Bird

Survey
Report
Bird monitoring Programme
2018 | 2019 | 2021

Introductory Training
Programme on Bird Monitoring
& Bird Ringing 2018

Annual Bird Survey/Monitoring

Programme 2019 & 2021
 Bird
Survey
Report
Bird monitoring Programme
2018 | 2019 | 2021
SECURE Himalaya:
The project’s incremental value lies in promoting the sustainable management of alpine pastures and forests
in the high range Himalayan ecosystems to secure conservation of globally significant wildlife, including
endangered snow leopard and their habitats and ensure sustainable livelihoods and community socio-eco-
nomic benefits in the four high altitude landscapes in the Trans- and Greater Himalayan region (that consists
of alpine pastures, sub-alpine forests and critical watersheds). The four inter-related components of the project
are aimed at Improved management of high Himalayan landscapes for conservation of snow leopard and other
endangered species and their habitats and sustaining ecosystem services, improved and diversified sustainable
livelihood for communities to reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems, enhanced enforcement, monitoring and
cooperation to reduce wildlife related threats, and improved knowledge and information systems for landscape
conservation approaches.

Photo Credits:
Padma Gyalpo, Member (WCBCL)
Smanla Tsering, Wildlife Guard, Dept. of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh
Anub Tsetan Paljor, Project Associate, SECURE Himalaya

Document Designer:
Kunga Thinley, Visual Designer | thinleykunga2019@gmail.com

Printer: Paramount Printographics

Year of Publication: 2022
Ladakh is blessed with an immense diversity of wildlife, including flora, fauna, and avifauna.To date, we have
about more than 350 plus recorded species of birds, some of them are resident birds, while others are migratory
and make their journeys from different parts of the world to come to Ladakh and raise their offspring. Conserv-
ing these unique species of birds is not only a departmental priority but it should also be the responsibility of
every concerned resident of Ladakh to make sure these birds are safe and that this tradition of living in harmo-
ny with nature continues. After all, this is our natural heritage.

The GoI-UNDP-GEF SECURE Himalaya led Annual Bird Monitoring Programmes have established the need to
monitor our birds on a regular basis, to gain better knowledge and information of the Birds of Ladakh. This will
help us plan and manage not only broad Conservation programmes, but also specific ones targeted at certain
species. These collaborative monitoring exercises between the Department and SECURE Himalaya have also
helped build capacities of our Wildlife Guards to better survey and monitor our birds.

I would like to thank the enthusiastic birders of Ladakh and Wildlife Conservation and Birds Club of Ladakh,
who have constantly enthused these monitoring events. I am of strong belief that citizen-led science is one of the
most robust ways to take bird monitoring forward in Ladakh.

In all three editions of this exercise, the Department has also ensured that young local
wildlife enthusiasts/volunteers especially those residing inside our Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks take
part in these exercises because being residents, they are the primary stakeholders and as such have a lot to offer
in making conservation programmes a success.

Based on the progress that we have seen under these exercises, the Department of Wildlife Protection is also
making these monitoring events as regular programme of theDepartment’s calendar.

With best wishes,

Sajjad Hussain Mufti, IFS

Chief Wildlife Warden
Union Territory of Ladakh
Contents
Introductory Training Programme on Bird Monitoring & Bird Ringing 2018

I. Objective
II. Relevance for SECURE Himalaya Project
III. About Bombay Natural History Society
IV. Detailed Programme Agenda
Day 1: 15th July 2018
1. Introductory Session
2. Introduction and History of Bird Migration by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam
3. Waterbirds Counting Techniques and the Asian Waterbirds Census by
Dr Tuhina Katti
Day 2: 16th July 2018
1. Mist Netting & Bird Ringing at Forest Bagh, Choglamsar
2. Bird Ringing Ethics and Protocols by Dr Tuhina Katti
3. Waterbird Capture & Handling by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam
Day 3: 17th July 2018
1. Common Bird Monitoring by Dr Tuhina Katti
2. Avian Diseases by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam
Day 4: 18th July 2018
Day 5: 19th July 2018
1. Session on Methodology by Dr Nita Shah
2. Point Count Survey at Tsokar
3. Data Summarization Session led by Dr Nita Shah
Day 6: 20th July 2018
Day 7: 21st July 2018
1. Mist Netting and Ringing at Tree Plantation (morning and afternoon)
2. Point Count Survey at Hanle
3. Data Summarization Session (onward) led by Dr Nita Shah
Day 8: 22nd July 2018
Day 9: 23rd July 2018
1. Data Summarization Session led by Dr Nita Shah
2. Conclusion and Feedback Session led by Mr Sajid Sultan
3. Certificate Distribution Ceremony
V. Methodology
VI. Data collected
VII. Tsokar Species Count
VIII. Hanle Species Count
IX. Habitat type
X. Bird Ringing
Bird Ringing at Forest Bagh, Leh
Hanle Bird Ringing, Changthang
XI. Limitations
XII. Feedback
Annual Bird Survey/Monitoring Programme 2019

I. Introduction
II. Rationale
III. Relevance for SECURE Himalaya Project
IV. Study Area
Tso Kar Basin
HanleMarshes
V. Programme Schedule
VI. Summary of Theoretical Sessions
Session 1 – Introducing the team and Participants – by Mr. Siddharth P. Nair
Session 2 – Aims and Objectives of the Bird Survey/ Monitoring
Programme – by Mr. Md Sajid Sultan IFS, CWLW Ladakh.
Session 3 - Review of Learnings from 2018 Training Programme – by Mr. Md
Sajid Sultan IFS, CWLW Ladakh.
Session 4 – Importance of the Biodiversity of Ladakh- by Mr. Jigmet Takpa
IFS, Joint Secretary, MOEFCC.
Session 5 - Session on Avifauna Survey Basics & Detailed Methodology – by
Mr. Pankaj Raina, Wildlife Warden (WLW) Leh.
Session 6 – Using the E-bird application to record data - by Mr. Pankaj
Raina, Wildlife Warden (WLW) Leh.
VII. Methodology
VIII. Results
Tso Kar Basin
Hanle Marshes

Annual Bird Survey/Monitoring Programme 2021

I. Why Monitor/Count Birds?

II. Bird Survey 2021
III. Methodology
Importance of waterbird count
IV. Daily Field Agenda Annual Bird Survey 2021-2022
V. Findings
Checklist of birds at Tso Kar and Tso Moriri Wetland Complex
Checklist of Birds at Hanley and Chushul Marhes
VI. Excerpts from Experts
Smanla Tsering
Padma Gyalpo
VII. Way Forward

Gallery
 8

Bird Survey Report 2018 8

Introductory Training Programme on Bird
Monitoring & Bird Ringing
(15th-23rd July 2018)
Leh-Changthang, Ladakh (UT)
The Introductory Training Programme on Bird
Monitoring & Bird Ringing was conducted in
Leh and Changthang from the 15th to 23rd of
July 2018. The programme was organised by
the Department of Wildlife Protection, Leh, in
collaboration with SECURE Himalaya Project
(Securing livelihoods, Conservation, sustainable
Use and Restoration of high range Himalayan
Ecosystems) which is being implemented by
MoEF&CC in association with UNDP, and is
funded by Global Environment Facility. Bombay
Natural History Society (BNHS) provided sup-
port with their expertise in bird trapping, han-
dling, and ringing. The programme witnessed
a total participation of 40 trainees, of which 27
were wildlife guards from the Department of
Wildlife Protection, Leh.
Objective
The primary aim of conducting this programme
was to train a group of individuals, consisting of
personnel from The Wildlife Protection Depart-
ment and other experienced students, experts,
and citizens, and introduce them to bird moni-
toring and bird ringing. The secondary aim was
to conduct a pilot bird survey, in order to test
effective methodologies and standard practic-
es in the landscape. The broad objective was to
create a pool of resource persons who could be
recruited, in the future, for repeating the survey
exercise regularly, preferably twice a year, so
that a standardized and updated database on the
birds of Changthang is created.
Relevance for SECURE Himalaya
Project
SECURE Himalaya is a six-year project
aims to support the Government of In-
dia and State Governments to effectively
promote sustainable land use and natu-
ral resource management in high range
Himalayan ecosystems. The objective
is to secure sustainable livelihoods and
ensure conservation of Snow Leopards
and other associated species.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the project will
be implemented in the Changthang
landscape, wherein UNDP, along with
the Department of Wildlife Protection,
Ladakh will be working in cooperation
with other district line departments,
on various livelihood and conservation
initiatives.
The Introductory Training Programme
on Bird Monitoring & Bird Ringing
falls under outcome 1 – activity 1.1.7
in the AWP 2018 of J&K State under
the SECURE Himalaya project. Regular
and timely studies and surveying of
the birds of the Changthang would
help assess the health of the biodiver-
sity of the landscape and thereby assist
in setting of baseline measurements/
scores that will help in evaluating the
degree of effectiveness of intervention
actions. Eventually, the objective is that
such baseline studies would help in the
improved management of high range
Himalayan landscapes for conserva-
tion of endangered bird species and
their habitats and sustaining ecosystem
services.
Bird Survey Report 2018
 10

About Bombay Natural History Society

BNHS-India is a pan-India wildlife research organization that has been promoting the
cause of nature conservation for the past 133 years, since 1883. They are pioneers of
bird monitoring in India and have been crucial in taking the knowledge of bird watch-
ing monitoring to common citizens and getting them involved in bird monitoring
programmes. A team led by Dr Nita Shah, and consisting of Dr S. Balachandran, Dr P.
Sathiyaselvam, Dr Tuhina Katti, and three trapping experts namely, Mr Manoj Saini,
Mr V. Govindaraj, and Mr P. Murugesan, were invited to train personnel from the The
Wildlife Protection Department and other experienced students, experts, and citizens.

