HIMALAYAN

m
WILDLIFE pit;
Himalayan Wildlife
Habitat and Conservation

t/ ^
5
/

S.S. NEGI

CI
N D U E

INDUS PUBLISHING COMPANY

NEW DELHI
 Preface

The Himalaya are the most prominent feature on the face of the
earth. They extend in an arcuate shape from the Indus gap in the north
west to the Brahmaputra gap in the east. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh. Garhwal, Kumaun, Nepal, Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, Bhutan and
most of Arunachal Pradesh lie in the Himalaya.
Natural vegetation of this mountain chain is varied, both in compo
sition and distribution. The principal forest types found in this mountain
chain range from the wet evergreen forests in the eastern Himalayan
foothills to the tropical dry forests of Jammu, the alpine meadows near
the snowline and the open, stunted forests of the cold deserts. These
forests and their adjoining tracts are the home of a large number of
animals including tiger, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard, ele
phant, rhinoceros, gaur, yak, Tibetan wild ass, sambhar, cheetal, musk
deer, hog deer, barking deer, wild boar, brown and black bears, pheas
ants, vultures, eagles, tits, warblers, snakes, crocodiles and jackals.
This book discusses in brief the mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes and
amphibians found in different parts of the Hinrialaya. Important national
parks,sanctuariesand biosphere reservesset-up to conserveandmanage
the unique flora and fauna of this mountain chain havealso beendealt
with in this book.
It is hoped that this book will serve as a handy reference work on
these topics for the foresters, wildlifers, naturalists, environmentalists
and even the layman interested in knowing about the Himalayan wildlife
and its management
I am grateful to Shri A.K. Mukherjee Pr. C.C.F., Shri VP. Mohan,
C.C.F (P&D)oflheH.P. forest department, myfriends andwell-wishers
in the Indian Forest Service and elsewhere for their continued encourage
ment in my endeavours. Thanksare also due to my wife Manju for her
self-denial and to thepublishers forbringing out yetanother book byme
in a short time.

S.S. Negi
 Contents

Preface 5
1. The Himalaya: An Introduction 9
2. Wildlife in the Himalaya 31
3. Himalayan Mammals 40
4. Himalayan Birds 64
5. Himalayan Reptiles and Fishes 115
6. Wildlife Conservationin the Himalaya 139
Jammu and Kashmir 139
Himachal Pradesh 148
Garhwal and Kumaun 164
Nepal 178
Eastern Himalaya 18S
Bibliography 203
Index 205
Plates 128-29
 1
The Himalaya: An Introduction

The Himalayaare the most magnificentfeature on the face of the

earth. They form the northern boundary of the Indian sub-continent.
This mountain chain is a part of the complex folded mountains radiat
ing from the Pamir Knot. These are Kun-lun, Sayan, Ling shan, Hin-
dukush, Toros, Elburz, Dinarska, Pyrenes, Tien shan, Altai, Stanovoy
and Yablonoy.
The Himalayan mountain chain stretches from the Indus gap in
the north-west to the Brahmaputra gap in the east. They extend along
an arcuate shape for about 2400 kms. The width of these mountains
varies from 150 kms to 300 kms (Bose 1972).

iPhysical Set-up
The Himalayaconstituteone of the youngestmountain systems in
the world. Jhingran (1980) wrote, "Whereas the mountains of penin
sular India such as the Aravalli, the Nilgiris and the Eastern Ghats are
1500 to 2500 million years old and the Vindhyachals about 1000
million years old, the Himalaya date back to only about 40 million
years".
There is unquestioned evidence to prove that the Himalaya rose
from under the sea. It is believed that before the mountain chain was
formed there existed a Tethys sea between two land masses, viz, An-
garaland to the north and Gondwana land to the south. Rivers from
both these landmasses drained into theTethys sea. Millions of tons of
sediment was deposited intothis water-body which resulted in sagging
of the ocean bottom due toth? enormous weight. Thus, huge forces of
stress and strain came into play. During this period thesouthern conti
nent started moving northwards. Some volcanic activity also accom
panied this whereby the partly-folded sediments began to rise out of
the sea. Slowly the sea water i-ained out. It is believed that the Hima-
10 Himalayan Wildlife
laya were fonned due to a number of phases of uplift. These sedi
ments were folded andfaulted into a series of complex siiuctures.
Due to later phases of tectonic activity a younger fold-mountain
chain was formed to the south of the Himalaya. This is the Siwalik
range. It runs parallel to the main range in the west but gradually
merges with it in the easternregion.
The Himalaya may bedivided into four distinct physical regions
(from southto north).
1.Outer orSiwalik Himalaya
This consists of the low rolling Siwalik hills that extend more or
less p^lel to the main Himalayan range. The Siwalik hills are not
very distinct in the eastern Him^ya where they tend to merge with
the Himalayan foothills. These hills are the youngest mountains in
India. They bear fossils ofmammals, reptiles and birds.
The southern face of the Siwalik hills is more steep than their
northern counterpart Seasonal streams locally known as choes, raus
and sots drain this region. These streams are in spate during the mon
soon season.
2.Lower Himalaya
These are the foothills of the main Himalayan range. They rise, to
elevations of over 2500 mts. Anumber of prominent ridges form a
part of the lower Himalaya. These include Dhauladhar. Shimla ridge.
Mussoone ridge and Darjeeling-Ghoom ridge.
c-
Mwalik longitudinal
hills mthe south and lowervalleys havein formed
Himalaya between
the north. the
These are
toown as dun valleys, viz, the Kiarda dun valley near Paonta
Dehradun valley mGarhwal and PaUi dun valley near Ramnagar, The
flaSferdfe'^°"^^ sediments has made these valleys
Wvers tro have formed flat open valleys in the lower Himalaya
fS
Garhwali"and
''fnVi* Srinagar (Alaknanda)
Pokhra valley in Nepal. Anumber valley in
ofold lake basinftw
occur in lower Himalaya, viz. Kashmir valley that lies between the
lowland higher Himalayaand the Kathmandu Lley in NTp^et
are believed to have been old lakes whose water-dried out
The Himalaya: An Introduction 11
3. Higheror MainHimalaya
ms is the main Himalayan mountain wall that towers above the
lower Himalaya and the plains of northern India. The snowclad p^
tower to elevations of over 8000 mts. Mount Everest and other high
mountain peaks are apart of the main Himalayan wdl. FokUs of sea
creatures are found in various parts of the main Himalaya. This proves
the contention that this range was once under the sea.
The southern slopes of the main Himalaya are steeper th^ to
northern counterparts. Hundreds of glaciers of various ^exend
from the main Himalaya. Amongst the promment ^
gotri, KhaUing and Pindari glaciers. They give nse to important nvers
such as Ravi, Beas. Yamuna, Ramganga, Ganga ^d Teesi^
The upper tracts of this great mountain wall ^
nent coverTf snow. The level above which snow ^s not meU ^
through the year is known as the snowline. It vanes from ai^
The snowline is lower in the western Himalaya and higher mthe
eastern parts of this mountain chain. The level of the
vary locally. It is lower in moist shady depressions and higher on
exposedslopes.
Ues «o„h of U.e
lavan mountain wall. The average elevation is usually over 3000 mK.
This is avast tableland or plateau that extends across the main ftrna-
laya It is apart of the Tibetan plateau that lies further north. Ladakh,
lLuI Spiti Mustang-Bhot are someareas of the trans-ftmalaya.
co..
upper reaches of the trims-Himalaya loo '
permanent^ver of snow. Ue rocky slop« are
vegetative cover. In the valleys the rivers have depo
ties ofboulders and other sediments. Himalayan
Anumber of glaciers descend down from the ^ ^
mountain chain. The Siachen and the Indian
important glaciers. Anumber ot •mpo'™'Sude O""
sub-continent rise in the trans-Hunalaya. The
enab, Saduj andBrahmaputra.

