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Ladakh's ecosystem, lying at the confluence of three
geographic zones, is alluring and uniquely varied. A dozen
important mammals and over a hundred species of birds make
their home in this rugged terrain. Most of them are endangered
or rare. Though wildlife conservation in Ladakh began fairly
recently, there is much to see. The wild yak is native only to
this area. Other fauna includes Himalayan ibex, Tibetan
antelope, snow leopard, wild ass, red bear, gazelle, blue
sheep or bharal, docile marmot and mouse hare. The rare musk
deer and the migratory black-necked crane have also been
identified here.
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| No animal better exemplifies the character and concerns of
mountain environment than the snow leopard, a beautiful and
elusive survivor from the frigid Pleistocene era.
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Jammu and Kashmir valley have been active in wildlife
conservation efforts. Several National Parks and sanctuaries
have been established in the state including those at
Dachigam, Overa and Gulmarg.
Overa- Aru Biosphere Reserve
The Sanctuary is situated about 76 km from Srinagar in the
south-east and located near Pahalgam. It is famous for
retaining several rare and endangered species like the hangul,
musk deer, brown bear, leopard, koklas, monal and snow cock.
It sustains 13 species of mammals and over 80 species of
birds. It is eminent for its varied and magnificent species of
pheasants. This area, as distinct from the other wildlife
reserves of the valley, is rich in pheasants like the chukar,
koklas, monal and Himalayan snow cock. Other avifauna include
the jungle crow, red billed chough, griffon vulture, bearded
vulture, Himalayan whistling thrush, rufous-backed shrike and
Indian mynah, among others.
Accommodation
An inspection hut with 2 bedrooms.
How to get There
Air
Srinagar (87 km)
Rail
Jammu (280 km)
Road
Srinagar (76 km) , Anantnagh (40 km), Pahalgam (11 km)
Best Season
Mammal viewing: September to April
Bird viewing:March to August
Whom to Contact:
The Chief Wildlife Warden,
Jammu & Kashmir State,
Tourist Reception Centre,
Srinagar 190001, Kashmir
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Spread over 180 sq. km 2400 to 4300 m above sea level, the
Biosphere Reserve is famous for retaining several rare and
endangered species of flora and fauna. The area has a rich
foliage cover. The main species of conifers, which account for
over 90% of forests, are Cedrus deodara, Pinus griffithii,
Abies pindrow and Aesculus indica. Major shrubs in the reserve
are Indigofera heterantha, Viburnum spp., Sorbaria tomentosa
Dicotyledonus.
Multiple species of rare and endangered fauna like hangul,
musk deer, brown bear, leopard and black bear are provided
protection in the Biosphere Reserve. The area has a good
population of pheasants and upland birds, both resident and
migratory. The common birds are griffon vulture, monal, snow
cock, koklas, blue rock pigeon, Kashmir roller, European
hoopoe and jungle crow.
Accommodation
Tourist and private accommodation including a camping site is
available.
How to get There
Air : The Srinagar airport is 57 km away.
Rail : Jammu 342 km
Road : Srinagar 48 km
Best Season
Mammal viewing: September to March (in lower areas)
Bird viewing: March to May (in lower areas)
Whom to contact
The Chief Wildlife Warden,
Jammu & Kashmir State,
Tourist Reception Centre,
Srinagar 190001, (Kashmir.)
Wullar Lake
This fresh-water lake, 60 km from Srinagar, spreads over a 125
km area. Wullar lake draws excess water from the Jhelum and
acts as a natural flood reservoir. Interesting ruins in the
centre of the lake are the remains of an island created by
King Zain-ul-abidin. With its turbulent, perpetually
wind-ruffled waters, it's exciting variety of avian life
enhances the sheer beauty of its setting.
Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is a bird watchers paradise. It is not necessary
to have any special knowledge or equipment to enjoy bird
watching in and around the Dal Lake. An ordinary ride on a
shikara can provide an observant and patient person with
wonderful insights into bird behaviour.
Kingfishers sit on the tops of houseboats within touching
distance of humans. In Europe, these birds are very elusive,
but in the Kashmir valley they do not fear humans. Man and
nature seem to co-exist happily together in the valley. The
white-breasted kingfishers (Halycon smyrnensis) with robust
bills are perched on the branches of willow trees and dive
directly into water to catch little fish.
The man made islands within the lake comprise of reeds, willow
rods and aquatic vegetation, which provides a rich source of
food in the form of frogs, lizards, mice, grasshoppers and
other insects to the kingfisher. Bees hum around open lotus
flowers collecting honey. Wagtails, active and eager, can be
seen dashing from leaf to leaf, sometimes leaping into the air
to catch its prey. The dipping motion of their long tails and
their undulating flight is fascinating to watch. The little
grebe, a small swimming bird much smaller than a duck, is
fairly common in the vale. Common pariah kites (Milvus
Migrans) are scavenger birds and help clean the area.
Compiled by Puneet Sachdeva
The largest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas, is one
of the richest havens for animal life. The eco-system here is
well balanced with animals and people coexisting peacefully.
It is remarkable that almost one third of the world's
mammalian species that may be called true mountain animals are
native to these mountains. The topography of Jammu and Kashmir
offers a wide variety of climate and vegetation making the
state a wildlife enthusiast's delight.
