back to the UK, Canada and Spain.

Day 14 (extension Day 1) Sunday 8th March

We were transferred to the Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station for our train to Sawai Madhopur. The train arrived on time and we boarded the first-class coach. Upon arrival we were welcomed by the local Naturetrek representatives and transferred to the Pugmark Lodge. After a brief orientation, we checked into our rooms.

After lunch we went on the first game drive in Ranthambore. The entry to the national park is stunning, with high hills, overhanging cliffs and several waterbodies. We were in zone 1 of the park. Right at the entry gate to the zone we heard a troop of langur monkeys alarm calling. A predator was definitely lurking in the area. Even after rushing to spot, we didn’t get any visuals of whatever it was. We continued on the drive. Several Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and Blue Bull were seen and photographed. A few Marsh Mugger crocs and a Ruddy Mongoose were also seen. Towards the end of the drive we decided to check the area again from where the monkeys had called. A Leopard appeared on top of the rocks. We saw her for about 15 minutes and got some good photos.

At the lodge we finished our growing checklist, had dinner and after the briefing retired to our rooms.

Day 15 (extension Day 2) Monday 9th March

After some tea/coffee, we left for the morning drive in the park. We were in zone 4 today. From a high spot we spotted out first Tiger in Ranthambore. A tigress slept in a deep valley. After about 15 minutes, as the day became warmer, she got up and moved away, seeking shade. Although not a great sighting, it was a good beginning.

In the afternoon we were in zone 2. From a different jeep we had learnt that Tigers were seen in this zone in the morning. With the tip-off, we headed straight to the spot. The Tigers were right where they were left: two young sisters about 18 - 19 months of age. This was a sighting that none of the guests had expected. Both of them came right up to us on either side of the jeep - a very close encounter indeed! As the day was still pretty warm, both of them went to sleep under a shady tree. After trying several different vehicle positions, we found a spot from where they were visible. Then the waiting game began. At around 5pm both of them woke up and what happened next was unbelievable. They climbed up the rocky hillock under which they were sleeping and sat right on top facing us like true princesses. We all got some great close-ups and wide-angle shots. It was a sighting that will remain forever etched in our minds. And, as we reached the main gate and exited the park, we got a Leopard sitting on a tree right on top of a hill. What an afternoon!

6 © Naturetrek September 20

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Day 16 (extension Day 3) Tuesday 10th March

We woke up to a cloudy morning and just when we left the lodge for the morning drive, it started raining. It rained in several small spells throughout the drive. Although we followed a fresh male tiger’s track and heard his loud growl, no one got to see him. Other than some Sambar and Spotted Deer, everything remained skittish.

In the afternoon we were again back in zone 2 of the park. All the areas where the two sisters could be, were properly searched but they were nowhere to be found. Even their mother, who is a bold tigress was not around. The family had probably moved to zone 3 which is also a part of their territory. We saw a lot of usual game. Spotted Deer rutting and fighting were also recorded. Towards the end of the drive, we saw a few jeeps had gathered not so far from the exit gate. Apparently, the Tiger family had moved back into our zone. We rushed to the direction we were told about. Both the sisters came out from the cover and in fact one walked in front of our jeep for some time. Another great sighting and some more good shots in our cameras.

Day 17 (extension Day 4) Wednesday 11th March

This morning was our last drive in Ranthambore, and we were to explore zone 5. In the first half of the drive nothing much stirred. We did get some big Sambar stags and Blue Bulls. At a waterbody we also watched a couple of Mugger crocodiles. Driving around, we bumped into a male Tiger who was sitting in the bushes near a dry stream. The view was not the best from where we were, but we still managed to get his face. It was great finally seeing a male. We were running out of time and decided to leave him at peace. Only about 50 metres from where he was, a guide from another jeep shouted Tiger, Tiger! Another male was walking in our direction. He was the brother of the one that we had seen earlier. Some great head-on shots were made before we left. The conclusion to the Ranthambore experience was incredible!

