Srinagar, May 09: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to host the Himalayan Bird Count, a yearly bird-watching occasion to track modifications in bird population with time.
As a part of Himalayan Bird Count, researchers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers will come together and record bird types throughout the J&K. It is arranged by Bird Count India in partnership with eBird India. The occasion will occur on May 13.
Indian Himalayan area is amongst the 34 biodiversity hotspots of the world and is home to 940 types of birds, which has to do with 9% of birds of the world and 72% of the birds in the subcontinent
However, the awareness and conversations about the dangers to its vulnerable environments and their residents from environment modification and facilities advancement have actually stayed minimal.
Assistant Professor and In-charge, Institute of Mountain Environment (IME), University of Jammu informed The Kashmir Monitor that the prime negative aspects that affect bird populations in the Himalayas consist of environment fragmentation ie., the loss of environments their tightness or distortion in the form of loss of efficiency, contamination, land-use changes/conversion, and so on.
“Loss of food base, i.e, loss or unavailability of fruits, seed, nectar-bearing plants; prey base for predatory birds; carrion or dead matter for scavengers, etc, hunting, poaching, direct exterminations, road kills, diseases, etc are other factors responsible for declining bird populations,” he said.
According to Dr. Neeraj, the Himalayan Bird Count (HBC) is an effort to much better comprehend the effect of these significant modifications on birds in the Himalayas and safeguard threatened environments. “The other positive impact of the bird count includes revival of habitats with adequate food base both in terrestrial as well as the wetland habitats, stringent wildlife conservation regulations, and increased awareness and empathy for the birds,” he included.
The wildlife scientist explained that HBC is generally limited to mountain environments, primarily terrestrial ones. “This may include the birds associated with forest/hill streams/rivers and high altitude wetlands. The upcoming second edition of HBC is taking place in Sudhmahadev Conservation Reserve. The first HBC was held in Upper Bhaderwah and Bani – Sarthal landscapes last year,” he said.
Dr. Neeraj elaborated that HBC is a person science effort where amateur birders having basic understanding about the bird recognition areas, count and submit the list of birds for a specified time period state 15 minutes.
“Now, accurate bird identification is requisite as the false id may lead to wrong projections about the birds’ occurrence. In this case, an expert having sound knowledge about birds, their distribution, ecology, and behavior is always handy to lead the group,” he included.
There are no severe clinical procedures for the bird count. “It simply involves the uploading of birds’ occurrence and their number in any given habitat that may be created by giving a name of that place, village, protected area or a wetland in a mobile application,” the wildlife professional detailed out.
Founder of the regional bird-watching club, Birds of Kashmir, Irfan Jeelani said the value of HBC is to promote the value of securing birds also display our area’s bird variety. “We have nominated coordinators who have the expertise and will lead a group of bird enthusiasts participating in the HBC. Further, we have tied up with various schools and educational instructions. We aim to create awareness and importance of avian diversity among the younger generation,” he said.
The occasion is open to bird lovers, conservationists, and nature fans of any ages and backgrounds. Participants will have the chance to check out the abundant biodiversity of the Himalayas and find out about the various bird types that call the area home.
“This year our team, in collaboration with the Institute of Mountain Environment, Govt. MAM College Jammu and GDC Banihal will conduct bird surveys in Sudhmahadev Conservation Reserve. We welcome participants of all ages and backgrounds to join the Himalayan Bird Count and be a part of the effort to conserve the bird population in the Himalayan region” said Dr. Muzaffar A Kichloo among the planners of the occasion in Jammu and Kashmir.