12 Himalayan Wildlife
Drainage
Thedrainage system of the Himalaya is very complex. It consists
of rivers, lakes and glaciers. While most of the glaciers are restricted
to areas above the tree line, Himalayan rivers criss-cross the entire
mountain chain. In fact, a number of rivers are older than the moun
tain system itself. These include Indus, Satluj and Brahmaputra. They
originate in southern Tibet and have cut across the main Himalayan
mountain wall. Lakes are found all over the Himalaya. They serve
both as inland drainage basins and as a temporary basin for flowing
water.
There are three major river systems that drain the Himalaya, viz,
the Indus system, the Ganga system, and the Brahmaputra system.
1. TheIndus System
The river Indus rises inthe snowy wastes near Mansarovar lake in
Tibet. It flows through Ladakh where a number of important rivers
join it, viz, Shyok, Shigar, Gilgit, Zaskar etc. Thereafter the river
makes aright angle turn at the base of the Nanga Parbat and enters the
plains.
a) The met Jhelian is an important tributary of the Indus. It
drains the beautiful Kashmir valley. Important tributaries of the
Jhelum are the Lidder and Sindhu.
b) The rivCT Chenab is formed at the confluence of rivers Chan
dra and Bhaga in Lahul. It flows through the main Himalayan range
and along the base of die Pir Panjal before joining the Indus.
c) The river Ravi is another important tributary of the Indus. It
nses on the slopes ofthe main Himalaya in Chamba district and flows
through the western part ofthe state to join the Indus in the plains.
d) The river Beas rises north ofManali. It flows past the town of
Kullu, Mandi and flows through Punjab before joining the river Indus.
e) The river Satluj is the largest tributary of the river Indus. It
rises near the lake Mansarovar and crosses into Indian territory near
Shipki pa«. The rivers Spiti and Baspa join it in the trans-Himalaya.
The Satluj river has cut a spectacular gorge through the main Hima
layan ran^ near Chini and Kalpa and the Dhauladhar range near
^pur. The Bhakra dam has been constructed across this river. The
SaUuj flows through the plains of Punjab before joining the Indus
nver.
The Himalaya: An Introduction 13
2. The Ganga System .
The Ganga system drains bulk of the Himalayan chain. It receives
water from the south-eastern face of the Shimla ridge to the Indo-
Nepal border near Darjeeling. The important rivers of this system are:
a) The river Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganga river. It
rises from Yamunotri glacier in Uttarkashi district of Uttar Pradesh.
The river has formed a deep V-shaped gorge as it cuts across the
lower Himalayan range (Nag Tibba-Mussoorie ridge). .
Important tributaries of the Yamuna river are; (i) river Gin that
drains eastern Himachal Pradesh, (ii) river Tons that rises as the Rupm
and Supin from Har-ki-dun in Uttarkashi district, and (iii) nver Agl(^
that flows along an east-west course at the base of the Mussoorie
ridge. - . . •
b) The river Bhagirathi is one of the two rivers which jom to
form the river Ganga. It rises from Gaumukh, the snout of the Gan-
gotri glacier at the base of Chaukhamba peak in Garhwal Himalaya.
This river has cut a deep gorge across the granitic rocks of the higher
Himalaya. It flows past the towns of Uttarkashi and Tehri to merge
with the Alaknanda river at Deoparyag.
Important tributaries of the river Bhagirathi are: (i) river Bhilan-
gana which rises from the Kathling glacier and flows past Ghansali to
join the river Bhagirathi at Tehri, and (ii) river Janhvi which drains
part of Uttarkashi district.
c) The river Alaknanda is the other river which joins the Bhagi
rathi at Deoparyag to form the river Ganga. It rises in the snowy
wastes upstream of Badrinaih and flows past Vishnuparyag, Nandpar-
yag, Karanparyag and Rudraparyag toform the Ganga at Deoparyag.
Important tributaries ofthe Alaknanda river are: (i) river Mandak-
ini which rises near Kedamath and flows past Agastmuni to join the
river Alaknanda at Rudraparyag. It is joined by the Lastar gad river at
Tilwara, (ii) river Finder which rises from the Pindari glacier located
between the Nanda Devi and Nandakot peaks. It merges with the
Alaknanda river near Karanparyag. The river Sundardhunga is ^ im
portant tributary of the Pinder. Their confluence is at Dhakuri, and
(iii) river Nandakini that drains into the river Alaknanda at Nandpar-
yag.
d) The mainstream of the river Ganga winds its way through aV-
shaped valley and past the holy town of Rishikesh to enter the pains
at Hardwar. . ^ Ganai
e) The Ramganga river rises near Almora and drains p
18 Himalayan Wildlife
g) Pir Panjal range: This mountain range runs in an arc shape
along the southern periphery of the Kashmir valley. Its peaks rise to
an elevation ofabout 3000 to 4000 metres. The Pir Panjal range has
been cut across by the riv^r Jhelum near Baramula and the river
Chenab below Kistwar.
h) Siwalik hills: These are low hills running more or less parallel
to the lower Himalayan or Pir Panjal range. They merge with the
Siwalik. hillsof Himachal Pradesh in the east.
2. Himachal Pradesh
The state ofHimachal Pradesh is a part ofthe Union ofIndia. It is
made upofthe following physical units:
a) Lahul and Spiti valleys: These are two distinct valleys lying in
the trans-Himalayan tract of Himachal pradesh. The Lahul valley is
drained by the rivers Chandra and Bhaga which join to form the
Chenab. The Spiti valley is drained by the Spiti river. This area is a
rain-deficient desert.
b) Great Himalaya: The great or main Himalayan range runs in
an arc shape along the northern part of the state. It is comprised o»
snow-clad peaks, glaciers and deep valleys. This range has been cut
by the rivers Chenab and Satluj
c) Dhauladhar range: The Dhauladhar range rises abruptly above
the Kangia valley and the plains of Punjab. Its upper u-acts are under a
permanent cover of snow. The river Beas has cut across this range at
L^ji. Further towards east, the Dhauladhar range gives way to aseries
of mountain ranges of the lower Himalaya. These are the Nag Tibba
range, the Shimla hills and the Churdhar ridge.
• K ^ by the river Beas. It
hv
Dy fh!!. nk"
the Dhauladh^ and an extensionHimalayan
of the Pir range
Panjaland on other sides
range.
Wma/aya: The lower Himalayan range of Himachal
Pradesh is an eastern extension of the Dhauladhar range. Churdhar
f) Siwalik hills: The Siwalik hills are prominently develooed all
Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan and Sir-
Tn hflT i" ^l^nown as the Kiarda
The Himalaya: An Introduction 19
3. Garhwal and Kumaun
The eight districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, Dehra-
dun, Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital constitute Garhwal and
Kumaun and are a part of Uttar Pradesh. They may be divided into the
following physical units:
a) Yamuna valley: The river Yamuna rises from the snowy wastes
at the base of the Bandarpunch peak in Uttarkashi district It is a V-
shaped valley and the river winds past tenaces and gorges before
entering the plains near Dehradun.
b)Bhagirathi valley: The Bhagirathi river rises from the Gangotri
glacier at the base of the Bandarpunch peak. It flows across thelower
Himalayan mountain range to merge with the Alaknanda at Deopar-
yag, downstream of which theriveris known as theGanga.
c) Alaknanda valley: The Alaknanda river rises from the base of
theChaukhamba peak. It flows across the lower Himalayan mountain
ranges to merge with the Bhagirathi at Deoparyag.
d) Great Himalaya: The great or main Himalayan range occurs in
the form of a gigantic wall of ice, bare rocks andrugged peaks. It runs
along the northern periphery ofGarhwal and Kumaun. All major riv
ers of this region originate from the snowy wastes occurring at the
baseof the greatHimalayan mountain range.
e) Lower Himalaya: This is comprised of a series of mountain
ranges that lie to the south of the main or great Himalayan range.
Different names have been given to the lower Himalaya in various
tracts, viz:
— Nag Tibba ridge in Chakrata area
— Mussoorie ridge in Mussoorie area'
— Nainital ridge in Nainital area.
f) Siwalik hills: The Siwalik hills are very well developed in
Garhwal and Kumaun. They occupy a position which is more or less
parallel to the lower Himalaya. The tops of these hills rise to eleva
tions of over 3000 metres.
g) Dun valleys: Longitudinal valleys are located between the
Siwalik hills in the south and the lower Himalaya in the nortli, viz,
Dehradun valley.
4. Nepal
Nepal is an independent country in the central Himalaya. It is
divided into the following physical units:
a) Mustang-Bhot region: This is atrans-Himalayan tract in north-
18 Himalayan Wildlife
g) Pir Panjal range: This mountain range runs in an arc shape
along the southern periphery of the Kashmir valley. Its peaks rise to
an elevation ofabout 3000 to 4000 metres. The Pir Panjal range has
been cut across by the riv^r Jhelum near Baramula and the river
Chenab below Kistwar.
h) Siwalik hills: These are low hills running more or less parallel
to the lower Himalayan or Pir Panjal range. They merge with the
Siwalik. hillsof Himachal Pradesh in the east.
2. Himachal Pradesh
The state ofHimachal Pradesh is a part ofthe Union ofIndia. It is
made upofthe following physical units:
a) Lahul and Spiti valleys: These are two distinct valleys lying in
the trans-Himalayan tract of Himachal pradesh. The Lahul valley is
drained by the rivers Chandra and Bhaga which join to form the
Chenab. The Spiti valley is drained by the Spiti river. This area is a
rain-deficient desert.
b) Great Himalaya: The great or main Himalayan range runs in
an arc shape along the northern part of the state. It is comprised o»
snow-clad peaks, glaciers and deep valleys. This range has been cut
by the rivers Chenab and Satluj
c) Dhauladhar range: The Dhauladhar range rises abruptly above
the Kangia valley and the plains of Punjab. Its upper u-acts are under a
permanent cover of snow. The river Beas has cut across this range at
L^ji. Further towards east, the Dhauladhar range gives way to aseries
of mountain ranges of the lower Himalaya. These are the Nag Tibba
range, the Shimla hills and the Churdhar ridge.
• K ^ by the river Beas. It
hv
Dy fh!!. nk"
the Dhauladh^ and an extensionHimalayan
of the Pir range
Panjaland on other sides
range.
Wma/aya: The lower Himalayan range of Himachal
Pradesh is an eastern extension of the Dhauladhar range. Churdhar
f) Siwalik hills: The Siwalik hills are prominently develooed all
Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan and Sir-
Tn hflT i" ^l^nown as the Kiarda
The Himalaya: An Introduction 19
3. Garhwal and Kumaun
The eight districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, Dehra-
dun, Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital constitute Garhwal and
Kumaun and are a part of Uttar Pradesh. They may be divided into the
following physical units:
a) Yamuna valley: The river Yamuna rises from the snowy wastes
at the base of the Bandarpunch peak in Uttarkashi district It is a V-
shaped valley and the river winds past tenaces and gorges before
entering the plains near Dehradun.
b)Bhagirathi valley: The Bhagirathi river rises from the Gangotri
glacier at the base of the Bandarpunch peak. It flows across thelower
Himalayan mountain range to merge with the Alaknanda at Deopar-
yag, downstream of which theriveris known as theGanga.
c) Alaknanda valley: The Alaknanda river rises from the base of
theChaukhamba peak. It flows across the lower Himalayan mountain
ranges to merge with the Bhagirathi at Deoparyag.
d) Great Himalaya: The great or main Himalayan range occurs in
the form of a gigantic wall of ice, bare rocks andrugged peaks. It runs
along the northern periphery ofGarhwal and Kumaun. All major riv
ers of this region originate from the snowy wastes occurring at the
baseof the greatHimalayan mountain range.
e) Lower Himalaya: This is comprised of a series of mountain
ranges that lie to the south of the main or great Himalayan range.
Different names have been given to the lower Himalaya in various
tracts, viz:
— Nag Tibba ridge in Chakrata area
— Mussoorie ridge in Mussoorie area'
— Nainital ridge in Nainital area.
f) Siwalik hills: The Siwalik hills are very well developed in
Garhwal and Kumaun. They occupy a position which is more or less
parallel to the lower Himalaya. The tops of these hills rise to eleva
tions of over 3000 metres.
g) Dun valleys: Longitudinal valleys are located between the
Siwalik hills in the south and the lower Himalaya in the nortli, viz,
Dehradun valley.
4. Nepal
Nepal is an independent country in the central Himalaya. It is
divided into the following physical units:
a) Mustang-Bhot region: This is atrans-Himalayan tract in north-
 20 Himalayan Wildlife The Himalaya: An Introduction 21