Bird Survey Report 2018 10

Detailed Programme Agenda

Day1 15th July 1. Introductions

(Leh) 2. Introduction and History of Bird Migration by Dr P.
Sathiyaselvam
3. Waterbirds Counting Techniques and the Asian Water birds
Census by Dr Tuhina Katti.

Day2 16th July 1. Mist Netting & Bird Ringing at Forest Bagh, Choglamsar
(Leh) 2. Bird Ringing Ethics and Protocols by Dr Tuhina Katti
3. Waterbird Capture & Handling by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam

Day3 17th July 1. Common Bird Monitoring by Dr Tuhina Katti

(Leh) 2. Avian Diseases by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam

Day4 18th July Departure for Tsokar

Day5 19th July 1. Session on Methodology by Dr Nita Shah

(Tsokar) 2. Point Count Survey at Tsokar
3. Data Summarization Session led by Dr Nita Shah

Day6 20th July Departure for Hanle

Day7 21st July 1. Mist Netting and Ringing at Tree Plantation (morning and
(Hanle) afternoon)
2. Point Count Survey at Hanle
3. Data Summarization Session (onward) led by Dr Nita Shah

Day8 22nd July Return to Leh

Day 9 23rd July 1. Data Summarization Session led by Dr Nita Shah

(Leh) 2. Conclusion and Feedback Session led by RWLW Mr Sajid
Sultan
3. Certificate Distribution Ceremony

Bird Survey Report 2018

Day 1: 15th July 2018

1. Introductory Session

The programme started with an introductory session led by SECURE Himalaya
Landscape Project Officer, Mr Narendra Patil who introduced the BNHS team to all
participants after which the Regional Wildlife Warden/SECURE Himalaya State Nodal
Officer Mr Sajid Sultan talked about the aims and objectives of the training and survey
programme. Soon after this, all the participants, bird trappers, and BNHS team intro-
duced themselves. Dr Nita Shah then spoke about the significance of Ladakh in bird
migration.

2. Introduction and History of Bird Migration by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam

Dr Sathiyaselvam started the session by talking about what it means to migrate,

what kind of birds migrate, for what reasons, and factors for migration. Dr Sathiya-
selvam then spoke about the diversity of bird species found in India after which he
spoke about the history of bird migration observation in the world. He introduced
some common migratory species and their migratory patterns. After this, the following
aspects on studying bird migration were covered –
1. Long Distance Migration
2. Energy storage the journey
3. Patterns of migration
4. Bird Navigational techniques
5. Orientation and Navigation
6. Height of Migration
7. Migrating Altitudes
8. Bird Banding techniques
9. Bird Banding Schemes
10. Major Ringing stations in India
12
11. Bird Ringing sites in J&K
12. Important water bodies for migratory birds
13. Major flyways in the world

3.Waterbirds Counting Techniques and the Asian Waterbirds Census

by Dr Tuhina Katti

This session was centered on techniques used for counting waterbirds for the
purpose of conducting surveys and census. Dr Katti started the session by talking
about different kinds of wetlands and the importance of counting waterbirds. The pur-
pose of this session was to provide a theoretical understanding of various bird counting

Bird Survey Report 2018 12

techniques, to the participant trainees. The participants were also introduced to the
International Waterbird Census and more importantly, the Asian Waterbird Census.
The following topics were covered under this session –
1. Importance of counting waterbirds
2. Equipment used
3. Manpower and methods for counting
4. Methods for estimating numbers
5. Methods of counting mixed flock
6. Counting high tide roosts and foraging birds
7. Checklists as a medium of presenting data
8. International Waterbird Count
9. Asian Waterbird Count
10. Importance and objectives of the AWC

Day 2: 16th July 2018

1. Mist Netting & Bird Ringing at Forest Bagh, Choglamsar

All participants observed the trapping of birds through mist nets set up by trap-
pers from BNHS, after which Dr Katti demonstrated bird ringing on the trapped birds.
Dr Katti was able to demonstrate the ways in which birds must be held and handled
safely. She also introduced the trainees to the ethics involved in the handling birds, es-
pecially while ringing the birds, measuring their wings and beaks, and observing their
molt. Participants were also shown how to record information into the data sheets.

2. Bird Ringing Ethics and Protocols by Dr Tuhina Katti

The purpose of this session was to make clear to the participants that bird trap-
ping, handling, and ringing need to be approached with certain ethics and protocols.
This is to ensure that any bird ringing and monitoring activities carried out by the
trainees in the future are ethically sound and carried out under correct protocols. The
following checklist of ethics and protocols were covered in this session –
1. Requirement of Permissions
2. Formal Training and Certification
3. Banding Protocols: Ring – scheme, size, color, and ring detail
communication
4. Bird Trapping: Objectives, safety, baits, timing, seasons, netting frequency,
transportation, removal from trap, releasing, threats
5. Data Collection and Entry
6. Photographing birds in hand

Bird Survey Report 2018

3. Waterbird Capture & Handling by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam
In this session Dr Sathiyaselvam talked about the responsibilities that banders
hold in terms of capturing & handling birds, and deployment and removal of nets/traps
and equipment. He talked about educational qualifications needed for being a bander,
as well as the various techniques and equipment required for the same. Dr Sathiselvam
then talked about safety protocols and standard Dos & Donts when it comes to handil-
ing birds of different sizes.

Day 3: 17th July 2018

1. Common Bird Monitoring by Dr Tuhina Katti

This session by Dr Katti introduced the participants to the BNHS’s Common

Bird Monitoring Programme (CBMP). Dr Katti talked about the importance and ob-
jectives of bird counting and the CBMP. She then spoke about the common methodol-
ogies used for counting birds while focusing on the Line Transect Method. After this,
Dr Katti spoke about prominent bird count programmes like the Salim ali Bird Count
and the Baya Weaver Bird Count.

2. Avian Diseases by Dr P. Sathiyaselvam

Dr Sathiyaselvam educated the participants about common avian diseases by

showcasing select examples of the most widespread diseases with historically high
mortality rates. Causes, symptoms, and treatment for diseases like Avian Cholera, Avi-
an Botulism, Avian Plague, Lead poisoning and Avian Influenza were discussed. The
economic impact of past avian disease outbreaks was also talked about, to get a broader
sense of the effects of such widespread pandemics. Dr Sathiyaselvam also14 spoke about

the impact of avian influenza on human life since 2003-2006. Another important kind
of survey discussed was the Dead Bird Survey. Dr Sathiyaselvam displayed pictures of
dead birds at Chilika Lake and pointed out some prominent symptoms to look out for
while surveying dead birds. At the end Dr Sathiyaselvam concluded the session by giv-
ing some important recommendations to the participants for situations wherein they
encounter dead or ailing birds.

Day 4: 18th July 2018

(Travel from Leh to Tsokar)

Bird Survey Report 2018 14

Day 5: 19th July 2018

1. Session on Methodology by Dr Nita Shah

This early morning session was dedicated to getting a hands-on idea of how the
participants would go about conducting a line transect survey. Dr Nita Shah started the
session by introducing the concept of point counts, line transects, and block counts. It
was decided that the bird count would be carried out using the point count method. Dr
Nita Shah then explained the time and distance each team would cover for each point.
After this, the participants were divided into four teams of an average of 5 persons
each, and were assigned their starting points.

2. Point Count Survey at Tsokar

All four teams began their point count survey at approximately 0900hrs. All
teams covered 11 points over a distance of 2 kilometers. Each team covered 200me-
ters between two points while spending exactly 5 minutes at each point. The last team
returned to the camp site at 1130hrs.

