Ahmed et al.: Tso-Kar Basin 13

We sent these pictures too to Peter Clement who confirmed by the mixed gene-flow. These dark spots, fairly small though that the was a first winter female Naumann’s Thrush (Dalvi they are, should have ideally worn down by mid-winter, but it et al. 2017 reproduced pl., 42 from Clement & Rose 2005; may be due to individual variation” (Peter Clement, in litt., e-mail illustrations numbered 121b and 121). The overall tones of the dated 13 February 2019). We also transmitted the images to Paul crown and upperparts of the bird were light brown and the pale Holt, via Pritam Baruah, who also agreed with this identification, panel in the wing was sufficiently well indicated. The coverts had as a pure form, though he preferred to leave the sex as unknown no bright, rich brown, or coppery tinges like those of a Dusky. due to variability in the sexes. Though the ten or so dark brown There was a suggestion of an orange-tinged feather showing on spots visible on its left flank are odd, or anomalous, he felt it is the scapulars in the photos, which also indicated Naumann’s. within the considerable variation in Naumann’s (Paul Holt, in litt., From what can be seen of the tail, it appeared to have the e-mail dated 14 February 2019). right pattern of warm or rufous-brown at the base, becoming Hence, the Mandala bird seems to be the first definite browner on the rest of the tail, bearing no trace of any dark photograph of a Naumann’s Thrush from the Indian brown of Dusky. According to Clement, the pale supercilium, Subcontinent—and the only one, apart from the sight record by the light brown cheeks and ear coverts, together with the pale Peter Clement, from Bhutan (Dalvi et al. 2017). moustachial and dark malars, were right for a first winter female. The presence of a few small black arrow-head spots on the breast Acknowledgements and one or two on the flanks were the remnants of its juvenile , and were, presumably, in the course of being abraded, We thank Peter Clement and Paul Holt for commenting on the identification of the in our photographs, and Pritam Baruah and Praveen J for helping us with revealing more of the orange tones [7]. A hybrid with Dusky was identification. considered, and the “difference between these dark/blackish spots on naumanni and the larger blackish chevron shaped spots on intergrades is one of size in that the spots are smaller, more References individual or in rows on naumanni whereas on intergrades the Dalvi, S., Oláh, J., Zalai, T., Ritschard, M. R., Rahman, A. R. A., Vaidya, A., Ewing, G., & whole colour tone of the underparts (or at least the centers to Clement, P., 2017. Status of Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni in the Eastern most feathers) are darker or deeper (not orange) and influenced Himalayas. Indian BIRDS 12 (6): 157–161.

Observations on some nesting birds of the Tso-Kar Basin, Ladakh

Tanveer Ahmed, Pankaj Chandan & Afifullah Khan

Ahmed, T., Chandan, P., & Khan, A., 2019. Observations on some nesting birds of the Tso-Kar Basin, Ladakh. Indian BIRDS. 15 (1): 13–16. Tanveer Ahmed & Afifullah Khan*, Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India. [*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].] Pankaj Chandan, WWF-India, 172-B, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi 110003, India. Manuscript received on 31 December 2017.

large number of migratory waterfowl breed in the Tso-Kar is located about 125 km south-eastwards of Leh, Ladakh. The Basin (Chandan et al. 2005; Hussain & Pandav 2008; Zanskar Range forms its southern border, the Sumdo rivulet (a AAhmed et al. 2014), and hence it is designated as an tributary of River Indus) the eastern, and Tanglang La (5360 m Important Bird Area (Islam & Rahmani 2004). Ornithological asl), the second highest pass in the world, the northern. The studies in the region have largely focussed upon the Black- basin has two large waterbodies adjacent to each other, namely, necked Crane Grus nigricollis either to assess the status of its Tso-Kar, and Tsartsapuk Tso (Fig. 1). Tso-Kar is a dumbell- breeding population (Hussain 1986; Pfister 1998; Chandanet shaped brackish waterbody, while Tsartapuk Tso is an irregularly al. 2014), or its ecology (Khan et al. 2014; Chandan et al. 2014). shaped fresh waterbody encompassing areas of about 19.5 sq Other studies have highlighted the status of water, and terrestrial, km and 2.5 sq km respectively. The basin is considered colder birds (Hussain & Pandav 2008; Namgail 2009; Ahmed et al. and drier than other parts of Ladakh. Severe arid conditions 2014). We spent the summer of 2013 visiting different parts of exist here throughout the year, and rainfall seldom exceeds 50 the Ladakh landscape (Jammu & Kashmir) collecting ecological mm annually (Kaul 1983). The Tso-Kar Basin is rich in flora data on the flora and fauna of Ladakh. We visited the Tso-Kar and fauna as compared to other similar climatic regions of the Basin four times between May and June 2013. world (Kaul 1983; Humbert-Droz 2000; Pfister 2004; Hussain & Pandav 2008; Rawat & Adhikari 2005; Namgail et al. 2009). The Study area vegetation of the Tso-Kar Basin is represented by scrub, desert The Tso-Kar Basin (35.28–33.35ºN, 77.88–78.08ºE; 4530 m steppe, and marsh meadows (Rawat & Adhikari 2005). The area asl) is within the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and is inhabited by nomads and semi nomadic communities known 14 Indian BIRDS Vol. 15 No. 1 (Publ. 10 May 2019)