central Nepal. This is largely an arid to semi-arid area receiving very about 1000 metres.
low rainfall. . / 0 Dun valleys: A number of longitudinal valleys occur between
b) Great Himalaya: The great Himalaya extends in an arcuate the Siwalik hills in the south and the lower or middle Himalaya in the
shape along the northern .boundary of Nepal. They extend from the north. These valleys are the Bhitri Madhesh, Kamla Narayni, Chitwan
Api and Nampa peaks in the west to the Kanchenjunga peak in the and Rapti dun valleys.
east along the border of Nepal and Sikkim. This mountain range also
mcludes Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. The main 5. Sikkim and Datjeeling Hills
Hunalayan mountain range has been cut across by a number of rivers Sikkim is a separate state within the Union of India, while the
ongmaung in the trans-Himalayan zone Darjeeling hills are a part of the Indian state ofWest Bengal. They
may be divided into the following physical units:
a) Great Himalaya: The great or main Himalayan range runs all
— Western high Himalaya along the northern border of Sikkim between the Kanchenjunga mas
— Arid high Himalaya sif in the west and the Chomolhari in the east. It comprises of a
— Central high Himalaya number ofpeaks having anelevation ofover 7000 metres.
— Eastern high Himalaya. The Singalila in the west and the Dongkya in the east are two
transverse north-south mountain ranges arising from the main Hima
^ > series of mounuin layan mountain wall. These include high snow-clad mountain peaks
StTv""!
highest peaks of these mountains tower8«a' "n™ Himalaya
to elevations The
of over 3300 soaring toaltitudes of over 6000 metres.
A number of glaciers descend from the main Himalaya and its
Sflo^nTJ^/^T""of
which flow mageneral direction towards the plains of India Nepal offshoots. The largest is the Zemu glacier from the snout of which
rises the river Teesta.
n.id<&;!'a'a;:°""'^" <" b) Lower Himalaya or Darjeeling hills: The lower Himalaya is
— Humla-Jumla mountains made up of the Gangtok ridge in Sikkim and Darjeeling hills. The
— Baitadi mountains latter are divided into two by the deep gorge of the Teesta river. To
— Dailekh mountains the east of this gorge lie the Kalimpong hiUs with mountain peaks
— Piiithan mountains rising to over 2000 metres. Rivers radiate in all directions from these
— Baglung mountains hills and flow into the Teesta river.
— MahabharaiLekh. The Tiger hill is the highest peak in Darjeeling hills. Spurs radiate
Leban (1972) has referred to these mountains as the 'midlands' from it in all directions. Amongst theseare:
and 'transitional' mountains. — Darjeeling ridge to the north
_ d) Kathmandu valley: This is a circular basin drained by the — Tadah spur to the east
Bagmau nver and its tributaries in central Nepal. It is believed thai — Dow hill ridge to the south
te entire valley was covered by avast lake in the ^ — Ghoom ridge to the west.
c) Foothills: Low rolling hills represent the foothills of the
Bagman nver. Uter on, this natural dam burst anrt th.
1>e flow T
onhe Sikkim-Darjeeling region. The foothills are not as well developed as
^ey was exposed. -Htis valley is hemmed on all sid« by M^Zn" the Siwalik hills of the western and central Himalaya and tend to
merge with the lower Himalayan ranges.

mosttr^^t2?,S.Sr''
the main Himalayan motmtain wall. Theirlraprtavrai^le'Sn S
6. Bhutan
Bhutan is an independent country lying in the eastern Himalaya.
.

22 Himalayan Wildlife
It may be divided into the following physical units:
a) Great Himalaya: The main or great Himalayan range of Bhu
tan runs along its northern border from the Chomolhari peak in the
west to the Kulha Kangri peak in the east. Further towards east this
mountain wall extends into Arunachal Pradesh.
The great Himalayan range includes many high mountain peaks.
Its southern slopes are glaciated. There occur a number of glacial
basins,lakes, moraines and amphitheatres from which arise numerous
rivers and streams.
b) River Valleys: There are no large river basins in Bhutan. The
largest river is the Manas in the east that flows into the Brahmaputra
river. In the west, the Amo Chu river enters from Chumbi valley
through a deep gorge. It flows towards south to enter the plains near
Jalpaiguri.
c) Lower Himalaya:. The middle or lower Himalaya of Bhutan
consist of a series of mountain ranges that run more or less parallel to
the great Himalayan mountain wall. This range rises abruptly above
the plains or the foothills. The peaks may rise to an elevation of over
3500 metres.
d) Foothills: The foothills of Bhutan are not very extensively
developed. They are a series of low hills extending all along the
southern periphery of thecountry.
7. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is a state within the Union of India. It occu
pies the eastern-most part of the Himalaya. Only that part of this state
which lies to the west of the Brahmaputra river is included in the
Himalaya. Thus the Lohit and Dihang catchments of Arunachal
Pradesh are not apart of the Himalaya. This state may be divided into
thefollowing physical units;
a) Great Himalaya: The main or great Himalaya runs all along
the northern border of this state upto the Namche Barwa peak that
maks the eastern extremity of the Himalaya. High, snow-clad peaks
and glaciers form apart of the main Himalayan mountain wall
b) Himalaya: The lower or middle Himalaya of Arunachal
Prade^ is made up of afew parallel ranges lying to the south of the
great Himalayan r^ge. Many of these ranges rise abrupUy above the
ttiSay^.''''
c) Foothills: The foothills of Arunachal Pradesh are not as well
The Himalaya: An Introduction 23
formed as the Siwalik hills of western and central Himalaya. They
consist of a number of mountains of height upto 1000 metres lying
more or less parallel to the great and lower Himalayan ranges in the
north. These foothills gradually merge with the Brahmaputra plams in
the south.
Natural Vegetation/Forests
The Himalayan mountain chain bears rich forests which compnse
of over athousand different species of trees, shrubs, herbs and chnnb-
ers. The nature and type of forests found in a pa^cular locality de
pends upon the prevailing climatic conditions, altitude, aspect, topo
graphy, soil andbiotic influences. r u «• 1 »
The principal forest types found in different parts of the Himalaya
are:
1, Western Himalaya c „j
1. Moist salforest: Extensive and varied forests of sal are found
in the Siwalik hUls and lower Himalayan foothills. They may be of
the following sub-types:
— moist Siwalik sal forest
— moist bhabar-dun forest
— dry Siwalik sal forest.
The main species are—Acacia catechu. Adina cordtfolia, Ano-
geissus latifolia. Lagerstroemia parviflora. Shorea robusta and Termi-
nalia tomentosa. ^
2. Khair-sissoo forest: This is adry deciduous forest found along
the rivers and streams in the outer and lower Himalaya. The mam
Tildes are-Acacia catechu. Albizzia lebbek. Dalbergia• . sissoo.
TamarixdiociaaniZizyphusmauratiana. coai
3. Uoisi mixed deciduousfiirest. This forest .s an assMiaB ot s^,
kbaii-sissoo and even chir-pine forests found in the Siwalik hiUs ^d
the lower Himalaya. Its main constituents
Bauhinia relusa, Bombax ceibtt. Daibergia sissoo, MadHuca tmuca
and Terminalia sp.
4. Si^-tropical chir-pineforest: This is amore or less pi^
ciation of chir-pine found in the outer and lower Himalaya between
900 mts and 1500 mts. The following sub-types are recognized:
— lower or Siwalik chir-pine forest
—upper or Himalayan chir-pine forest.
The main tree speies found in this forest are—^cacw cat
r/iipchu
.
 24 Himalayan Wildlife
Ficus roxburghii, Lyonia ovalifolia, Pinus roxburghii, Quercus
leucotricophora Rhododendron arboreum.
5. Oak forests: The following oak forests .are found at different
elevations in the lower and higher Himalaya.
a) Ban oak forest: Found between 1700 mis and 2200 mis. The
main species are—Carpinus viminea, Lyonia ovalifolia, Quercus
leucotricophora andRhododendron arboreum.
b) Moru oakforest: Found between 2200 mis and 2400 mts. The
main species aie—Aesculus indica. Betula alnoides. Quercus hima-
layana, Quercus leucotricophora and Quercus semecarpifolia.
c) Kharsu oakforest: Found between 2500 mts and 3500 mts. The
mam species are—Acer caesium. Betula alnoides. Pyrus lanaia,
Quercus himalayana and Quercus semecarpifolia.
6. Moist temperate coniferous forests-. The following coniferous
forests are found in the temperate areas of the western Himalaya:
a) Moist deodar forest: This is an almost pure forest of deodar
found between 1700 mts and 2500 mts. The main tree species
occumng mthis forest zit~Abies pindrow. Cedrus deodara. Picea
smithiana Pmus wallichiana. Quercus himalayana. Quercu:
leucotricophora and Rhododendron arboreum.
m,c and 3000 coniferous
mts mts or evenforest:
higher.Found between
The main an elevation
species of 2400
are— Abies oin-
arow. Acer acuminatum. Betula alnoides. Cedrus deodara Picea
smithiana. Pm^ wallichiana. Quercus sp. and Taxus baccata
Thi.
This fforest' ,s dommated by fir and spruce.
at elevations of over
The main 2300 mts
specierarT-
fyrus lanaia. Quercus sp. and Sorbusfoliolosa.
fonn? This is more or less apure forest of blue pine
"lay occur mmoist ™ BroadJved
shady depressions. The main species are—
Abiespindrow. Aesculus indica. Cedrus deodara. Juglans regia Picea
z:z: -d mZ/nZ:
7. Dry temperate forests: Tliese forests are fnimH in .h. •
valleys of the higher Himalaya and in T The main species found in these forests are Adina
where the innuence of the SW monsoons is negligible-
fore. are-... ~ 2. Tropical deciduous riverine forest. This forest is
The Himalaya: An Introduction 25 •
Fraxinus sp., Pinus gerardiana and Quercus ilex.
b) Neoza or Chilgoza pine forest: This is an almost pure forest of
chilgoza pine. The main tree species found in this forest are—Cedrus
deodara. Fraxinus xanlhoxyloides and Pinusgerardiana.
c) Dry deodarforest: This is a dry forest ofdeodar. The main spe
cies are—Cedriis deodara. Corylus colurus and Pinus gerardiana.
8. Sub-alpine forests: These forests are found above an elevation
of 2900 metres.
a) High level fir forest: The main species are—Afciei spectabilis.
Picea smithiana. Pinus wallichiana, Prunus padus and Taxus baccata.
b) Birchfir forest: The main species are—/iWes spectabilis. Bet
ula utilis, Quercus semecarpifolia. Rhododendron campanulaium and
Sorbusfoliolosa.
c) Birch-rhododendron scrub forest: The mam species are—Bef-
ula utilis, Rhododendron anlhopogon. Rhododendron lepidotum and
^°''^^.Alpfn7forests: These forests are found near the snowline in the
higher and trans-Himalayan region:
a) Moist alpine scrub: This is an alpine paswre found just below
the snowline in the moister tracts of the maxn Himalaya. The mmn
species are-Ac.«ir«^ sp.,Berberis ^..Betula utilis.
dodendron campanulatum. Salix sp.. Synnga emodi and
b) Dry alpine scrub: Found near the snowline in the dner trac".
The main species aie—Arenaria sp.. Artemisia maritima. Artemxsia
sacorurum, Caragana sp., Draba gracillima, Euroliana cerato^s.
Juniperus communis. Juniperus wallichiana. Kobressia
caria sp., Potentiallafruticosa. Primula sp. and Sedum crenulatum.
2. Central Himalaya orNepal , th<.
1. Sal forests: These are almost pure forests of ^
Siwalik hills and lower Himalaya upto an elevauon of about 600 mts.
The principal sub-types are:
— bhabar-terai sal forest
— Siwalik sal forest
— hill sal forest.
J '
Amoora decandra. Anogeissus latifolia. ^ fer-
oojenensis. Schleichera trijuga, Shorea robusla. StercuUa ure .
minalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula

26 Himalayan Wildlife
the rivers and streams ofthe outer and lower Himalaya upto an eleva
tion ofabout 1000 mts. The main species ai&—Acacia catechu. Adina
cordifolia,Albizziaprocera. Bombax ceiba, Lannea grandis, Sterculia
urens and Trewianudiflora.
3. Sub-tropical evergreen forest: This forest is well developed
between an elevaUon of 1000 mts and 1200 mts in the high rainfall
zone of the lower Himalaya. The main species are—Acer oblongum,
Albizzia procera. Alnus nepalensis. Cedrela toona. Eurya acuminata
and Schima wallichii.
4. Sub-tropical lower Himalayan forest: Found upto an elevation
of about 1500 mts. The main species ai&—Acacia catechu. Adina cor-
difolta, Aegle marmelos. Dalbergia sissoo. Flacourtia indica. Kydia
calycina, Lagerstroemia parviflora and Unnea grandis.
5. Sub-tropical semi-evergreen Himalayanforest: Found between
an elevation of 1000 mts and 1600 mts. The main species are—
Albizzia procera, Ardisia floribunda, Cronus macrophylla, Mallotus
nepalensis. Mangifera indica. Phoebe lanceolata. Randia tettras-
perma andSarauja nepalensis.
Pound between an elevaUon of 1000 mts and
2000 mts. The main species sit—Cedrela toona. Engelkardtia spi-
cata, Qwercus leucotricophora and Pinus roxburghii.
^^^M^sts: The following varieties of oak forests are found at
different elevations:
between an elevation of 1800 mts and
/ ^rc-Carpinus viminea. Cornus capitata.
Q-™" Wmc... and
2800 mts and 3200 mts. The main species are-Acer^ acuminatum
elevation of
A/mtf nepalensis. Quercus himalayana. Quercus leucotricophora.
Quecus semecarpifolia and Tsuga dumosa.
c) Kh(^su oakforest: Found above an elevation of 3200 mts The
mam ^,es are-Ac.r pectinatum. Ilex dipyrena. Quercus Zalay-
^cmecar/)(/b/,a. Rhododendron arboreum and Sorbus
d) Buk oakforest: Found only in eastern Nepal, usually between
2elevauon of2500 mts and 3500 mts. The main species iTZZ
sp.,Castanopsis sp.. Ilex dipyrena, Lyonia ovalifolia Prunus nepalen
sis, Quercuslamellosa, lineataand QuercussemeZr^^ot
8. Temperateforest: The following types of temperate forests are
TheHimalaya: An Introduction 27
found in the central Himalaya: ^v. innn
a) Moist temperate deciduous forests: Found between 20w mts
and 3000 mts. The main species are—Acer caesium, Aesculus indica,
Alnus nepalensis, Betula alnoides. Juglans regia. Quercus sp. and
Rhododendron sp. .. .
b) Rhododendron forest: Found in different alutudinal zones usu
ally above an elevation of 2000 mts. The main species of rh^oden-
dron found in Nepal aie^Rhododendron anthopogon. R. ^boreum.
R. barbatum. R. ciliatum. R. dalhousiae. R.fulgens, R. hodgsonti, R.
lepidotum. R. nivale. R. pendulum. R. setosum. R. triflorum. R. vac-
cinoides and R. wallichii. omnfritc Thp
c) Blue pineforest: Occurs at an elevauon of over 2300 mts. T^e
main species are—A6i« pindrow. Abies spectabihs. Betula utilis,
Cedrus deodara. Picia smithiana and Pinus wallichtana.
d) Fir and spruceforest: Found between an elevauon of 25M mB
and 3200 mts. The main species are—AWcs pindrow. Abies specta-
bilis Acer caesium. Betula utilis, Juglans regui, Populus ciltata,
Pr^m^.Picea smmUuu,. Quercus sp., Sorbus cuspulau, ami
'^'^\Tma-£«>saforest. Found between an elevatfon of2^""s
and 3500 mis. The main species ^AMes specmbU^. Betulo uuUs.
-r sn^-aipine ..res.
a ™ - « f " Sof^
c) Hippophoe scrub: Occurs above an ele^on of3^ ^
main species are—Alnus nepalensis, Hippophae rharw
phae salicifolia, Hippophae thibetam and Populus ^
10. Alpine scrubforests: The foUowing two types of alpme scruo
arefound in this region: „„„„,«««» in the
a) Moist olpine scrub: Occurs jua below
moiscer iraccs of Nepal. The main spKies RMo<le,>-
rus recurvo. Mperus wallicMma, Polenualh fiulicoso, Km
 The Himalaya: An Introduction 29
28 Himalayan Wildlife

dron antkopogon. R. campanulatum, R.fiilgens, R. lepidotum, R. seto- 5. Oakforests: The following types of oak forests are found mthe
sum, R. wallichii, Salix calyculata and S. sikkimensis.
b) Dry alpine scrub: Found just below the snowline in the drier
tocts of northern Nepal, usually in the inner dry valleys of the higher 2200aTSforest: Foundarc^Acer
m^ ?hrm{in species between ancampbellii.
elevation Lithocarpus
of 1800 mts and
sp..
^alaya and in the trans-Himalayan tracts. The main species are— elevauon of
Artemisia Clematis phlebantha. Cotoneaster Ephedera gerar- 2500 mts me main species ^Icin^a ca,hcar„,
diana. Hippophae ihibetana. Juniperus sp.. Lonicera sp., Myricaria
wardii. Plectranthus pharicus, Potentialla fruticosa. Rhododendron doltsopa. Prunus nepalensis and Quercus lamellosa.
sp.. Rosa sericea. Sophora sp.. Spiraea arcuta and Syringa emodi. c) Upper oakforest: Found above an elevauon of^ mts, ™
main sX are^Acer com^tUi. Be,ulo olnoUes. Quercus lorn-
3.Eastern Himalaya 'nt^::^S?^*ollowing.ypesoftetnperate forestsare
found'r """Sive sal forests
— lower bhabar sal forest
upper bhabar sal forest
— terai sal forest
""T^f/SrS^above 2600 mts. Tlte main
— Himalayan sal forest

"'"""ay® sal forests

'^I'suMpine forests-. The following lyP« of sub-alpine foiests

alluvial plain semi-evergreen forest

sub-montane semi-evergreen forest ^LZ^lmip'rus «oUicMam. Rhododendron borbatunt.Rhodo
secondary semi-evergreen forest dendronft^coreri at an elevaUon of over 3100
rhe mam species found in these forests a• •
Casianopsis indica, Duabanga
Una arborea. Michelia chamnnm pf u' formosa, Gme-
C M . 0 , 1 ,