3. Data Summarization Session led by Dr Nita Shah

All 7 teams came together to summarize and discuss the data that was collected
from the Point Count Survey carried out in the morning. The data was roughly being
collated and summarized by Dr Nita Shah. Dr Shah suggested that all teams realign
their data sheets and distribute their species count according to each point number.
Summarizing the raw data collected by all teams allowed all participants to get an over-
view of the species diversity that was recorded at the survey-wide level. Also, Dr Shah
correlated the habitat diversity covered with the species count collected by each team;
that is, more the number of habitats covered by a team, more the number of species
that they were able to record. After the data was summarized, Dr Shah and Regional
Wildlife Warden Mr Sajid Sultan asked all teams for feedback in terms of time spent,
distance covered, and team sizes. It emerged, through the feedback received from the
forest guards as well as other participants, that the team size could be optimally re-
duced to that of 3 persons per team. It was also noted that the time spent at each point
and distance covered were optimal for the purpose of the survey.

Day 6: 20th July 2018

(Travel from Tsokar to Hanle)

Bird Survey Report 2018

Day 7: 21st July 2018

1. Mist Netting and Ringing at Tree Plantation

(morning and afternoon)

2. Point Count Survey at Hanle

As per feedback received after the survey conducted at Tsokar, participants were
divided into seven teams of three members each. All teams were dispersed equally
around the Naga settlement of Hanle village. For this survey, the distance at which a
bird was spotted was added as an additional parameter. Additionally, all teams took
return point counts as well.

3. Data Summarization Session (onward) led by Dr Nita Shah

Dr Shah led the evening data summarization session wherein all teams gathered
to discuss the data collected by them. Dr Shah summarized the data collected by each
team under
- Species number
- Habitats covered
- minimum-maximum distance at which individuals were spotted - effort in
time
- minimum-maximum number of individuals of each species

Day 8: 22nd July 2018

(Travel from Hanle to Leh)

Day 9: 23rd July 2018

1. Data Summarization Session led by Dr Nita Shah 16

Data from return point counts done at Hanle was collected and summarized at
this session. Dr Tuhina collated the data collected from both point count surveys and
generated graphical representations of the same. The survey data from Hanle was also
used to generate the habitat density of the area surveyed. The objective of this exercise
was to demonstrate to the participants that raw data from a simple point count survey
can be collated and processed to highlight crucial information on species richness,
species abundance, habitat density, overlap of species between different areas, efforts
required to conduct and repeat the same survey, as well as the effectiveness and validity
of the methodology used.

Bird Survey Report 2018 16

2. Conclusion and Feedback Session led by Mr Sajid Sultan

At the penultimate session, Regional Wildlife Warden Sajid Sultan concluded the
programme by talking about all that had been done and achieved over the past eight
days. Mr Sultan noted that a crucial outcome of this programme has been that at least
five wildlife guards came out as being proficient in mist netting, bird handling, bird
ringing, and data recording. Mr Sultan also appealed to the participants to hone the
knowledge they had gathered over the course of the training, and to spread it further
amongst friends and colleagues. All participants were then asked to speak about their
experience throughout the programme. After this, a brief discussion was held on how
this exercise could be improved the next time around it is conducted. Participants re-
marked that they had felt their knowledge on local birds had grown exponentially over
the past eight days and that they felt equipped with new skills in bird ringing and mon-
itoring. It was agreed upon by everyone, that such bird surveys need to be conducted
twice a year regularly to be able to collect extensive and meaningful data about the
health of the landscape ecosystem. It was also agreed that because of the uniqueness of
the landscape of Changthang, methodology with respect to bird trapping and data col-
lection has to be made adaptive to the characteristics of the landscape. Emphasis was
also laid on the importance of surveying waterbirds more intensively. The team from
BNHS also invited two- three of the wildlife guards to Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu,
during peak migratory season, to participate in bird trapping & ringing exercises, to
follow up on the training received during this programme. In conclusion, Mr Sultan
thanked the BNHS team for their invaluable contribution to making this programme
successful, and on a positive note, he hoped to have everyone’s participation in the next
bird survey, with the same fervor.

3. Certificate Distribution Ceremony

The BNHS team, led by Dr Nita Shah, handed certificated to all participants for
having successfully participated in the Introductory training programme on Bird Mon-
itoring & Bird Ringing.

Bird Survey Report 2018

Methodology

Dr Nita Shah introduced all participants to various bird counting techniques with
which bird populations can be estimated. Participants were then given instructions re-
garding the Point Count Method. All teams were assigned a starting point from where
they would traverse a 2km trail at a 90o angle so that no two teams converge. Each
team had to cover 11 points with a distance of 200m between all points. Each team was
instructed to spend exactly 5 minutes at each point during which they would spot birds
with their naked eyes and use binoculars to identify them.
At Hanle, based on the feedback received by teams after their surveys, the size of each
team was reduced to 3 persons each. This was done to maximize the area that can be
covered under the survey and minimize the team size. Additionally, distance at which
the bird was spotted was added as a parameter to the survey. Participants were in-
structed to estimate, using ocular estimation, the distance between the point and the
bird in slabs of 5m. Another addition made to the survey conducted at Hanle was that
all teams collected data while returning on the same trail from their last point. This
data was collected continuously without stopping at any point.
The team from BNHS also trained the participants in various field survey protocols like
how to sight, count, and identify species. A short training and calibrating exercise was
also conducted on ocular distance estimation.

18

Guards being introduced to bird rings Wildlife guards being trained in diseased bird handling

Bird Survey Report 2018 18

Data collected

Tsokar Species Count

SPECIES NAME SPOTTED BY ( NO. OF TEAMS) TOTAL SPOTTED

Horned lark 4 82
Hill pigeon 3 16
Tibetan snow finch 1 5
Twite 1 1
Brand's mountain 1 6
finch Blandford's finch 1 2
Citrine wagtail 1 1
White rumped snow 1 6
finches Plain finch 1 7
Rose finch 1 2
Sand plover 1 1
Tibetan Sand Grouse 1 1

TOTAL 12 SPECIES TOTAL 130 BIRDS

Bird Survey Report 2018

Hanle Species Count

SPECIES NAME SPOTTED BY ( NO. OF TEAMS) TOTAL SPOTTED

Horned Lark 7 83
Hume’s Short-toed 2 12
lark Hoopoe 1 3
Tibetan Snow Finch 1 4
Lesser Sand Plover 3 4
Red Billed Chough 1 70
Desert Wheatear Ti- 6 33
betan Lark 5 46
Citrine Wagtail 5 12
Upland Buzzard Com- 4 4
mon Raven 2 3
Black Winged Stilt 1 1
Ruddy Shell duck 4 14
Common Red Shank 1 1
Black billed magpie 1 1
House sparrow 3 5
Yellow Billed Chough 1 4
Robin Accenter 1 2
Brandt’s Mountain 1 20
finch Tibetan Sand 1 1
Grouse Black Necked 2 3
Crane Barn Swallow 1 20
2
Twite 1 3

TOTAL 24 SPECIES TOTAL BIRDS 331

Bird Survey Report 2018 20

Habitat type
Habitats encountered at Tsokar included
• Scrub land
• Sandy
• Artimesia
• Caragana Versicular
• Barren
• Dry Lake Bed
• Sandy + Less Grass
• Scrub (low)
• Scrub (medium)
• Pasture

Out of these, Scrub land was encountered the most number of times while Pasture was
encountered only once.
At Hanle, partipants encountered various types of habitats along their trails. The most
common type of habitat was Marshy while the least common types were Rocky and
Stream. The following are the types of habitats encountered under this survey -
• Marshy
• Barren
• Grassland
• Bog
• Meadow
• Barren-Rocky • Rocky
• Stream

It must be noted that the number of species observed through the point count survey
was higher that the number of species observed while walking the line transect. It was
thus concluded that the point count approach is a more effective method.

Bird Ringing

Birds were ringed on the 16th and 21st of July, 2018, at Choglamsar Forest Bagh, Leh,
and the Hanle Willow plantation, Changthang, respectively. The birds were ringed
as part of the training provided by BNHS. Participants were first briefed about bird
handling and ringing protocols during the classroom workshop sessions. After the
workshop session, the participants were taken to the local Forest Bagh at Choglamsar
for demonstration of bird ringing. The mist netting technique, which was also taught
and demonstrated to the participants, was used to trap birds at both Forest Bagh and
Hanle. A total of 26 birds were ringed over the course of the programme.

Bird Survey Report 2018

 22

Bird Survey Report 2018 22

Limitations
1. One of the primary objectives of surveying waterbirds, was not met success-
fully. This was largely due to the seasonality of waterbird migration. Unfortunately,
the field visit took place when most waterbirds present at the wetlands – Tsokar lake
and Hanle marshes, were in their breeding phase. Ethically, trapping birds during this
phase would risk effecting their mating behavior and have consequences on their re-
production.

2. The survey did not give us a baseline estimation of the abundance of birds in
the identified study area due to the weather. We observed overcast skies and precip-
itation on all six days of our field visits which became an impediment to our survey.
As our primary objective was to train the department personnel in the methodology
of counting birds, we were unable to collect accurate data. For instance, the trainees
require ample practice in recording distance through ocular estimation, therefore, the
distances that they recorded may not be fully accurate.