Fig. 1. Tso-Kar and Tsartapuk Tso in Tso-Kar Basin, Changthang, Ladakh. © Google Earth

as ‘Changpas.’ The total human population of this area comprises about 300 people who earn their livelihood by rearing goats and sheep for their wool (Chandan 2014).

Methods Between May and June 2013, we gathered information on the breeding of some birds of the Tso-Kar Basin. We used standard optical equipment for our observations, and a movable hide [12], and a fixed hide that matched the background in such a way that allowed closed observation by maintaining a reasonable distance that did not disturb the breeding birds. Chandan (2014) observed Black-necked Cranes through such hides, without disturbing them. Khan et al. (2014) also studied the time budget activity of Black-necked Cranes from close quarters. We followed the methodology of acclimatising the waterbirds to the presence of the hides as described in Chandan (2014), and Khan et al. Tanveer Ahmed (2014). All the photographs of breeding waterbirds were taken from these hides.

Results 12. Author taking observation on breeding birds through movable hide in Tso-kar In Tso-Kar Basin (Tso-Kar and Tsartapuk Tso), we found 140 nests Basin, Changthang, Ladakh Ahmed et al.: Tso-Kar Basin 15

belonging to six waterbirds (130 nests), and five terrestrial birds nest) were located towards the centre of the waterbody while a (ten nests). Among waterbirds, we recorded the Black-necked few (five) were at some distance away from the shore. Chandan Crane [13], Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus, Great-crested et al. (2005) reported 90 floating nests of this in 2002, Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus and 120 in 2003. brunnicephalus, and Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Hussain (1986), Chandan et al. (2005), and Hussain & Pandav (2008) mentioned the Tso-Kar Basin as a breeding ground for migratory birds such as Bar-headed Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Brown- headed Gull, Common Tern, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, and Black-necked Crane. Our observations re-affirm that Tso-Kar Basin continues to be a breeding ground for some of these waterbirds. We did not spot nests of either the Northern Pintail Anas acuta, or the Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, though the latter was abundant at Tsartpuk Tso, and a pair of Northern Pintail was sighted once. Osmaston (1927) reported Ruddy Shelduck breeding in the hills of Rupshu around Tso-Kar, Tosmoriri, and

Puga. He observed many families of Ruddy Shelduck, along with ducklings of various age, at Puga in Rupshu. 14a. Nests of the Great Crested Grebe in Tsartapuk Tso, Changthang, Ladakh Three pairs of Black-necked Cranes were found nesting: (02 June 2013) one at Tsartsapuk Tso and two at Tso-Kar. All three nests were ground nests, and were constructed on different grassy islands. Two nests were built using mud and dry grasses, while one was Only two nests of the Common Coot were spotted [14b] composed only of grasses. All nests were either circular in shape, in Tsartpuk Tso, even though the species was abundant. They or elliptical, and were situated at some distance from the shore. construct solitary circular nests in water, using dry grasses. Both Chandan (2014) reported, that Black-necked Crane constructed nests were situated in the water, at some distance from the shore. grass nests, mud nests, or mound nests in Changthang, Ladakh. He equated a mound nest with an island nest as described by Wu et al. (2009). Such a nest offers greater safety from predators, to its occupants, and reduces the risk of its occupants drowning during floods (Chandan 2014).