in the lowerWUs. The^m^if^'^ieV^T^? forests-. The foUowing two types of alpine scrubs
are found here; , snowline in the
sp., Ficus glomerata. Mallotus albus a) Moist alpine scrub: ^ ^x^Berberis sp..
cunini,ToonaciliataandTrewianudiflora ^P" moister parts of the region. ® _ campanulatum, R-
Quercus sp.. Rhododendron anthopogon. R. campanu
R. ihomsoni and R. wightii. ^ ^ ,i,e snowline
b) Dry alpine scrub-. This scrub fotest ts louna
30 Himalayan Wildlife
in the inner dry valleys. Junipers are the main species with the follow
ing distribution—/iwjpgritf wallichiana (4400-5000 mts). Juniperus
squamata (4200-4800 mts), vnd Juniperus recurva (3500-4500 mts).
Wildlife
Raging from areas under apermanent snow cover and bleak, dry
Md wmdy areas to the hot sub-tropical jungles of the foothills, the
^alayapresents diverse habitats of wildlife with levels of variation
that are perhaps unequalled elsewhere in the world. They are the
home of awide variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The fauna of
Oje eastern Himalaya is different from that of tlie western and central
l^^aya due to vanations in the altitude and the amount of rainfall.
Mne? ^ following four zoo-geographic
1) Himalayan foothills
f) """
4) Eastern Himalaya.
the
Wildlife in the ffimalaya
From the tropical and sub-tropical jungles of Jammu in the west
to the wet and almost impenetrable foothill forests of Arunachal
Pradesh in the east, from the temperate vegetation above 2000 mts to
the areas under a permanent snow cover both in the moist mo dry
tracts of the Himalaya, this mountain chain presents diveree habitats
with levels of variaUon that are perhaps unequalled elsewhere mthe
""'the Himalaya are the home of awide variety ofmammA,
lepUles, and avifanna. These inctade the tiger and el^ant lhat ai«
leLcted to the area east of the Yamuna river and
rhinoceros, arelict of ancient dinosaurs, now ^"8 "
foothills of the eastern HimaUya east of
Tibetan wUd ass is found only in the cold deserts ofLaclaMi._^^
is perhaps the most widely distributed
Amongst the rarer mammals are the snow leopard and clouded leo-
"^Hundredsofspecies ofbirds are found in the
both resident and migratory. Western tragopan is abeauuful phea^t
maL'^esuo the Shimla hill. 0^
found in die Himalaya include monal and cheer pheasan
bearded vulture.
'"^"•'"fni'Hn.alayan chain Ues d.e
The fauna of the Himalayan region re«mblB thM »f ^
reffion as well as that of the palaearcuc region. It is believed tnat
animals of the palaearctic region migrated to the
r^?eliltA wl«" tf-eHim^ayan
as it is today. The distribution of fauna in the Himalaya
SSS
34 Himalayan Wildlife
cipitadon is very high and extremely humid conditions prevail within
the forest. The main fauna includes the ghoral, serow, panda, badger,
porcupine and a large variety ofbirds. A number of these animals are
altitudinal migrators.
Migration of Birds
The Himalaya play an important and interesting role in the migra
tion of birds. This has been summarised in the following text
1. One form of bird migration across the Himalaya is along the
valleys of important rivers. Observations made over the past 30 years
or so show that there is a seasonal migration of ducks and cranes and
other Mntral Asian-Siberian birds into the Indian sub-continent along
the Indus valley. ®
In the ^tem Himalaya too. birds tend to flow along the Tsang
^ nver efore entering the plains of India through the Brahmaputra
gorge near Sadiya.
Wildlife in the Himalaya 35
Expeditions to Himalayan peaks, including the ones to Mt Everest
have sighted birds flying over the high mountains. The first Indian
expedition to Everest in May 1960 found three eastern steppe eagle
(Aquila nepalensis) dead on the South Col, below Everest at an eleva
tion of about 7900 mts. It may be noted that the South Col is one of
the most difficult areas to cross. In the autumn of 1952, Tenzing, the
noted climber had also found a dead eagle on South Col. This sug
gests that the South Col is a regular flyway between central Asia and
India. The birds which were found there probably died during their
migratory flight.
4. Altitudinal migration is another interesting feature of bird mi
gration in the Himalaya. There are a number of bird species which
breed at higher elevations in the Himalaya and in winter move down
to the foothills and the plains of northern India. The reverse may also
be the case. Birds, particularly predators hunt at higher elevations in
the summer season.

onH movementsalong the Indus in the west Some birds of the Himalayaeven fly to the hills and mountains of
south and central India to spend the winter, viz, the Nilgiris, Aravallis,
" T r ® A s i aalso follow other Vindhyans and Satpuras.
lay^2.laljge originate beyond the main Hima-
Aether form of bird migration across the Himalaya is by
Dr. Salim Ali (1982), the noted ornithologistdescribed this form
of bird migration in the following words, "There are certain Hima
®^^'"des. Till recent times, it was difficult to believe layan endemics that evidently fly non-stop on their annual migration
a this form of bird migration took place over the high Himalayan to the hills of the south-western Ghats or Sahyadri complex. Promi
pe^,some of which soar to an elevation of over 8000 mts. However, nent among these are the woodcock (Scolopax ruticola), pied ground
thrush (Zoothera wardii), blue chat (Erithacus bruncola), brown-
have^nn,!f ° sophisticated electronic tracking equipments and radar breasted flycatcher (Muscicapa muttui), blue-throated flycatcher
pfie hL?" '"'gration does take (Muscicapa rubeculoides) and several other flycatchers. All of them
cross the HimJ ®5^*>"shed beyond doubt that even small birds seem to be species of low tolerance and find the requisite ecological
S^ mts at elevations of over conditions only in the damp, well-wooded southern hills."
5. Many natural and artificial waterbodies (mainly lakes andres
from^cJitS^As'i^ autumn/winter migration when birds ervoirs) attract migratory birds from central Asia and Siberia. These
Sa"e o^e to spend the winter takes birdseither halt at these places for a few days enrouteto theirdestina
tion further south or spend the winter in these waterbo^'ies. The Pong
dam lake, Gobind Sagar lake and Kalagad dam lake, all of which are
located in the warmer foothills, are some examples of such water
bodies.

Status Before 1952

The Himalayan forests and the wild animals living in them came
under enormous strain during the British rule in India. The forests
34 Himalayan Wildlife
cipitadon is very high and extremely humid conditions prevail within
the forest. The main fauna includes the ghoral, serow, panda, badger,
porcupine and a large variety ofbirds. A number of these animals are
altitudinal migrators.
Migration of Birds
The Himalaya play an important and interesting role in the migra
tion of birds. This has been summarised in the following text
1. One form of bird migration across the Himalaya is along the
valleys of important rivers. Observations made over the past 30 years
or so show that there is a seasonal migration of ducks and cranes and
other Mntral Asian-Siberian birds into the Indian sub-continent along
the Indus valley. ®
In the ^tem Himalaya too. birds tend to flow along the Tsang
^ nver efore entering the plains of India through the Brahmaputra
gorge near Sadiya.
Wildlife in the Himalaya 35
Expeditions to Himalayan peaks, including the ones to Mt Everest
have sighted birds flying over the high mountains. The first Indian
expedition to Everest in May 1960 found three eastern steppe eagle
(Aquila nepalensis) dead on the South Col, below Everest at an eleva
tion of about 7900 mts. It may be noted that the South Col is one of
the most difficult areas to cross. In the autumn of 1952, Tenzing, the
noted climber had also found a dead eagle on South Col. This sug
gests that the South Col is a regular flyway between central Asia and
India. The birds which were found there probably died during their
migratory flight.
4. Altitudinal migration is another interesting feature of bird mi
gration in the Himalaya. There are a number of bird species which
breed at higher elevations in the Himalaya and in winter move down
to the foothills and the plains of northern India. The reverse may also
be the case. Birds, particularly predators hunt at higher elevations in
the summer season.

onH movementsalong the Indus in the west Some birds of the Himalayaeven fly to the hills and mountains of
south and central India to spend the winter, viz, the Nilgiris, Aravallis,
" T r ® A s i aalso follow other Vindhyans and Satpuras.
lay^2.laljge originate beyond the main Hima-
Aether form of bird migration across the Himalaya is by
Dr. Salim Ali (1982), the noted ornithologistdescribed this form
of bird migration in the following words, "There are certain Hima
®^^'"des. Till recent times, it was difficult to believe layan endemics that evidently fly non-stop on their annual migration
a this form of bird migration took place over the high Himalayan to the hills of the south-western Ghats or Sahyadri complex. Promi
pe^,some of which soar to an elevation of over 8000 mts. However, nent among these are the woodcock (Scolopax ruticola), pied ground
thrush (Zoothera wardii), blue chat (Erithacus bruncola), brown-
have^nn,!f ° sophisticated electronic tracking equipments and radar breasted flycatcher (Muscicapa muttui), blue-throated flycatcher
pfie hL?" '"'gration does take (Muscicapa rubeculoides) and several other flycatchers. All of them
cross the HimJ ®5^*>"shed beyond doubt that even small birds seem to be species of low tolerance and find the requisite ecological
S^ mts at elevations of over conditions only in the damp, well-wooded southern hills."
5. Many natural and artificial waterbodies (mainly lakes andres
from^cJitS^As'i^ autumn/winter migration when birds ervoirs) attract migratory birds from central Asia and Siberia. These
Sa"e o^e to spend the winter takes birdseither halt at these places for a few days enrouteto theirdestina
tion further south or spend the winter in these waterbo^'ies. The Pong
dam lake, Gobind Sagar lake and Kalagad dam lake, all of which are
located in the warmer foothills, are some examples of such water
bodies.

Status Before 1952

The Himalayan forests and the wild animals living in them came
under enormous strain during the British rule in India. The forests
36 Himalayan Wildlife Wildlife in the Himalaya 37

one protected area.