Therefore, the data that has been collected during the training workshop can not be
considered as a baseline estimate for future surveys.

Feedback

The first training programme on bird monitoring and bird ringing brought forth a
number of lessons to be learnt for the future. It was mutually understood by all par-
ticipants and experts that this introductory programme was not an end in itself but
only the first step towards developing a pool of well trained field observers, who would
carry out more systematic and strategized bird surveys in the future. Through this
programme, we were able to assess our needs in terms of manpower, logistics, method-
ology, equipment, and study design. It was agreed that,

1. There must be a follow up with the trainees to ensure their continuous
participation in upcoming bird surveys.
2. Substantial efforts are required to train field observers. Therefore, in the
future, a two-day field training session should be conducted before the
actual survey is taken up.
3. A dedicated team must be engaged to decide on the number of surveys,
their design, and methodology.
4. The surveys should be standardised, keeping in mind the most suitable
season to observe, trap, and ring birds.
5. Sites for undertaking the surveys should also be identified and standardised
into the larger survey design.

Bird Survey Report 2018

 24

Bird Survey Report 2019 24

Annual Bird Survey/Monitoring Programme
2019
(September/October 2019)
Leh-Changthang, Ladakh (UT)
Introduction
Owing to its location at the Palaearctic-Oriental
junction and the great altitudinal and geographi-
cal gradients, Ladakh harbours a diverse assem-
blage of over 270 bird species belonging to 41
families (Pfister, 2004). The wetlands of eastern
Ladakh, especially the high- altitude lakes, have
been identified as important habitats for breeding
and nonbreeding migratory birds (Pfister, 2004;
Chandan et al., 2006). The marshlands around
these lakes are used as staging sites by birds
migrating between central Asia in the Palaearc-
tic and south Asia (Ali & Ripley, 1978; Williams
& Delany, 1985; Williams & Delany, 1986). The
region also supports an assortment of resident
species that are adapted to the cold and arid
conditions of Ladakh (Mallon, 1987; Namgail,
2005). Moreover, there are several winter visitors
from central Asia and the Tibetan plateau (Pfister,
2004).
The Changthang plateau in eastern Ladakh
represents an important biogeographic province
within Indian Trans-Himalaya. This tableland
forms the western extension of the Tibetan pla-
teau and is mostly higher than 4500 m above sea
level. The region exhibits harsh climatic con-
ditions, low primary productivity, and unique
assemblages of flora and fauna. Much of the
plateau is characterized by lake basins of varying
size as well as sandy plains and rolling mountains
fringed by snowy peaks. The area also supports
diverse but low populations of typical Trans-Hi-
malayan mammalian fauna, such as blue sheep or bharal (Pseudois
Relevance for SECURE Himalaya
Project
SECURE Himalaya is a six-year project
aims to support the Government of In-
dia and State Governments to effectively
promote sustainable land use and natu-
ral resource management in high range
Himalayan ecosystems. The objective
is to secure sustainable livelihoods and
ensure conservation of Snow Leopards
and other associated species.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the project will
be implemented in the Changthang
landscape, wherein UNDP, along with
the Department of Wildlife Protection,
Ladakh will be working in cooperation
with other district line departments,
on various livelihood and conservation
initiatives.
The Introductory Training Programme
on Bird Monitoring & Bird Ringing
falls under outcome 1 – activity 1.1.7
in the AWP 2018 of J&K State under
the SECURE Himalaya project. Regular
and timely studies and surveying of
the birds of the Changthang would
help assess the health of the biodiver-
sity of the landscape and thereby assist
in setting of baseline measurements/
scores that will help in evaluating the
degree of effectiveness of intervention
actions. Eventually, the objective is that
such baseline studies would help in the
improved management of high range
Himalayan landscapes for conserva-
tion of endangered bird species and
their habitats and sustaining ecosystem
services.
Bird Survey Report 2019
nayaur), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni), Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodg-
soni), Tibetan gazelle (Procarpa picticaudata), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), brown bear
(Ursus arctos), Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanko), lynx (Lynx isabellina), red fox (Vul-
pes vulpes), and wild dog (Cuon alpinus). Several birds such as the Bar-headed Goose
(Anser indicus), Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), and Brown-headed Gull (Larus
brunnicephalus) visit the high- altitude lakes of Ladakh in summer to breed, wintering
in the plains of India to the south.

The trans-Himalayan landscape in Ladakh also serves as a breeding site for many water
birds species including the globally threatened Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis).
Yet, only sporadic information is available on the status and diversity of waterbirds
here.

Rationale

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention along with commitments to conserve

all wetland sites along the Central Asian Flyway, and as such needs to conduct com-
prehensive surveys on the population status and conservation of waterfowl as well as
several other species of migratory birds. The proposed study shall go a long way in con-
tributing to the existing knowledgebase on high-altitude wetlands in India and bring
forth a repository on the ecological importance of the wetland habitats in Ladakh.
The Changthang landscape lacks systematic and in-depth information on the status of
migratory birds visiting the area in a calendar year. Despite immense ecological and
conservation significance, no detailed long-term ecological studies have been conduct-
ed in these wetlands until now.

Study Area

A. Tso Kar Basin

Tso Kar Basin is the basin of a former large freshwater lake (Chatterjee
26 et al.
2002). It lies between the Zanskar range in the southwest and the Ladakh range in the
northeast, south of the Indus river. It is called Tsokar, meaning white lake, because of
the white salt efflorescence found on the margins due to the evaporation of highly sa-
line water. The waterspread has contracted into two principal waterbodies, Startsapuk
Tso, a freshwater lake of about 300 ha to the south, and Tso Kar itself, a hypersaline
lake of 2,200 ha to the north. The lakes are frozen over from November to April.
Startsapuk-Tso is fed by perennial springs and snow, and attains a maximum depth of 3
m in July and August, when it overflows northwards into Tso Kar. The basin is sur-
rounded by peaks rising to over 6,000 m. The presence of freshwater mollusc Lymnea
auricularia fossils proves that it was a freshwater lake in the past (Sharma 2000). The

Bird Survey Report 2019 26

present lake is a remnant of a large freshwater lake of nearly 13,600 ha. In the less
saline parts of the basin, the pools have aquatic vegetation including Potamogeton and
Hydrilla spp. These plants die in winter, and form floating mats of vegetation in spring.
The adjacent freshwater marshes and damp meadows support a mixture of Carex and
Ranunculus spp. The arid steppe vegetation of the surrounding areas is dominated by
species of Astragalus and Caragana.

The Tso Kar Basin is one of the most important breeding areas of the Black-necked
Crane Grus nigricollis in India (Pfister 1998). This IBA is also the major breeding
area for Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus, Ruddy
Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus and Com-
mon Tern Sterna hirundo. During autumn migration, the Tso Kar Basin becomes an
assembling place for local breeding birds as well as a major staging spot for migrants,
and congregations of thousands of birds can be observed.
Apart from globally important avifauna the Tso Kar basin houses other key Fauna such
as the Tibetan Wild Ass Equus kiang and Tibetan Argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni forage
on the slopes and meadows, while Tibetan Wolf Canis lupus and Red Fox Vulpes
vulpes occur in the surrounding plains. In addition, evidence of the endangered Snow
Leopard Uncia uncia has been recorded.

Satellite image of the Tso Kar Basin.

Bird Survey Report 2019

 The location Map of Hanle Marshes.

B. HanleMarshes
These marshes are located west and north of Hanle village in Ladakh, near the
border with China. They are partly state owned and partly under the Hanle Buddhist
monastery. The habitat is a complex of fast flowing streams, stagnant pools, saline
marshes, seasonally flooded marshes, and bogs along the Hanle river, 45 km south of
its confluence with the Indus river. The wetlands are frozen from November to April
and are fed by snowmelt in summer. The freshwater pools shelter species such as Hy-
drilla, Myriophyllum, Potamogeton, and an edible aquatic lichen. 28

The area is an important breeding ground for various waterfowl including the Black-
necked crane Grus nigricollis. There is a recent report of three breeding pairs of Black-
necked crane in the Hanle marshes and one in Lal Pahri (Rauf Zargar pers. comm.
2003). This site is also an important breeding area for the Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna fer-
ruginea and the Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus. During autumn migration
many birds pass through this site, including the globally threatened Greater Spotted
Eagle Aquila clanga. It uses the plain as the last staging site before crossing the Hima-
layan range (Pfister 2001).

Bird Survey Report 2019 28

The slopes above Hanle plain are an important habitat of Tibetan Wild Ass or Kiang
Equuskiang. In 1995-96 the first Tibetan Gazelle Procapra picticaudata was seen here
after 35 years of regional extinction. The Tibetan Wolf Canis lupus chanco and Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes are also found. Besides, Weasel Mustela sp. Blue Sheep or Bharal Pseudo-
is nayaur, Argali Ovis ammon, Marmot Marmota sp and Woolly hare Lepus oiostolus
are commonly found.