14b. Nest of a Common Coot in Tsartapuk Tso, Changthang, Ladakh (02 June 2013)

Brown-headed Gulls (21 nests) were found to nest in colonies. They constructed round nests using dry grasses; preferring to locate them on islands (20 nests), rather than on water (1 nest). All: Tanveer Ahmed The nests were situated on islands that were more towards the 13. Black-necked Crane at its nest in Tsartapuk Tso, Changthang, Ladakh centre of the waterbody (16 nests), than at some distance from the shore (5 nests). We encountered two nests of Common Tern The Bar-headed Goose nests either solitarily, or in colonies at Tsartsapuk Tso. The nests were irregularly shaped,comprising (24 nests). Nests were constructed on an island (18 nests), and twigs on small islands at some distance away from the shore. in water (six nests). The bird used dry grasses to build circular Besides waterbirds, we have also recorded ten nests of a few and/or mound nests. About half of the nests were circular (13 terrestrial birds: Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris (five nests), nests), while the remaining were mound-shaped. Most nests Blanford’s Snowfinch Pyrgilauda blanfordi (two nests), Tibetan were located towards the centre of the lake (17 nests), rather Snowfinch Montifringill aadamsi (one nest), Oriental Skylark than nearer the shore (seven nests) of the lake. Osmaston Alauda gulgula (one nest), and Ground Pseudopodoces (1927) reported a nest of the Bar-headed Goose that was built humilis (one nest). The terrestrial birds had constructed either upon an island in Tso-Kar, and in Tso-Moriri. He also reported a grass nests (Horned Lark), hole nests in crevices (Tibetan nest on a rocky cliff, in a deserted Common Raven’s Corvus corax Snowfinch), or ground nests (Ground Tit; Blanford’s Snowfinch). nest, near Tso-Kar. Horned Larks nest either on unsheltered barren land (four nests), Great Crested Grebe (78 nests) constructed solitary grass or sheltered against a mound in marshland (one nest). The nests, mostly in water (73 nests), and a few on islands (5 nests). Oriental Skylark constructed its nest on barren land. The nests of Nests were constructed using dry grasses gathered from the both lark species were circular cup-like depressions in the ground shores, and heaped into a mound shape [14a]. Most nests (70 (average diameter = 3 mm) lined with dry grasses, hair, 16 Indian BIRDS Vol. 15 No. 1 (Publ. 10 May 2019)

and pieces of polythene. We also observed two yellowish-grey, Acknowledgement minutely spotted, in one of the nests of the Horned Lark, and The current study was supported by WWF-India. We thank Department of Wildlife a single yellowish-brown in a nest of the Oriental Skylark. The Protection, Jammu & Kashmir for permitting us to work in Changthang Wildlife Tibetan Snowfinch selects wall crevices in abandoned buildings Sanctuary. The first author is also indebted to the support, encouragement, help, and as nesting sites. Their nests were irregularly shaped and a meter, hospitality extended by Mohd. Kazim, and Tsewang Rigzin, and the people of Tso-Kar or two, above the ground. Ground Tit used a hole as its nest, on Resort. We retrieved relevant literature from the online ‘Bibliography of South Asian a gentle, barren slope. Blanford’s Snowfinch selected irregularly ’ (Pittie 2018). shaped holes, as their nests, beneath rocks in grasslands [15]. Three juvenile Blanford’s Snowfinches were sighted at each nest. References The nesting site was confirmed when the juveniles and the adults Ahmed, T., Khan, A. & Chandan, P., 2014. Status of avifauna of Tsokar basin, Ladakh, entered the hole nest. Indian Trans-Himalaya. Pp. 116–124. In: Serajuddin M., (ed.). Biodiversity, environment. and functional biology. Excellent Publishing House, New Delhi. Chandan, P., 2014. Ecology and breeding biology of Black-necked Crane in Changthang, Ladakh, India. Pp. 247. Ph.D. Thesis. Submitted to Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Chandan, P., Chatterjee, A., Gautam, P., Seth, C. M., Takpa, J., Haq, S., Tashi, P. & Vidya, S., 2005. Black-necked Crane—Status, breeding productivity and conservation in Ladakh, India 2000–2004. Pp. 1–63, WWF-India and Department of Wildlife Protection. Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Geneletti, D., & Dawa, D., 2009. Environmental impact assessment of mountain tourism in developing regions:A study in Ladakh, Indian Himalaya. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 29: 229–242. Humbert-Droz, B., 2000. Protection of the Tso Moriri- Upper Spiti region, Indian Trans- Himalaya. Biodiversity, tourism impact and prospects for conservation. National consultation, Conservation of high altitude wetlands. Background documents. WWF-India, New Delhi. Hussain, S. A., 1986. Status of Blacknecked Crane in Ladakh - 1983 problems and