were ravaged to pave the way for human settlements and to pay for
the British war effort. This had an adverse effect on the magnificent
The following table shows the area under national parks and sanc
wild animals living in them.
tuaries asa percentage of the total forest area and geographical area in
different parts of the Himalaya (after Negi 1984):
Reckless hunting too caused the steady depletion of wildlife in
the Him^ya. Tiger hunts were commonly held in honour of visiting Region %afforest area %ofgeographic area
dignitaries. The population of leopard and tiger dropped down to
Jammu & Kashmir 2.03 0.36
alanning levels and the distribution of animals like the rhinoceros
Himachal Pradesh 9.15 3.56
became confined to smaller and smaller pockets.
Garhwal and Kumaun 15.06 6.19
Things were not different in parts of Nepal and Bhutan. Popula
Nepal 10.00
tion pressure, poaching and clearing offorests led to a steady decline 4.25
in the population of wild animals.
Sil^im 32.00 11.60
Bhutan 11.21 7.94
Present Conservation and Management Arunachal Pradesh 5.36 3.57
Enactment of Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and setting up of a Project Tiger
WildUfe Advisory Body in 1952. both at the central and stale levels
brought about a considerable change in the status ofconservation and The tiger occupies the apex position in the ecosystem and the
management ofwildlife in theHimalaya. health, strength and dynamism of the ecosystem can be judged by the
a) Central level: The Inspector General of Forests is the overall status and position occupied by the tiger in it. The Project Tiger was
incharge of wildlife conservation at the central government level. Wildhfe with the ^assistance
® schemeWildlife
of the World by the Indian Board are
Fund. There for
Under him are DIG (WildUfe) and Assistant IG (Wildlife) who look now 13 tiger reserves in the country under the auspices of the Project
afterwildlife management andconservation.
b) State level: Each state in the Indian Himalaya has its own Tiger. In the Himalaya, the Corbett National Park is the only such re-
serve.
Chief Wildlife Warden of the rank ofChief or Additionl Chief Con
servator of Forests. Under him are Deputy Conservators (Wildlife) The management practices in these reserves are directed and con
who look after wildlife divisions and different national parks in the trolled in such a way that all the limiting factors of the habitat are
state.
removed by taking apackage of steps, viz:
c) Nepal and Bhutan: The set-up of the wildlife organisation in anti-poaching and wildlife protection measures
Nepal and Bhutan too is similar to that in the Indian Himalaya. — elimination of grazing and other forms of competition from
domestic cattle
Objects ofConservation and Management soil conservation and water management
objects ofconservation and management ofwildlife in — fire prevention
the Himalaya are: non-interference by human activities
a) To extend scientific management to wildlife living in all areas. conservation and habitat management measures such as
waterholes, saltlicks and grassland improvement
their threatened species and
c) To enforce wildlife legislation stricUy and in a manner con- Conservation and Management of Larger Animals
dusive to conservmg wild animals. Tiger and Leopard
d) To create and manage sanctuaries, national parks and bio- The tiger and leopard are the largest predators in the Himalaya,
^here reserves so as to preserve and conserve both the flora and onservation and management has to be done in such a' way that there
fauna found mthese areas. Each ecological unit should have at least is enough cover available. Sufficient food should also be available for
36 Himalayan Wildlife Wildlife in the Himalaya 37

one protected area.

were ravaged to pave the way for human settlements and to pay for
the British war effort. This had an adverse effect on the magnificent
The following table shows the area under national parks and sanc
wild animals living in them.
tuaries asa percentage of the total forest area and geographical area in
different parts of the Himalaya (after Negi 1984):
Reckless hunting too caused the steady depletion of wildlife in
the Him^ya. Tiger hunts were commonly held in honour of visiting Region %afforest area %ofgeographic area
dignitaries. The population of leopard and tiger dropped down to
Jammu & Kashmir 2.03 0.36
alanning levels and the distribution of animals like the rhinoceros
Himachal Pradesh 9.15 3.56
became confined to smaller and smaller pockets.
Garhwal and Kumaun 15.06 6.19
Things were not different in parts of Nepal and Bhutan. Popula
Nepal 10.00
tion pressure, poaching and clearing offorests led to a steady decline 4.25
in the population of wild animals.
Sil^im 32.00 11.60
Bhutan 11.21 7.94
Present Conservation and Management Arunachal Pradesh 5.36 3.57
Enactment of Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 and setting up of a Project Tiger
WildUfe Advisory Body in 1952. both at the central and stale levels
brought about a considerable change in the status ofconservation and The tiger occupies the apex position in the ecosystem and the
management ofwildlife in theHimalaya. health, strength and dynamism of the ecosystem can be judged by the
a) Central level: The Inspector General of Forests is the overall status and position occupied by the tiger in it. The Project Tiger was
incharge of wildlife conservation at the central government level. Wildhfe with the ^assistance
® schemeWildlife
of the World by the Indian Board are
Fund. There for
Under him are DIG (WildUfe) and Assistant IG (Wildlife) who look now 13 tiger reserves in the country under the auspices of the Project
afterwildlife management andconservation.
b) State level: Each state in the Indian Himalaya has its own Tiger. In the Himalaya, the Corbett National Park is the only such re-
serve.
Chief Wildlife Warden of the rank ofChief or Additionl Chief Con
servator of Forests. Under him are Deputy Conservators (Wildlife) The management practices in these reserves are directed and con
who look after wildlife divisions and different national parks in the trolled in such a way that all the limiting factors of the habitat are
state.
removed by taking apackage of steps, viz:
c) Nepal and Bhutan: The set-up of the wildlife organisation in anti-poaching and wildlife protection measures
Nepal and Bhutan too is similar to that in the Indian Himalaya. — elimination of grazing and other forms of competition from
domestic cattle
Objects ofConservation and Management soil conservation and water management
objects ofconservation and management ofwildlife in — fire prevention
the Himalaya are: non-interference by human activities
a) To extend scientific management to wildlife living in all areas. conservation and habitat management measures such as
waterholes, saltlicks and grassland improvement
their threatened species and
c) To enforce wildlife legislation stricUy and in a manner con- Conservation and Management of Larger Animals
dusive to conservmg wild animals. Tiger and Leopard
d) To create and manage sanctuaries, national parks and bio- The tiger and leopard are the largest predators in the Himalaya,
^here reserves so as to preserve and conserve both the flora and onservation and management has to be done in such a' way that there
fauna found mthese areas. Each ecological unit should have at least is enough cover available. Sufficient food should also be available for
38 Himalayan Wildlife
the ungulates which form the chief food of the tiger and leopard. Un
gulates will prosper if the area is closed to biotic interference and
there is a diverse vegetative growth.
2. Bears
The Himalayan brown and black bears are found at different
elevations in the Himalaya. They cause damage to crops and orchards
and hence are hunted by poachers. Thus there is a need to afford
adequate protection to these animals.
3. Elephant
Elephants are found in the Himalayan foothills to the east of the
Yamuna river. Until recently, they wereextensively used as a beast of
burden. Elephant catching was a popular and economic operation in
the past. However, the thinking has changed now and emphasis is laid
on conserving the elephant. This may bebrought about by the follow
ing measures:
corridors used by elephant herds for migrating from one place
to other are left undisturbed.
plantations of pure species are avoided so that the elephants
are able to get morevariety in their food.
— in case elephant herds invade agricultural fields, fireworks,
should be exploded or guns may be fired in the air to scare
them away.
— when an elephant becomes a rogue it has to be proclaimed and
captured by the pit or kheda method. Rogues should be shot
only when all attempts to capture them alive have failed. Care
should be taken to ensure that no other animal is harmed in
the process.
4. Rhinoceros
The rhinoceros is found in the foothills east of central Nepal.
Some management techniques are:
the rhino habitat is maintained by keeping enough areas under
swamps and grasslands
—controlled burning may be done to hold the ecological succes
sion at the grassland stage
— when rhinoceros tend to cross the boundaries of national
parks and sanctuaries, firing of blank catridges may have to
beresorted to in order topush them back
Wildlife in the Himalaya 39
— grazing is strictly prohibited in protected areas in which
rhinoceros abound.
5. Deers
Sambhar, spotted deer, hog deer, swamp deer, barking deer,
Kashmir stag and musk deer are the main species of deers found in
different parts of the Himalaya. Some conservation and management
practices are:
— deers have a tendency to destroy forest plantations and they
also raid agricultural fields. Suitable deer or game proof
fences can be erected as a protection measure. These should
be of double strands of barbed wire which are not more than
10 to 15 cms apart. The barbed wire is then attached to fence
posts that are more than 3 mts high. Digging trenches is not
useful as deer tend tojumpoverthem
deers form the main food of the tiger and hence the ecological
management of the tiger habitat means suitable management
of the deer too
waterbodies and saldicks may be made in interior areas that
cannot be easily approached by poachers
grassland improvement.
^ and GoatAntelopes
tahr oh^ include urial or shapu, Tibetan sheep, markhor, Himalayan
Thesp • ' They are the most sought after meat animals.
difF distances andmeasures
hence their protection is
uuncuit. The conservation and management include:
®'^forcing strict vigil against hunting
ecological management oftheir habitat
Legislation
Wildlife in the Indian Himalaya is governed by the Wildlife Pr(^
Uon Act of 1972. The act provides for the protection of wild am-
s and birds and for matters connected therewith or ancillary orin-
C! ental thereto. It has 7chapters which are divided into 66 sections,
ive schedules ofanimals are incorporated in this act.
This act deals with wildlife administration, hunting of wild ^
nials, sanctuaries &national parks, trade in animal skins &trop
3nd prevention and detection of wildlife offences. nmtec-
Nepal and Bhutan too have their own legislation for e P
tion of wild animals.
38 Himalayan Wildlife
the ungulates which form the chief food of the tiger and leopard. Un
gulates will prosper if the area is closed to biotic interference and
there is a diverse vegetative growth.
2. Bears
The Himalayan brown and black bears are found at different
elevations in the Himalaya. They cause damage to crops and orchards
and hence are hunted by poachers. Thus there is a need to afford
adequate protection to these animals.
3. Elephant
Elephants are found in the Himalayan foothills to the east of the
Yamuna river. Until recently, they wereextensively used as a beast of
burden. Elephant catching was a popular and economic operation in
the past. However, the thinking has changed now and emphasis is laid
on conserving the elephant. This may bebrought about by the follow
ing measures:
corridors used by elephant herds for migrating from one place
to other are left undisturbed.
plantations of pure species are avoided so that the elephants
are able to get morevariety in their food.
— in case elephant herds invade agricultural fields, fireworks,
should be exploded or guns may be fired in the air to scare
them away.
— when an elephant becomes a rogue it has to be proclaimed and
captured by the pit or kheda method. Rogues should be shot
only when all attempts to capture them alive have failed. Care
should be taken to ensure that no other animal is harmed in
the process.
4. Rhinoceros
The rhinoceros is found in the foothills east of central Nepal.
Some management techniques are:
the rhino habitat is maintained by keeping enough areas under
swamps and grasslands
—controlled burning may be done to hold the ecological succes
sion at the grassland stage
— when rhinoceros tend to cross the boundaries of national
parks and sanctuaries, firing of blank catridges may have to
beresorted to in order topush them back
Wildlife in the Himalaya 39
— grazing is strictly prohibited in protected areas in which
rhinoceros abound.
5. Deers
Sambhar, spotted deer, hog deer, swamp deer, barking deer,
Kashmir stag and musk deer are the main species of deers found in
different parts of the Himalaya. Some conservation and management
practices are:
— deers have a tendency to destroy forest plantations and they
also raid agricultural fields. Suitable deer or game proof
fences can be erected as a protection measure. These should
be of double strands of barbed wire which are not more than
10 to 15 cms apart. The barbed wire is then attached to fence
posts that are more than 3 mts high. Digging trenches is not
useful as deer tend tojumpoverthem
deers form the main food of the tiger and hence the ecological
management of the tiger habitat means suitable management
of the deer too
waterbodies and saldicks may be made in interior areas that
cannot be easily approached by poachers
grassland improvement.
^ and GoatAntelopes
tahr oh^ include urial or shapu, Tibetan sheep, markhor, Himalayan
Thesp • ' They are the most sought after meat animals.
difF distances andmeasures
hence their protection is
uuncuit. The conservation and management include:
®'^forcing strict vigil against hunting
ecological management oftheir habitat
Legislation
Wildlife in the Indian Himalaya is governed by the Wildlife Pr(^
Uon Act of 1972. The act provides for the protection of wild am-
s and birds and for matters connected therewith or ancillary orin-
C! ental thereto. It has 7chapters which are divided into 66 sections,
ive schedules ofanimals are incorporated in this act.
This act deals with wildlife administration, hunting of wild ^
nials, sanctuaries &national parks, trade in animal skins &trop
3nd prevention and detection of wildlife offences. nmtec-
Nepal and Bhutan too have their own legislation for e P
tion of wild animals.
 Himalayan Mammals 41