Back at the lodge we said goodbye to the team and left Sawai Madhopur on a train to Delhi. Reaching there on time, we were assisted by the local representatives and transferred to our hotel, the Pullman Aerocity.

Day 18 (extension Day 5) Thursday 12th March

After breakfast we were dropped at the airport for our flight back home. The Ranthambore extension had come to a beautiful end

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Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

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Snow Leopard

Bengal Tiger Urial

Tour Report Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers

Species Lists

Ladakh

Our tour checklists follow the names and taxonomy (including species order) of the International Ornithological Congress list of the birds of the world (version 10.1 Jan 2020) which seems destined to become the global standard in future. The species included are based on those thought most likely to be recorded together with what has been seen on previous tours

Common name Scientific name TL 25 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus X X X X himalayensis X 2 Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar X X X X X X X X X X 3 Mallard Anas X X platyrhynchos X 4 Northern Pintail Anas acuta X X 5 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca X X 6 Rock Dove Columba livia X X X X X X X 7 Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris X X X X 8 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra X X 9 Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha X struthersii X 10 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos X X 11 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus X X 12 Common Redshank Tringa totanus X X 13 Common Tringa nebularia X Greenshank X 14 Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus X X X X X X X (Lammergeier) X 15 Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis X X X (Griffon) X 16 Eurasian Accipiter nisus X Sparrowhawk X 17 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos X X X X X X X X X X 18 Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus X X 19 Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius X X X 20 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus X X 21 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica X X X X X X X X X X X 22 Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax X X X X X X X pyrrhocorax X 23 Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax X X X X X X X X X graculus X 24 Northern Raven Corvus corax X X 25 Cinereous Tit (split fr Parus cinereus X X X Great) X 26 Horned Lark Eremophila X X alpestris X 27 Güldenstädt's (White- Phoenicurus X X X X X X X X X winged) Redstart erythrogaster X 28 White-capped Chaimarrornis X Redstart leucocephalus X 29 Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii X X X 30 Black-winged Montifringilla X (Tibetan) Snowfinch adamsi X 31 Robin Accentor Prunella X X X X X rubeculoides X 32 Brown Accentor Prunella X fulvescens X 33 White Wagtail Motacilla alba X X X X

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Common name Scientific name TL 25 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 34 Brandt's Mountain Leucosticte brandti X X Finch X 35 Red-fronted (Fire- Serinus pusillus X X fronted) Serin X

Mammals

February - March Common name Scientific name TL 25 26 27 28 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 Siberian or Asiatic Capra sibirica X X X X X X Ibex X 2 Ladakh Urial Ovis vignei X X X X X X 3 Blue Sheep Pseudois nayaur X X X 4 Red Fox Vulpes vulpes X X X X 5 Snow Leopard Panthera uncia X X X X 6 Large-eared Pika Ochotona macrotis X X X X

Ranthambore Sightings

Species list for Ranthambore March Common name Scientific name TL 7 8 9 10 11 1 Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus X X X X X 2 Painted Spurfowl Galloperdix lunulata X X X 3 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus X X X X X X 4 Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus X X 5 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea X X 6 Garganey Spatula querquedula X X 7 Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata X X 8 Gadwall Mareca strepera X X 9 Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope X X 10 Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha X X 11 Northern Pintail Anas acuta X X 12 Eurasian Teal Anas crecca X X 13 Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca X X 14 Little Swift Apus affinis X X 15 Southern Coucal Centropus {sinensis } parroti X X X H X 16 Rock Dove Columba livia X X X X X X 17 Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis H H H 18 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto X X 19 Spotted Dove Spiloopelia chinensis X X X X X 20 Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis X H X H X 21 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus X X X X 22 Grey-headed Swamphen (split) Porphyrio poliocephalus X X