Programme Schedule

SESSION ACTIVITIES

Day-0 Reach Leh , Complete Rest & Acclimatization

29th September

Day -1 Morning session

30th September
Trainees introduction
Review of Learning from 2018 Training Programme
Session on Avifauna Survey Basics & Detailed Methodology
Session on use of E-bird App
Group Photo
Classroom session)

Day – 2 Morning session

1st October Departure for Tso Kar at 7:00 a.m.
Afternoon Session
Reach Tso Kar by Late Afternoon, Rest & Acclimatization.
Discussion on Survey Plan and Division of Teams for Survey

Day – 3 Morning session

2nd October Survey to be Conducted at Tsokar collectively
Afternoon Session
Review/Collation of Data Collected

Day – 4 Morning session

Departure for Hanle at 7:00 a.m., via Puga. (Brief Survey at Puga & Yaya
3rd October
Tso)
(Team One)
Afternoon Session
Reach Hanle by Evening
Survey Planning Discussion at Hanle

Day – 4 Morning session

3rd October
(Team Two)
Depart for Chushul at 7:00 a.m. via Puga. (Brief Survey at Puga & Yaya
Tso)

Bird Survey Report 2019

SESSION ACTIVITIES

Day – 4 Afternoon Session

3rd October Reach Chushul by Evening
(Team Two) Survey Planning Discussion at Chushul

Day – 5 Morning session

4th October
Survey to be Conducted at Hanle Marshes (By Team 1)
Survey to be Conducted at Chushul Marshes (By Team 2)
Afternoon Session
Review/Collation of Data Collected
Departure for Leh after Lunch.
Day 6
5th October Morning session
Data Compilation and overview of Results
Afternoon Session
Concluding Session
Certificate Distribution
Vote of Thanks
Group Photograph

30

Bird Survey Report 2019 30

Summary of Theoretical Sessions
A seminar was organised on 30 September 2019, held at Hotel Singey Palace, Leh.
The said seminar was aimed at introducing/orienting all the participants towards the
standard methodology for conducting the Bird Survey, Using the E- bird application,
Field Preparations for Changthang and so on. Given below is the summary of the
above-mentioned sessions:-

Session 1 – Introducing the team and Participants – by Mr. Siddharth P. Nair

This session consisted of welcoming the participants, and round of intro
ductions wherein all the participants introduced themselves and stated their
various backgrounds.

Session 2 – Aims and Objectives of the Bird Survey/ Monitoring Programme – by Mr.
Md Sajid Sultan IFS, CWLW Ladakh.

The Chief Wildlife Warden Ladakh warmly welcomed all the participants to the
programme and explained in detail the importance of the biodiversity of Ladakh.
Further he explained why the wetlands of Changthang hotspots of biodiversity in
an otherwise seemingly barren landscape. He further emphasises that timely

monitoring of avifauna and other species gives us much needed insight on the status
of our natural heritage and what interventions are required to conserve them.

Session 3 - Review of Learnings from 2018 Training Programme – by Mr. Md Sajid

Sultan IFS, CWLW Ladakh.

The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) Ladakh gave a detailed presentation for the
participants, eloquently summing up the efforts, challenges and key learnings/in
sights from the similar Bird Survey/ Monitoring held in 2018 by the Dept. of Wildlife
Protection Ladakh. CWLW Ladakh mentioned that the said first edition of the Bird
Survey was conducted in collaboration with ornithologists/experts from Bombay
Natural History Society (BNHS). CWLW elaborated that the said programme had
sessions on the following topics by these experts :-
• Introduction and History of Bird Migration
• Waterbird Counting Techniques and the Asian Waterbird Census
• Mist Netting & Bird Ringing
• Bird Ringing Ethics and Protocols
• Waterbird Capture & Handling
• Common Bird Monitoring
• Avian Diseases
He also mentioned that a key highlight of the previous programme was the Bird
Ringing Efforts undertaken and that this helps us understand bird migration.
Furthermore, CWLW mentioned that a total of 20 species were recorded at Tso Kar
and 32 species in Hanle respectively during the said bird survey. Certain limitations
were adverse weather conditions during the time.

Bird Survey Report 2019

Session 4 – Importance of the Biodiversity of Ladakh- by Mr. Jigmet Takpa IFS, Joint
Secretary, MOEFCC.
The distinguished guest of honor at the seminar was Mr. Jigmet Takpa IFS, Joint
Secretary, MOEFCC. Mr. Takpa was warmly welcomed by CWLW Ladakh and WLW
Leh. Mr. Takpa started of by praising the initiative by the Dept. of Wildlife Protection
and UNDP. Further he went on to captivate the audience by giving a succinct picture
of the uniqueness and wonder o the biodiversity of Ladakh. Some of the key highlight
of his speech were:-
• Ladakh has the largest PAs in India; approximately 15% of Ladakh's
landmass has PAs status.
• On the account of its geographical location and in spite of low biological
productivity and sparse vegetation cover, Ladakh host a surprisingly
diverse fauna. Ladakh's fauna exhibits several interesting characteristics
which have evolved as adaptations to the region's extreme climatic
conditions such as seasonal migration and hibernation, as well as,
amongst mammals, thick fur, thick and bushy tails, large nostril.
• Excluding the lesser rodents, insectivorous (mice, rats, shrews) and
chiropterans (bats), 36 species of mammals occur in Ladakh. This
includes 8 ungulates, 11 rodents, 2 hares, 5 mouse hares, 3 Felids, 3
Canids, 1 Ursid and 4 Mustelids
• Till date, about 309 avifaunal species have been recorded in Ladakh,
representing 34 avian families. However, only around 110 species among
them are known to breed regularly in the high-altitude cold desert
environment of Ladakh.
• Ladakh is rich repository of medicinal and aromatic plants. It is
estimated that the Ladakh region may harbour close to 1,100 species of
vascular plants and ferns.
• Eight species of wild Ungulates are found in Ladakh, six of them are
threatened globally.

All the participants greatly appreciated the inspiring overview provided by Mr. Takpa and
pledged to conserve this natural heritage collectively.

32

Bird Survey Report 2019 32

Session 5 -Session on Avifauna Survey Basics & Detailed Methodology – by Mr. Pankaj
Raina, Wildlife Warden (WLW) Leh.

The Wildlife Warden Leh, gave a detailed presentation on the basics of surveying avifauna,
methods, data collection, analysis and the overall need for timely monitoring of species and
habitats. Some highlights of the said session were as follows: -
1. Why count birds, Where to Count & When to count.
2. Planning a survey
3. Sampling Strategies
4. Point Counts and Line Transects.
5. Data Collection & Analysis
6. Basic Field Gear requirements.

Session 6 – Using the E-bird application to record data - by Mr. Pankaj Raina, Wildlife
Warden (WLW) Leh.

This session by WLW Leh succinctly captured the utility of the globally used E-bird
application, and its immense applicability as a citizen science tool. The session consisted of a
demonstration of how to create/submit an offline checklist on the E-bird application both on
Android and IOS platforms. After the live demonstration each participant was encouraged to
submit a mock checklist to ensure that they have gained full understanding of the same. Post
this WLW Leh instructed each participant to prepare and submit a checklist on the E-bird App
once they go back their places of residence that evening.

Bird Survey Report 2019

Methodology

For the survey the area was divided into broad zones, to cover all the micro-hab-
itat characteristics at each site. Further the core method used to conduct the survey
was that of the Point Count Method. For this purpose, each team, covered 11 points
on a transect over 2 kilometres and each point was spaced 200 meters apart from the
previous one. The respective teams spent 5 minutes at each point count, surveying for
avifauna.

Each team comprised of two spotters and one data recorder. Furthermore, each team
was equipped with one pair of Binoculars, one camera and a smartphone.
A new initiative in the Annual Bird Survey Programme 2019 was that all the data were
uploaded, and checklists created on the “E-bird platform” using the “Ebird offline app.”
Post the survey data from all the e-bird checklists was collated and results analysed.
The said use of technology was intended to promote the citizen science initiative
wherein all the participants were trained and encouraged to use the E-bird application
during the survey and in future endeavours as well. This initiative was highly appreci-
ated by all the participants.

Data was recorded on the species sighted, number of individuals and micro-habitat
type. Even ‘Flyby’ avifauna were recorded. At each site, surveys were conducted at two
times, i.e. at early morning hours and before sunset to capture the diversity at the time
of maximum avi-faunal activity.