Himalaya. It is a common monkey living in and around human seitle-

ments. In summer the rhesus macaque may ascend to elevations of
over 2500 mts in search of food. They are good swimmers and cross
even rapid torrents. The rhesus macaque eats fruits, leaves, succulent
shoots & roots and spiders and insects.
2. Assamese macaque (Macaco assamensis): Found in the lower
Himalayan Mammals Himalaya from Mussoorie in the west to Aninachal Pradesh in the
east. During the summer season the Assamese macaques livebetween
600 mts and 1800 mts while in winter they are rarely found over 1200
mts. They usually live in small troops in dense forests, avoid human
settlements, but may raid fields and orchard^. Their food consists of
fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, shoots and insects.
Tu body temperature
Their ^ STOup of animals
remains more orwho
lesssuckle their young of
static irrespective ones.
the 3. Common langur or Hanuman monkey (Presbytis entellus): The
climatic temperature. In the Himalaya, mammals are found right from common langur is found in various parts of the Himalaya. They may
the foothill zone along the Indo-Ganga plain to tracts around the ascend to elevations of over 3500 mts. The Himalayan race is more
snowline. hairy, thick-coated and the pale heads stand out in sharp contrast with
Amongst the larger Hmalayan mammals is the Indian one-homed other parts of the body. The langurs move in troops of varying sizes
rhinoceros which was once found all along the foothills. However, and ascend to the sub-alpine forests in search of food during the sum
today iis distribuuon is restricted to the eastern Himalayan foothills. mer months. They eat fruits, flowers, leaves, shoots, succulent roots
The elephant and uger are found in the area to the east of the Yamuna and occasionally raid fields andorchards.
nver along the boundary of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. 4. Golden langur (Presbytis geei): This langur was discovered by
Other larger mammals include the leopard, clouded leopard, snow the famous naturalist E.P. Gee in thejungles ofeastern Himalaya. The
l^p^d, Tibetan wild ass (found only in the cold desert of Ladakh) coat is of a uniform deep cream to golden colour. Little is known
black and brown bears.
about this elusive species found in the jungles of the Sankosh river on
medium-Sized mammals found in the Himalaya include the Indo-Bhutan border.
^^hmir stag, ghoral, bharal.
blue sheep, nyan, hyaena, jackal, wolf and wild boar 5. Slow loris {Nycticebus coucang): Restricted in occurrence to
lav. in the Hima-
parts of Arunachal Pradesh. It lives in dense forests and is nocturnal
by habiL
Most Himalayan mammals are migratory by nature They move Cat Family

1. Tiger {Panlhera tigris): Found in different pam of

laya from Garhwal in the west to Arunachal Pradesh
found from the lower foothills to elevations of over _
Primates
tiger preys on deers, antelopes, wild boars, porcupi ,
phants and even domestic animals.
j .\. Thp leooard is found
1. me,us macaque (Uacaca mulMc): Found all over ihe lower 2. Uopard or Panlher {Panlhera pardus). snowline. It
all over the Himalaya from the foothills to irac
 Himalayan Mammals 41

Himalaya. It is a common monkey living in and around human seitle-

ments. In summer the rhesus macaque may ascend to elevations of
over 2500 mts in search of food. They are good swimmers and cross
even rapid torrents. The rhesus macaque eats fruits, leaves, succulent
shoots & roots and spiders and insects.
2. Assamese macaque (Macaco assamensis): Found in the lower
Himalayan Mammals Himalaya from Mussoorie in the west to Aninachal Pradesh in the
east. During the summer season the Assamese macaques livebetween
600 mts and 1800 mts while in winter they are rarely found over 1200
mts. They usually live in small troops in dense forests, avoid human
settlements, but may raid fields and orchard^. Their food consists of
fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, shoots and insects.
Tu body temperature
Their ^ STOup of animals
remains more orwho
lesssuckle their young of
static irrespective ones.
the 3. Common langur or Hanuman monkey (Presbytis entellus): The
climatic temperature. In the Himalaya, mammals are found right from common langur is found in various parts of the Himalaya. They may
the foothill zone along the Indo-Ganga plain to tracts around the ascend to elevations of over 3500 mts. The Himalayan race is more
snowline. hairy, thick-coated and the pale heads stand out in sharp contrast with
Amongst the larger Hmalayan mammals is the Indian one-homed other parts of the body. The langurs move in troops of varying sizes
rhinoceros which was once found all along the foothills. However, and ascend to the sub-alpine forests in search of food during the sum
today iis distribuuon is restricted to the eastern Himalayan foothills. mer months. They eat fruits, flowers, leaves, shoots, succulent roots
The elephant and uger are found in the area to the east of the Yamuna and occasionally raid fields andorchards.
nver along the boundary of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. 4. Golden langur (Presbytis geei): This langur was discovered by
Other larger mammals include the leopard, clouded leopard, snow the famous naturalist E.P. Gee in thejungles ofeastern Himalaya. The
l^p^d, Tibetan wild ass (found only in the cold desert of Ladakh) coat is of a uniform deep cream to golden colour. Little is known
black and brown bears.
about this elusive species found in the jungles of the Sankosh river on
medium-Sized mammals found in the Himalaya include the Indo-Bhutan border.
^^hmir stag, ghoral, bharal.
blue sheep, nyan, hyaena, jackal, wolf and wild boar 5. Slow loris {Nycticebus coucang): Restricted in occurrence to
lav. in the Hima-
parts of Arunachal Pradesh. It lives in dense forests and is nocturnal
by habiL
Most Himalayan mammals are migratory by nature They move Cat Family

1. Tiger {Panlhera tigris): Found in different pam of

laya from Garhwal in the west to Arunachal Pradesh
found from the lower foothills to elevations of over _
Primates
tiger preys on deers, antelopes, wild boars, porcupi ,
phants and even domestic animals.
j .\. Thp leooard is found
1. me,us macaque (Uacaca mulMc): Found all over ihe lower 2. Uopard or Panlher {Panlhera pardus). snowline. It
all over the Himalaya from the foothills to irac
 42 Himalayan Wildlife Himalayan Mammals 43

lives both in forests and in open rocky areas. It will kill and eat 9. Jungle ca, IFelis cha^s): The jungle cat ^
anything it can overpower, viz. deers, antelopes, wild boars, porcu legs and a short tail. Found all over the Him aya. momines
pines, monkeys, birds, domestic cattle and even poultry. The leopard jungle cat has a thicker winter coat. It usually hunts
IS more widely distributed than the tiger. and evenings. It eats small mammals, birds, domesuc animals and
3. Snow leopard or Ounce (Panthera undo): This is an elusive poultry.
animal found at very high elevations from Kashmir to parts of western 10. Ly;u: I.FeHs lynx)-. The lynx
^nachal Pradesh. It lives in the caves of stunted forests lying near tract of the upper Indus valley in Ladakh. ^
^e snowhne. The snow leopard hunts early in the morning or around alpine scrub grasses and rocks near the snow i • during
SL? ^7'even larger fbirds. It moves to the alpine pastures marmots, aliitudinal migrant and ascends to elevations o o fj^gmmals and
^en^ and in search the summer months in search of prey- They ea s which it
snow leopard birds. Not much is known about the lynx as e ^ critical
may descend to elevauons ofabout 2000 mis. lives is extremely difficult and their populauon
leopard {Neqfelis nebulosa): This is another elusive levels in therecent past.
11. Pallas' cat {Felis manul): This ,g (aiown about
sively in the cold desert region of Ladakh. No
wild boars, monkeys, large birds-"""^les anddomestic
and even hunt at night,
^im^s killine deers
the feeding habits of the Pallas' cau