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Species list for Ranthambore March Common name Scientific name TL 7 8 9 10 11 23 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus X X X X X 24 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra X X 25 Sarus Crane Antigone antigone X X 26 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis X X X 27 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus X X X X X X 28 Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus X X 29 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus X X X X X X 30 White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus X X 31 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica X X 32 Ruff Philomachus pugnax X X 33 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos X X X X X 34 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus X X X X X 35 Common Redshank Tringa totanus X X X X 36 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola X X X X X X 37 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia X X X X 38 River Tern Sterna aurantia X X 39 Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala X X X 40 Black Stork Ciconia nigra X X 41 Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus X X X 42 Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger X X X X X X 43 Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster X X X 44 Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus X X X 45 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus X X 46 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia X X 47 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii X X X X X X 48 Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus X X X X X X 49 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea X X X 50 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea X X X 51 Great Egret Ardea alba X X X X X 52 Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia X X X X X 53 Little Egret Egretta garzetta X X X X 54 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus X X X Crested (Oriental) Honey Pernis ptilorhynchus 55 Buzzard X X X 56 Indian (Long-billed) Vulture Gyps indicus X X 57 Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela X X X X 58 Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata X X 59 Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus X X 60 Shikra Accipiter badius X X 61 Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus X X X 62 Black Kite Milvus migrans X X X X 63 Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena X X 64 Spotted Owlet Athene brama X X X 65 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops X X X 66 Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris X X X 67 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis X X 68 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis X X X X X X 69 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis X X X X X 70 Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis X X

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Species list for Ranthambore March Common name Scientific name TL 7 8 9 10 11 71 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis X X X X X 72 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala X X X 73 Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Leiopicus mahrattensis X X 74 Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense X X X X X 75 Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala X X X 76 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri X X X X X X 77 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia X X 78 Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus X X X 79 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus X X X X X X 80 White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens X X X X X 81 White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola X X X X X X 82 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda X X X X X X 83 House Crow Corvus splendens X X 84 Indian Jungle Crow Corvus {macrorhynchos}culminatus X X X X 85 Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus X X X 86 Rufous-tailed Lark Ammomanes phoenicurus X X 87 Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula H H 88 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer X X X X X X 89 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica X X 90 Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor X X X 91 Hume's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei X X 92 Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides X X X 93 Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum X X 94 Syke's Warbler Iduna rama X X 95 Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris X X X 96 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis X X X 97 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata X X 98 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius X X 99 Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi X X X X 100 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striatus X X X X X X 101 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca X X 102 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus X X X 103 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis X X X X 104 Pied Myna (Asian Pied Starling) Gracupica contra X X 105 Brahminy Starling Temenuchus pagodarum X X X X 106 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata X X X X 107 Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis X X X X X X 108 Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica X X X 109 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva X X X 110 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros X X X 111 Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus X X 112 Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata X X 113 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus X X X X 114 House Sparrow Passer domesticus X X X Yellow-throated Sparrow (Chestnut-sh Gymnoris xanthocollis 115 Petronia) X X X X 116 Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava X X X 117 White Wagtail Motacilla alba X X X

Ladakh’s Snow Leopards and Ranthambore’s Tigers Tour Report

Species list for Ranthambore March Common name Scientific name TL 7 8 9 10 11 Mammal Species 1 Royal Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris X X X X 2 Leopard Panthera pardus X X X X 3 Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta X X X 4 ‘Northern Plains’ Grey Langur Semnopithecus entellus X X X X X 5 Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii X X X X 6 Three-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennarum X X X X X X 7 Sambar Cervus unicolor X X X X X 8 Chital (Spotted Deer) Cervus axis X X X X X 9 Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) Gazella bennetti X X 10 Nilgai (Blue Bull) Boselaphus tragocamelus X X X X X 11 Wild Boar Sus Scrofa X X X

Reptiles & Amphibians Scientific name 1 Marsh Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris X X X X X 2 Indian Softshell Turtle Nilssonia gangetica X X