34

Bird Survey Report 2019 34

Results
Tso Kar Basin
SPECIES CONSERVATION STATUS NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

Bar-headed Goose LC 76
Ruddy Shelduck LC 100
Garganey LC 50
Gadwall LC 56
Northern Pintail LC 10
Common Merganser LC 07
Mallard LC 03
Little Grebe LC 20
Great Crested Grebe LC 40
Eurasian Coot LC 29
Black-winged Stilt LC 1
Lesser Sand-Plover LC 4
Little Ringed Plover LC 8
Little Stint LC 3
Temminck’s Stint LC 2
Common Sandpiper LC 30
Common Greenshank LC 2
Common Redshank LC 16
Brown-headed Gull LC 50
Pallas's Gull LC 4
Grey Heron LC 5
Black-necked Crane VU 3
Citrine Wagtail LC 2
White Wagtail LC 2
Grey Wagtail LC 1
Bluethroat LC 2
Ruff LC 42
Tibetan Sandgrouse LC 75
Great Rosefinch LC 3
Brandt’s Mountain Finch LC 200
Twite LC 70
Plain Mountain Finch LC 5
Blanford’s Snowfinch LC 100

Bird Survey Report 2019

Black-winged Snowfinch LC 30
Hill Pigeon LC 35
Common Raven LC 8
Ground Tit LC 8
Black Redstart LC 1
Little Owl LC 1
Horned Lark LC 50
Upland Buzzard LC 1
Saker Falcon CR 1
Lammergeir/Bearded Vulture NT 1
Eurasian Kestrel LC 1
Common Tern LC 1

Hanle Marshes
SPECIES CONSERVATION STATUS NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

Black-necked Crane VU 4
Grey Heron LC 2
Ruddy Shelduck LC 60
Northern Pintail LC 43
Gadwall LC 50
Bar-headed Goose LC 36
Common Kingfisher LC 1
White wagtail LC 10
Citrine Wagtail LC 1
Grey Wagtail LC 1
36
Common Redshank LC 1
Brown-headed Gull LC 7
Black-winged stilt LC 2
Ruff LC 1
Green Sandpiper LC 2
Bluethroat LC 2
Upland Buzzard LC 2
Eurasian Kestrel LC 5
Eurasian Hobby LC 1
Robin Accentor LC 4
House Sparrow LC 20

Bird Survey Report 2019 36

Horned Lark LC 24
Tibetan Lark LC 9
Grey-backed Shrike LC 2
White-winged Redstart LC 10
Black-Redstart LC 2
Eurasian Hoopoe LC 2
Hill pigeon LC 12
Red-billed Chough LC 4
Eurasian Crag Martin LC 9

LC Least Concern VU Vulnerable

NT Near Threatened CR Critically Endangered

Bird Survey Report 2019

Tso Kar Basin

Common Tern 1
Eurasian Kestrel 1
Lammergeir/Bearded Vulture 1
Saker Falcon 1
Upland Buzzard 1
Horned Lark 50
Little Owl 1
Black Redstart 1
Ground Tit 8
Common Raven 8
Hill Pigeon 35
Black-winged Snowfinch 30
Blanford’s Snowfinch 100
Plain Mountain Finch 5
Twite 70
Brandt’s Mountain Finch 200
Great Rosefinch 3
Tibetan Sandgrouse 75
Ruff 42
Bluethroat 2
Grey Wagtail 1
White Wagtail 2
Citrine Wagtail 2
Black-necked Crane 3
Grey Heron 5
Pallas's Gull 4
Brown-headed Gull 15
Common Redshank 60
Common Greenshank 2
Common Sandpiper 30
Temminck’s Stint 2
Little Stint 3
Little Ringed Plover 8
Lesser Sand-Plover 4 38

Black-winged Stilt 1
Eurasian Coot 29
Great Crested Grebe 40
Little Grebe 20
Mallard 3
Common Merganser 7
Northern Pintail 10
Gadwall 56
Garganey 50
Ruddy Shelduck 100
Bar-headed Goose 76

0 50 100 150 200 250

Number of Individuals

Bird Survey Report 2019 38

 Black-necked Crane 4
Grey Heron 2
Ruddy Shelduck 60
Northern Pintail 43
Gadwall 50
Bar-headed Goose 36
Common Kingfisher 1
White wagtail 10
Citrine Wagtail 1
Grey Wagtail 1
Common Redshank 1
Brown-headed Gull 7
Black-winged stilt 2
Ruff 1
Green Sandpiper 2
Bluethroat 2
Upland Buzzard 2
Eurasian Kestrel 5
Eurasian Hobby 1
Robin Accentor 4
House Sparrow 20
Horned Lark 24
Tibetan Lark 9
Grey-backed Shrike 2
White-winged Redstart 10
Black-Redstart 2
Eurasian Hoopoe 2
Hill pigeon 12
Red-billed Chough 4
Eurasian Crag Martin 9
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Number of Individuals

Bird Survey Report 2019

Annual Bird Survey/Monitoring Programme
2021
(September 2021)
Leh-Changthang, Ladakh (UT)

Why Monitor/Count Birds?

Bird monitoring programs or surveys help generate data; data gathered over periods
of time generate information, relevant information becomes key knowledge and good
knowledge can be translated into effective policies. Surveys help generate data on
population status, trends, changes in distribution of birds etc. and can also serve as a
form of early warning system by highlighting potential environmental problems. Such
knowledge can then guide policies, refine research priorities as well as track ongoing
management activities, their accomplishments, flaws etc. (Bibby et al. 1998)

There are still substantial gaps in our knowledge of the distributions, abundances, and
densities of species of birds spread across Ladakh. Owing to this, our policies towards
conservation of birds and animals of Ladakh as well as high conservation value areas
(HCVAs) such as wetlands, marshes etc. are not as effective as they should be. Birds
have been demonstrated to serve as good indicators of biodiversity and environmental
change and as such can be used to make strategic conservation planning decisions for
the wider environment as well. Therefore, having a clear ‘purpose’ or ‘targets’ laid out
for a survey is very important. Often, this purpose revolves around three key elements
– Species, Sites or (Important Bird Areas) and Habitats.

− Species: When a survey or monitoring program is designed around getting more

information on a particular species or a set of species, the most important data are
population size and range as well as trends in one or other of these. It is also crucial
to have a ‘baseline’ set for the species being monitored; this is still needed for most
of the bird species in Ladakh.

− Sites/Important Bird Areas: Although targeting ‘species’ during a bird survey

might be easier, but when it comes to conservation, a more practical unit would
be sites or important bird areas. Sites form critical regions for conservation. As of
now, our knowledge of birds within the existing protected areas is relevantly low,
filling these gaps can help the conservationists or the Wildlife Department as well
as locals to make more practical decisions. Such knowledge helps us to understand
which species are important or which species are in need special attention and
management etc. Repeated baseline counts within Sites can provide great value
over the years

Bird Survey Report 2021

 − Habitats: For sites which are not protected, habitats might be changing more
rapidly. This might be due to developmental processes or climate change etc. For
example, in Ladakh, a lot of these important habitats are changing over the years
due to unregulated tourism. Sustainable management depends on understanding
the relationship between birds and their habitats. If a survey is targeted at a partic-
ular species, it is evident that questions about its distribution, ecology and threats
to its status will partly be answered with an understanding of its habitat.

BIRD SURVEY 2021

The 3rd Edition of the Bird Monitoring/Survey Programme under the SECURE
Himalaya Project, supported by the Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh
was held successfully from the 20th to 28th of September, 2021. Bombay Natural
History Society (BNHS) provided technical support with their expertise in finalising
survey methodology while other relevant local organisations sent their members to
participate in the survey. A total of 38 participants including Wildlife Guards, local
experts from Wildlife Conservation and Birds Club of Ladakh (WCBCL), students
from SAVE Changthang, SECMOL, and other volunteers from Snow Leopard
Conservancy India Trust (SLC-IT), Nature Guide Trainees (NGT) etc conducted the
survey in field from 21st-27th September.

TIME ACTIVITIES DETAILS

11am - 11:15am Welcome Note Anub Paljor, Project Associate, SECURE

11:15 - 11:30am Address by Sh. Sajjad Hussain Mufti (IFS) Regional Wildlife Warden,
UT Ladakh
11:30 - 11:45am Experiences from the last two Nansel Stobdan, Project Associate, SECURE
surveys
11:45 - 12:15pm Tea Break
42
12:15 - 01:00pm Introduction to the Birds of Ladakh Mr. Lobzang Visuddha, Founder, Birds Club of Ladakh

01:00 - 02:00pm Lunch Break

02:00 - 02:30pm Birding Ethics Dr. Himadri Mondal, Scientist, BNHS

02:30 - 03:30pm Survey Methodology Mrs. Tuhina Katti, Scientist, BNHS

03:30 - 04:30pm Introduction to eBird and Merlin Mr. Omkar Joshi, Junior Research Fellow, BNHS
Application
04:30 - 05:00pm Division of Teams and Field Plan Anub Paljor, Project Associate, SECURE
05:00 - 06:00pm Hands on with eBird around the BNHS + SECURE
venue

Bird Survey Report 2021 42

Sh. Sajjad Hussain Mufti (IFS), Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, addressing the participants.