?? prospects. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 82 (3): 449–458 15. Blandford’s Snowfinch outside its nest in Tso-Kar Basin, Changthang, Ladakh (1985). Hussain, S. A., & Pandav, B., 2008. Status of breeding water birds in Changthang Cold Conclusions Desert Sanctuary, Ladakh. Indian Forester 134 (4): 469–480. Islam, Z.-u., & Rahmani, A. R., 2004. Important Bird Areas in India. Priority sites for Our observations suggest that the Tso-Kar Basin is an active and conservation.1st ed. Mumbai: Indian Bird Conservation Network: Bombay Natural important breeding site for at least six waterbird species, including History Society and BirdLife International (UK). Pp. i–xviii, 1–1133. the Vulnerable Black-necked Crane, and for five terrestrial ground- Kaul, M.L., 1983. Vegetation of Tsokar Lake and Puga valley, Trans-Himalaya. Folia nesting species. However, since our study was for a short period, Geobotanica et Phytotaxonomica 18: 301–307. the list of breeding birds presented here cannot be considered Khan, A., Chandan, P., Takpa, J., Hussain, S. A., Rattan, R., Jamwal, P.S. & Ahmed, T., comprehensive. There are fair chances of other species breeding 2014. Diurnal time budget of breeding Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) in in the region, which we may have been missed, or not recorded, Changthang, Ladakh, India. Zoological Research 35 (S1): 158–166. due to time constraints and time differences in breeding activities. Kumar, A., Sati, J. P., Tak, P. C., & Alfred, J. R. B., 2005. Handbook of Indian wetland It is therefore felt that further studies on the breeding birds of the birds and their conservation.1 ed. Kolkata: Director, Zoological Survey of India. Tso-Kar Basin are required. Pp. i–xxvi, 1–468. The area provides an excellent opportunity for amateur Namgail, T., Mudappa, D., & Raman, T. R. S., 2009. Waterbird numbers at high altitude naturalists, and researchers, to observe and study breeding lakes in eastern Ladakh, India. Wildfowl 59: 135–142. birds in a relatively less disturbed area than other popular Osmaston, B. B., 1927. Notes on the birds of Kashmir. Part II. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 32 (1): 134–153. wetlands of the Changthang region, such as Tso-Moriri. There Pfister, O., 1998.The breeding ecology and conservation of the black necked crane has been a phenomenal increase in tourism, yet Tso-Kar has not (Grus nigricolis) in Ladakh/India. University of Hull. Thesis Unpublished. been adequately projected as a potential wildlife/eco-tourism Pfister, O., 2004.Birds and mammals of Ladakh.1st ed. New Delhi: Oxford University destination. Instead, it has been popularised as a recreational Press. Pp. i–xxvii, 1–361. destination for trail use, camping in serene environment, and Pittie, A., 2018. Bibliography of South Asian Ornithology. Website URL: http://www. off-road driving around the wetlands. These activities have been southasiaornith.in. [Accessed on 03 June 2017.. identified as potential threats to the unique assemblage of Rahmani, A.R., Kalra, M. & Khan, N.I., 2012. Threatened Birds of India. OUP, India. Pp. flora and fauna around the wetland (Geneletti & Dawa 2009). 870. Rahmani et al. (2012) had highlighted the potential threat posed Rawat, G. S. & Adhikari, B. S., 2005. Floristic and distribution of plant communities by free ranging stray dogs to breeding birds in the Tso-Kar Basin. across moisture and topographic gradients in TsoKar Basin, Changthang Plateau, However, during our visit, we did not see any free ranging stray Eastern Ladakh. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research 37 (4): 539–544. dogs in the Tso-Kar Basin, or in and around the resorts. If these Wu, H.Q., Zha, K., Zhang, M., & Yang, X.J., 2009. Nest site selection by Black-necked crane Grus nigricollis in the Ruoergai wetland, China. Bird Conservation areas are to be preserved for posterity, it is imperative that a International 9: 277–286. comprehensive tourism policy be evolved to protect the character of the wetlands and the associated floral and faunal assemblages. Conservation issues must form an integral part of the planned developmental activities in the region. We recommend strict regulation of tourism in the close vicinity of Tsartapuk Tso and Tso-Kar.