Mahesh Kaul
State of Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of being the habitat to varied species of birds besides rich in vegetation and climatic conditions that makes it the desired destination of these myriad species. It is the blessing of the nature to this state that besides being the favored destination among the tourists all over the world, the birds of various hues flock this state. So this state is visited by special tourist as well. Like humans birds are also sensitive to the environment around them and like the harmony of nature for their breeding and other activities. But over the years not only humans but these birds whether visiting this state or the birds that are indigenous to the ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir are witnessing decline in terms of their population, visitation and breeding due to the human inflicted challenges and the insensitivity of one and all.
At such a crucial juncture when these species are facing immense challenge to their survival and the biodiversity is being dismantled in the state, the book titled Threatened Birds of Jammu and Kashmir written by Dr. Asad R. Rahmani and his professional team that includes Intesar Suhail, Pankaj Chandan, Khursheed Ahmed and Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri is a timely move. The book is a rich reservoir of data, contemporary research, field work and analysis regarding the habitats of the species of the birds in the state and delves at length suggesting the ways and means to conserve bird species. The authors need to be congratulated in coming out with this volume as it is timely and responsible intervention.
The book has been divided into five sections: Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened and Marginal. These sections cater to the threats and dangers to various species at various levels and discuss them in detail. In the section Critically Endangered the authors discuss the white -baked or White rumped Vulture. This species is found in the Jammu region of the state .Authors have dealt in analysing the dwindling of this species in a scientific manner and while delving into the details of the decline of this species they write’ “The most catastrophic and rapid decline of the White -backed Vulture (and other related Gyps species ) has been seen in South Asia. This decline was first reported in newspapers in the mid-1990 and later confirmed scientifically at Keolaeo NP and all over India. Similar steep declines were noticed in Nepal and Pakistan.”(pp.34)
Discussing the impact of their decline on the ecology they write,” It affects open countryside, avoiding thick forests and wooded hilly areas. Feeding as it does on large carcasses; it locates them visually, by soaring regularly on thermals, covering vast areas of hundreds of square kilometers a day. It also locates food by following other descending vultures and scavengers.”(pp.35).
Other species that have been discussed in this section include Slender-billed Vulture. The book gives recommendations for the conservation of these species. The threat to these species has increased over the years due to the extraction of diclofenac from these species for the medicinal use. The authors have highlighted the various policy measures of the state and central governments and stressed for the adherence to these safeguards to conserve these threatened species.Emphasising the need to meet this challenge head on ,they exhort, “The Ministry of Environment and Forests should ensure that funding does not become a constraint in running the Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme,which is of paramount importance to ensure the survival of these valuable scavenging birds that play a vital role in quick disposal of carcasses, and consequently in human environmental management.”(pp.39).To gives credence to their research and the issue of saving vultures they have shared inputs from Chris Bowen, SAVE (Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction)
The next section Endangered is dedicated to the issue of Egyptian Vulture.”This bird has been seen frequently in small numbers near Gharana Wetland Reserve by Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri, Pankaj Chandan, Pushpinder Singh Jamwal, and Rohit Rattan. It was also recorded on three different visits to the mansard Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary in the winter of 2009,2010 and 2011(Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri).the species has been sighted recently in various other locations in Rajouri and Poonch districts few birds were seen near Chandimarh village in Poonch District during an expedition in Pir Panjal range by Pankaj Chandan.The species can be easily seen along River Tawi and the outskirts of Jammu city.Thus,the overall population seems to be declining in J and K, a small population is still surviving in the Jammu region, south of Pir Panjal range.'(pp.43).To safeguard the species from extinction and preserve ecological balance, the authors have suggested the ban on veterinary use of diclofenac, to conduct surveys in the Jammu region, environmental educational programmes in rural areas, satellite tracking of these species. (pp.44)
Another species that has been dealt in this section is White -headed Duck. As per the authors it was found in Srinagar. They have quoted the eminent settlement commissioner of the Kashmir, Walter Lawrence, who had worked extensively to document the various facets of Kashmir ranging from agriculture to ecology during the time and era of the Dogra rulers to lend credence to their work .Quoting Walter Lawrence they write, “The duck is very rare in Kashmir and six specimens were shot on or near the Wular lake by the sportsman in the hard winter of 1809-1891.we do not have record in recent years. Ever since the establishment of a Wetland Division under the Department of Wildlife(Protection) in J and K,efforts are being made by field staff during surveys t locate this species, but not even a single bird has been spotted in any wetland of Kashmir in recent years.”(pp.47)
They have expressed serious concern about this rare species and underlined the conservation measures that are prevalent all over the country under the legal provisions. To substantiate their concern and the ground reality they write, “The species is legally protected in many countries ,including India, It is included in Schedule VI of the Indian -Wildlife (Protection)Act 1972.It is listed in CITES Appendix II and CMS Appendix I.A conservation programme in Spain has resulted in a significant population increase(Birdlife International 2013)”.
(To be continued)