The event started of on the 20th September with an Orientation Day programme at
Indus Valley Hotel Conference Hall. The Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, Sh. Sajjad
Hussain Mufti (IFS) welcomed all participants and reminded everyone of the task at
hand. He also appreciated the overwhelming female participation from various villages
of Changthang.
Mr. Lobzang
Visuddha
gave a
presentation
on the Birds
of Ladakh
to verse the
participants
with what to
expect in the
coming week
in field and
the different
challenges
that they
might face.
Mr.Visuddha, Founder, Birds Club of Ladakh, giving an introductory presentation on the 'Birds of Ladakh'

Bird Survey Report 2021

Dr. Himadri Mondal, Scientist, BNHS giving a presentation on 'Ethical Birding'

The second half of the day was led by a team of three ornithologists from BNHS;
Dr.Himadri Mondal, Ms. Tuhina Katti and Mr.Omkar Joshi gave presentations on
ethics of birding, methodology, applications to be used, etc. while engaging with
the participants. Dr. Himadri spoke on the importance of Ethics during birding and
reminded the participants to minimize disturbance to the birds and ways to do so. Ms.
Tuhina and Mr. Omkar then spoke on the methodologies to be used, applications to be
used etc.
44
The daily schedule for the survey was planned as shown on the next page and shared
with the participants:

Bird Survey Report 2021 44

DAY DATE ACTIVITIES VENUE

Day 1 Monday (20th Sept. 2021) Orientation Workshop The Indus Valley, Upper Chulung, Leh

Day 2 Tuesday (21st Sept. 2021) Birding Travel to Changthang in two teams

Day 3-4 Wed-Thursday Birding Team 1: Tso Kar

(22nd-23rd Sept. 2021) Team 2: Chushul wetlands

Day 5 Friday (24th Sept. 2021) Birding Travel to site 2

Day 6-7 Saturday-Sunday Birding Team 1: Tso Moriri

(25th-26th Sept. 2021) Team 2: Hanle wetlands

Day 8 Monday (27th Sept. 2021) Birding Return to Leh

Day 9 Tuesday (28th Sept. 2021) Concluding session The Indus Valley, Upper Chulung, Leh
and valedictory

METHODOLOGY

Importance of waterbird count

Waterbird monitoring is an essential tool to get the status of the species population.
It also helps to understand the quality of the habitat. Long term monitoring data can
give the trends of the particular species. It helps to identify the important wetland
sites for the waterbirds in their different life stages. The analysis of that data is crucial
to decide the conservation strategies for the species that are at risk. Waterbird count
data is essential while for the wetland management, policies, agreements, and other
conservation tools.

At the end of the orientation day, all participants had downloaded the Cornell eBird
and Merlin Phone Applications. They were also given the field guide - ‘Birds and
Mammals of Ladakh’ by Otto Phister to aid during the survey as well as for later use.

The waterbird population was counted by direct counts (Spindler et al. 1981). To do
so, the bird congregations were approached as close as possible without disturbing.
Conspicuous species present in relatively small numbers or dispersed widely were
counted singly, whereas birds in large flocks were generally estimated by mentally
dividing the congregation into small groups of 10 to 100 depending on the size of the
flock, and by counting the number of groups.

Bird Survey Report 2021

To document the land birds, line transect method (Bibby et al. 2000) were used.
Counts were done by four observers slowly walking on the two Km transect, recording
birds on either side of the line walked as well as in flight. Species type and number
of birds recorded during the count. Basic identification was done using ‘Birds of the
Indian Subcontinent’ (Grimmett et al. 2011) and ‘Birds and Mammals of Ladakh’
(Pfister. 2014).

All participants were divided into Two Teams of around 20 individuals each. One
team travelled to Tsokar and Tsomoriri Wetland Complex, both RAMSAR sites, and
the other team travelled to Hanle and Chushul Marshes. Ms. Tuhina and Mr. Omkar
accompanied Team 1 to Tsokar and Tsomoriri while Dr. Himadri went with Team 2
to Hanle and Chushul Marshes. The teams were also accompanied by two different
kitchen teams and staff along with representatives from SECURE Himalaya.

46

Google Satellite Images. Clockwise From Top Left – Tsokar and Starstapuk Tso, Tsomoriri, Hanle and Chushul Marshes

Bird Survey Report 2021 46

Daily Field Agenda Annual Bird Survey 2021-2022

TIMINGS ACTIVITIES

06:00 am Wakeup call

06:30 - 09:00 am 1st Birding Session

09:30 am Breakfast

10:30 – 11:30 am Interactive session and Reconfirming Bird Sightings (Group Activity)

11:30 – 01:00 pm Rest

01:00 – 03:00 pm Lunch Break

3:00pm 2nd Birding Session

05:30 – 06:30 pm Interactive session and Reconfirming Bird Sightings (Group Activity) + Evening Tea

06:30 – 08:00 pm Rest

8:30 pm Dinner

Team 1: Tsokar and Tsomoriri

Bird Survey Report 2021

Team 2: Hanle and Chushul Marshes
FINDINGS:
Checklist of birds at Tso Kar and Tso Moriri Wetland Complex
Sr no Common Name
1. White-capped Redstart
2. Siberian Stonechat
3. Robin Accentor
4. Brown Accentor
5. Blanford's Snowfinch
6. Great Crested Grebe
7. Lesser Sand-Plover
8. Eurasian Moorhen
9. Bearded Vulture
10. Black Redstart
11. Pied Wheatear
12. Hill Pigeon
13. Common Sandpiper
14. Wood Sandpiper
15. Black-headed Gull
16. Eurasian Hoopoe
17. Red-billed Chough
18. Horned Lark
19. Bluethroat
Bird Survey Report 2021
Scientific Name
Phoenicurus leucocephalus
Saxicola maurus
Prunella rubeculoides
Prunella fulvescens
Montifringilla blanfordi
Podiceps cristatus
Charadrius mongolus 48
Gallinula chloropus
Gypaetus barbatus
Phoenicurus ochruros
Oenanthe pleschanka
Columba rupestris
Actitis hypoleucos
Tringa glareola
Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Upupa epops
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Eremophila alpestris
Luscinia svecica
48
20. White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogastrus
21. Black-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla adamsi
22. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
23. White Wagtail Motacilla alba
24. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
25. Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus
26. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
27. Gadwall Mareca strepera
28. Eurasian Wigeon Mareca penelope
29. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
30. Northern Pintail Anas acuta
31. Green-winged Teal Anas crecca
32. Tibetan Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes tibetanus
33. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
34. Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis
35. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
36. Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva
37. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
38. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
39. Common Redshank Tringa tetanus
40. Brown-headed Gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus
41. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus
42. Gray Heron Ardea cinerea

Checklist of Birds at Hanley and Chushul Marshes:

Sr no Common Name Scientific Name

1. Black Necked Crane Gruss nigricollis

2. Ruddy Shelduck
3. Bar Headed Goose
4. Mallard
5. Northern Pintail
6. Northern Shoveler
7. Garganey
8. Gadwall
9. BlacK Winged Stilt
10. Ruff
11. Green Sand piper
12. Lesser Sand Plover
Tadorna ferruginea
Anser indicus
Anas platyrhynchos
Anas acuta
Anas clypeata
Spatula querquedulla
Mareca strepera
Himantopus himantopus
Philomachus pugnax
Tringa ochropus
Charadrius mongolus

Bird Survey Report 2021

13. Pacific golden plover Pluvialis fulva
14. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
15. Little stint Calidris minuta
16. Chinese Ruby Throat Calliope tschebaiewi
17. Ashy Drongo Dicurus leucophaeus
18. Black Drongo Dicurus macrocercus
19. Black Kite Milvus migrans
20. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
21. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
22. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
23. Long legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
24. Common Buzzard Buteo refectus
25. European Roller Coracias garrulous
26. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
27. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
28. White Wag tail Motacilla alba
29. Grey wagtail Motacilla cinerea
30. Eurasian Collard Dove Streptopelia decaocta
31. Oriental turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
32. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
33. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
34. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
35. Mountain Chiff Chaff Phylloscopus sindianus
36. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
37. Hill Pegion Columba rupestris
38. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
39. Siberian Stonechat/Common stonechat Saxicola maurus
40. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
41. Paradise Flycatcher
42. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
43. Red Backed Shrike Lanius collurio 50

44. Long tailed Shrike Lanius schach

45. Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum
46. Hume's Leaf warbler Phylloscopus humei
47. Tickell's leaf warbler Phylloscopus affinis
48. Black Red Start Phoenicurus ochruros
49. White Winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogaster
50. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
51. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
52. Eurasian Sparrow Hawk Accipiter nisus
53. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
54. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
55. Tibetan Lark Melanocorypha maxima
56. Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus

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57. House sparrow Passer domesticus
58. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
59. Robin Accentor Prunella rubeculoides
60. Common Redshank Actitis hypoleucos
61. Hume's Short Toed Lark Aluda acutirostris
62. Greater Short toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
63. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
64. Twite Linaria flavirostris
65. Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius
66. Red Billed Chough Purrhocorax pyrrhocorax
67. Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
68. Common Rose Finch Carpodacus erythrinus
69. Great Rose finch Carpodacus rubicilla
70. Eurasian Eagle owl Bubo Bubo
71. Chinese Ruby Throat Calliope tschebaiewi
72. Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar
73. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis
74. Common quail Coturnix coturnix
75. Pallas’s Gull Ichthyaetus ichthaetus
76. Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis
77. Common tern Sterna hirundo
78. Common Mergansar Mergus merganser
79. Common Raven Corvus corax
80. Yellow Billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus
81. Black-winged Rosefinch Montifringilla adamsi
82. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
83. Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
84. Black headed MountainFinch Leucosticte brandti

A combined total of almost 100 different species was monitored by both teams, with
2-3 species of Birds being extremely rare such as the Common Quail and Indian
Paradise Fly Catcher (Common Quail being photographed for the first time in
Ladakh).

Bird Survey Report 2021

EXCERPTS FROM EXPERTS

SMANLA TSERING
WILDLIFE GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION, UT LADAKH.

Jullay! I have been working as a Wildlife

Guard with the Department of Wildlife
Protection for the last 20 years. I have also
been a part of all the three editions of the
Bird Survey organised under the SECURE
Himalaya Project in collaboration with the
Department of Wildlife Protection, UT
Ladakh. During this year’s survey, I led Team
1 that conducted the survey in Tsokar and
Tsomoriri, both are designated and the only
RAMSAR sites in Ladakh, both are critical
habitats for Birds and Mammals alike.

In the last four years as part of the bird survey

team, I have made certain observations that I
would like to mention:

1. Over the three editions of the Bird

Surveys, I can see it has greatly
increased the capacity and capability
of wildlife guards and volunteers alike.
Our knowledge of Birds of Ladakh
has increased, we are able to spot and
identify birds more easily, we are more
versed with the different survey methods
and importance of each of52 them etc.
2. To continue this growth process of the department staff as well as gaining more
knowledge of birds of Ladakh, I believe we should have similar surveys or bird
monitoring programs on a more regular basis. Instead of just one bird survey in
a year, the department should identify more months as well as regions when such
studies can be carried out. In my opinion we should have at least two bird surveys.
One in May-June and one in August – September.

3. Each year, our count of bird species as well as individuals is going up, which
reassures me that our knowledge, skill, and capacity is increasing with such
programs. This year, the other team that went to Hanle and Chushul Marshes were
lucky to see some rare species.

Bird Survey Report 2021 52

4. The issue of Feral Dogs in Changthang is a major concern for birds and mammals
alike. The ground nesting birds especially are more vulnerable to these dogs. The
Department of Wildlife Protection and Administration of UT Ladakh along with
other local stakeholders must take stern action as soon as possible to control the
population of feral dogs.

PADMA GYALPO
MEMBER, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND BIRDS CLUB OF LADAKH

During the Bird Survey Programme

2021, I was leading Team 2, and we
went to Chushul and Hanle marshes.
A good number of migrant as well as
passage migrant birds were observed
in both the locations. The state bird of
UT Ladakh, The Black-necked crane
were observed with healthy chicks at
Barma marshes, Chushul marshes,
Lal Pahri area near Rongo village and
Hanle Marshes. In both the birding
locations we observed more than 80
different species among which one
bird was very rare and have rarely
been seen in Ladakh.

Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

After birding in Chushul marshes

for two days we decided to journey
towards Hanle on 23rd September
via Tsaga-la. After crossing Tsaga-la
we decided to search for the beautiful
Chinese Ruby throat, since we knew
it inhabited the dense Caragana
plants. The kitchen staff went ahead into the valley and had the lunch ready till
we came down to the place whilst birding. We saw the usual high-altitude birds such
as Accentors, Redstarts, Wagtails which were in plenty. After some time, we finally
spotted the Chinese Ruby throat, both male and female and were able to photograph
it. We were slowly walking down and a bird of the size of a thrush flew right under our
feet and landed in the thickets below. I assumed it to be Common Snipe since the flight
pattern was similar. After few minutes the same bird flew towards us from the place where

Bird Survey Report 2021

it had earlier landed, and I was somehow able to click few pictures of it in flight before
it vanished again into the thickets of caragana plant. After looking at the photograph
I realised that this was not a common snipe. Instead, it resembled more like a Tibetan
Partridge. It was pale brown in colour with stubbed tail, a small bulky body, and a
prominent crown stripe. I inquired with a fellow participant, Mr. Dorjey Namgyal who
is a Wildlife Guard who at the same location had photographed around 5-9 Tibetan
Partridges. I knew that the one I had clicked seemed like a different bird but I could
not confirm its identity. Later when we reached Hanle and had settled down I looked
up a few bird-guide books that I had carried along and checked in the ‘Merlin App’ in
my phone. After much deliberation and discussions with my fellow participants from
Birds Club of Ladakh as well as Wildlife Guards, I was sure that it was none other than
Common Quail.

This bird has been previously observed only in Suru Valley in Kargil on 12 July,1928
by BB Osmaston, in 1940 by W.Koelz and 1986 by P.R. Holmes - all only via its call
record. The bird makes a loud and clear trisyllabic whistle- “pit pit-it” similar to ‘wet
my lips’ when heard clearly. The Common Quail has never been photographed in
Ladakh before and hence this was the first instance where anyone was able to take a
photograph of this very elusive bird.

54

@Padma Gyalpo

Bird Survey Report 2021 54

Way Forward
The Third Annual Bird Survey culminated with the celebrations of the First Ladakh
Bird Festival, held between 28th – 30th October 2021, organized as a collaborative
effort between SECURE Himalaya and the Department of Wildlife Protection, UT
Ladakh. Multiple events were held during the three-day Bird Festival such as Expert
Panel Discussions, Birding fieldtrip in Shey Marshes which is considered an Important
Bird Area within the vicinity of Leh Town, as well as Drawing and Painting Workshop
and Competition for school and college students. An original musical play on the birds
of Ladakh was also written by Mr. Tsetan Angchuk and performed by various artists
during the festival which garnered much praise from everyone. This play highlighted
the traditional or historical relationship between Ladakhi’s and birds as well as major
issues that threaten our avian neighbours today such as climate change, destruction of
habitats and change in the values-norms of the locals.

After the success of the SECURE Himalaya led Bird Surveys since 2018, the
Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh, under the leadership of Sh. Preet Pal
Singh (IFS) Chief Wildlife Warden, UT Ladakh, has identified such surveys to be held
as annual activities under the department. This was resonated in the speech given by
Sh. Preet Pal Singh during the opening ceremony of the First Ladakh Bird Festival,
where he reinforced that such monitoring programs need to be carried out in every
region of Ladakh on a more regular basis to gather better knowledge and information
on the Birds of Ladakh. The Department of Wildlife Protection is also planning
on making the ‘Ladakh Bird Festival’ an annual event where similar surveys and
monitoring programs will be held along with other activities with the aim of making
Ladakh Bird Festival one of the best bird festivals in India in the coming years. A
comprehensive action plan to monitor birds in Ladakh will be developed subsequently
in consultation with Bombay Natural History Society.

Sh. Preet Pal Singh (IFS) Chief Wildlife Warden, Sh. Sajjad Hussain Mufti (IFS) Regional Wildlife Warden with Padma Shri Morup Namgail, Mr
Tsetan Angchuk and the crew of the Musical Play.

Bird Survey Report 2021

 Gallery

@ Anub Tsetan Paljor Black Necked Crane

56
@Smanla Tsering Upland Buzzard @Smanla Tsering White Wagtail

@Smanla
BirdTsering
Survey Report 2018 Horned
56 Lark
 @Smanla Tsering Plain Mountain Finch

@ Anub Tsetan Paljor Bar-Headed Goose

@Padma Gyalpo Blue cheeked Bee Eater

@Smanla Tsering Siberian

BirdStonechat Female
Survey Report 2018
@Padma Gyalpo Indian Paradise Flycatcher

58

@Padma Gyalpo Pallid Scops Owl

Bird Survey Report 2018 58
@Padma Gyalpo Eurasian Eagle Owl Black Crowned Night Heron

@Padma Gyalpo

@Padma Gyalpo European Roller

Bird Survey Report 2018

Sh. Sajjad Hussain Mufti with all the participants after the felicitation ceremony
This report is published by GoI-UNDP-GEF SECURE Himalaya Project with support from the Department of Wildlife Pro-
tection, Administration of UT Ladakh.