Civets

..Me. ca. 'S r,'Snr 1. Spoued linsang or Tiger civel

tiful civet found in the forests of igSO mts. H
Arunachal Pradesh between an elevation of13" ^ or
devours small mammals and birds which itcap
0"ihe ground. . asturdy civet
2. i^rge
'•• Large inaian
Indian civei
civei (Viverra
ivivetiu It is a solitary
• . ^y_ u is a —•
with an elongated head £md long country
animal found in dense forests, scrublands and ^1^ j^gg mdian
Of -he
Darjeeling hills, Sikkim and Anmachal m
It lives both in forested areas Jid arn..nH°h " Himalaya, civet eats small animals and birds. jji the
upK>n smaller m^mals, birds, small 3. Small Indian civet ^^jlands. It se^^
foothills of the Himalaya usually preferruig
for food on the ground. herrnap^''^'^^'
1500 mts. I, lives in or lerthtv t '" "I""' 4. Common palm civet or Toddy cat coarse
aiound grassy swamps, dvers, streams MdWes"the fw): Ablack or dark brown civet bean"g^ the nor^^^
on any animal it can kill including fishes and freshwater
does not normally enter water tn L,nh ^
S molluscs.
® It m the lower reaches of the H>malay and
to Arunachal Pradesh in the east. I ,„,ral fields,
crouching on ari or ovX^in^® ">•< "o ^1. by day amongst the branches villages and agncul
palm trees are its favourite shelter n
 Himalayan Birds 65

the western and central Himalaya

3. Little grebe {Podiceps ruficollis capensis)'. Found in the west
ern Himalaya.

Pelicans

Himalayan Birds 1. White or Rosy pelican {Pelecanus onocrotalus): A winter mi

grant in waterbodies of the lower Himalaya.
2. Grey or Spotted-billed pelican {Pelecanus philippensis philip-
pensis and P.P. crispus): A winter migrant found in the waterbodies
of the lower Himalaya.
The Himalaya are the home of thousands of species of birds or
avifauna. The bird assemblage of this mountain chain has been influ Cormorants and Snake Birds
enced by palaearctic, south Indian. Malayan. Chinese, Tibetan and
central Asian elements. Amongst the larger birds found in the Hima 1. Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carbo): Found in the Himalayan
laya are kites, eagles, vultures and pheasants. The medium-sized birds foothills.
include fowls, cocks, woodpeckers and swallows while tits and war
blers are some of the smaller birds of the Himalayan mountain chain. 2. Indian shag (Phalacrocorax fuscicoUis)-. Found in the lower
Both resident and migratory birds live in the Himalaya. Migratory Himalaya.
birds come to various parts of this mountain to spend a particular 3 Little or Pygmy cormorant {Phalacrocorax niger): Found aU
season; d.uring summer they come from the plains of cental India and over the lower Himalaya.
during winter from the landmass ofcentral Asia.
Bu-d niiption is a very interesUng avifaunal activity in the 4. Darter {Anhinga rufa melanogaster): Found in the western and
central Himalaya
Himalaya. Birds moving to and from central and southern India and
cen^ Asia cross this mountain chain. TTiey either fly along valleys
of the important nvers like Indus, SaUuj and Brahmapuua or fly over Herons

the nigh mountains.

migration of birds also takes place. Many birds move
1. Great whUe-belUed heron (.Ardea imperiam. Found in Uie
central and eastern Himalaya.
vallcvJtn
far awav
summers and descend to the shelter of the 2. Gim. heron iArdea ,oUam- Occurs mU.e H.a.alayan foo.-
e wi1gin hills in south India to spend
Himalaya fly months.
winter to places as
cuss2^in?i^?' n
cussed mthe followmg text (after Ripiey 1964). Himalaya are dis ""3 Heron iArdea cinerea ree,ros.^^^: Founa in U.e
Grebes

5. Lutie grt Himalaya.

western, central and easte
lack necked grebe (Podiceps caspicus caspicus)'. Found in
 Himalayan Birds 65

the western and central Himalaya

3. Little grebe {Podiceps ruficollis capensis)'. Found in the west
ern Himalaya.

Pelicans

Himalayan Birds 1. White or Rosy pelican {Pelecanus onocrotalus): A winter mi

grant in waterbodies of the lower Himalaya.
2. Grey or Spotted-billed pelican {Pelecanus philippensis philip-
pensis and P.P. crispus): A winter migrant found in the waterbodies
of the lower Himalaya.
The Himalaya are the home of thousands of species of birds or
avifauna. The bird assemblage of this mountain chain has been influ Cormorants and Snake Birds
enced by palaearctic, south Indian. Malayan. Chinese, Tibetan and
central Asian elements. Amongst the larger birds found in the Hima 1. Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carbo): Found in the Himalayan
laya are kites, eagles, vultures and pheasants. The medium-sized birds foothills.
include fowls, cocks, woodpeckers and swallows while tits and war
blers are some of the smaller birds of the Himalayan mountain chain. 2. Indian shag (Phalacrocorax fuscicoUis)-. Found in the lower
Both resident and migratory birds live in the Himalaya. Migratory Himalaya.
birds come to various parts of this mountain to spend a particular 3 Little or Pygmy cormorant {Phalacrocorax niger): Found aU
season; d.uring summer they come from the plains of cental India and over the lower Himalaya.
during winter from the landmass ofcentral Asia.
Bu-d niiption is a very interesUng avifaunal activity in the 4. Darter {Anhinga rufa melanogaster): Found in the western and
central Himalaya
Himalaya. Birds moving to and from central and southern India and
cen^ Asia cross this mountain chain. TTiey either fly along valleys
of the important nvers like Indus, SaUuj and Brahmapuua or fly over Herons

the nigh mountains.

migration of birds also takes place. Many birds move
1. Great whUe-belUed heron (.Ardea imperiam. Found in Uie
central and eastern Himalaya.
vallcvJtn
far awav
summers and descend to the shelter of the 2. Gim. heron iArdea ,oUam- Occurs mU.e H.a.alayan foo.-
e wi1gin hills in south India to spend
Himalaya fly months.
winter to places as
cuss2^in?i^?' n
cussed mthe followmg text (after Ripiey 1964). Himalaya are dis ""3 Heron iArdea cinerea ree,ros.^^^: Founa in U.e
Grebes

5. Lutie grt Himalaya.

western, central and easte
lack necked grebe (Podiceps caspicus caspicus)'. Found in
66 Himalayan Wildlife Himalayan Birds 67

Ducks, Geese and Swans

6. Pond heron or Paddy bird {Ardeola grayify. Found all over
the Himalaya, usually uptoan elevation of 1500 mis.
7. Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus): Found in ditches and
paddy fields ofthe foothills ofthe eastern Himalaya.
8. Cattle egret {Bubulcus ibis coromandus): Occurs in the grass
lands and wet areas of the Himalayan foothills.
9. Large egret {Egretta alba alba and E.a. modesta): Not very
common in the foothills of the western and central Himalaya.
10. Little egret (Egretta garzetta garzetta): Found in the western
and central Himalaya.
L Found near wet areas
phus): bittern
in the(Gorsachius
foothills ofmelanolophus melanolo-
the eastern Himalaya.
12. Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus minuius): Found in the
swamps and marshes of the western and central Himalaya.
wprianii of the Hunalayan foothills.
leucocephalus): Not very common in the
wetlands
of
01 uie western and centralWnaitomM
Himalaya oscitans): Found in the wetlands
1. White-fronted goose (Anser albifrons albifrons): Apalaearctic
species found in different pans of the Himalaya.
2. Lesser white-fronted goose {Anser erythropus): Found in the
western, central and eastern Himalaya.
3. Bar-headed goose {Anser indicus): A species of the Tibetan
zone, occurs in all parts of the Himalaya.
4. Snow goose {Anser caerulescens caerulescens): Very rare in
parts of Kashmir.
5. Whooper swan {Cygnus cygnus): Found in the wetlands of
western Himalaya.
6. Lesser whistling teal {Dendrocygnajavanica): Occurs upto an
elevation of about 500 mts in the western and central Himalayan
foothills. \
7. Large whistling teal (Dendrocygna bicolor): Not very com
mon in the western Himalaya.
8 Spotbill duck {Anas poecilor-hyncha poecilor-hyncha): Oc
curs in'the weUands of the foothills of the western, central and eastern
Himalaya.

9. Mallard (Anas piatyrhynchos): Found upto an elevation of

the (.Ciconia episcopus episcopus): Found in about 3000 mts in different parts of the Himalaya. It is known to
IuTm1 »P'° - elevauon of breed in Kashmir.
10. Gadwall (Anas strepera strepera): A winter migrant to the
tropical and sub-tropical forests of the Himalaya.
11. Falcated teal {Anasfalcata): Found in parts of the Himalayan
foothills.

Not very common in the 12. Wigeon {Anas penelope): Found in the wedands of the west-
em Himalayan foothills.

Ibis and SpoonbiU 13. Garganey {Anas querquedula): Awinter visitor to the wet
lands of the western and central Himalayan foothills.
14. Shoveller {Anas clypeata): Awinter migrant to the sub-tropi-
the Lives in and around cal and temperate tracts ofthe western Himalaya.
66 Himalayan Wildlife Himalayan Birds 67

Ducks, Geese and Swans

6. Pond heron or Paddy bird {Ardeola grayify. Found all over
the Himalaya, usually uptoan elevation of 1500 mis.
7. Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus): Found in ditches and
paddy fields ofthe foothills ofthe eastern Himalaya.
8. Cattle egret {Bubulcus ibis coromandus): Occurs in the grass
lands and wet areas of the Himalayan foothills.
9. Large egret {Egretta alba alba and E.a. modesta): Not very
common in the foothills of the western and central Himalaya.
10. Little egret (Egretta garzetta garzetta): Found in the western
and central Himalaya.
L Found near wet areas
phus): bittern
in the(Gorsachius
foothills ofmelanolophus melanolo-
the eastern Himalaya.
12. Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus minuius): Found in the
swamps and marshes of the western and central Himalaya.
wprianii of the Hunalayan foothills.
leucocephalus): Not very common in the
wetlands
of
01 uie western and centralWnaitomM
Himalaya oscitans): Found in the wetlands
1. White-fronted goose (Anser albifrons albifrons): Apalaearctic
species found in different pans of the Himalaya.
2. Lesser white-fronted goose {Anser erythropus): Found in the
western, central and eastern Himalaya.
3. Bar-headed goose {Anser indicus): A species of the Tibetan
zone, occurs in all parts of the Himalaya.
4. Snow goose {Anser caerulescens caerulescens): Very rare in
parts of Kashmir.
5. Whooper swan {Cygnus cygnus): Found in the wetlands of
western Himalaya.
6. Lesser whistling teal {Dendrocygnajavanica): Occurs upto an
elevation of about 500 mts in the western and central Himalayan
foothills. \
7. Large whistling teal (Dendrocygna bicolor): Not very com
mon in the western Himalaya.
8 Spotbill duck {Anas poecilor-hyncha poecilor-hyncha): Oc
curs in'the weUands of the foothills of the western, central and eastern
Himalaya.

9. Mallard (Anas piatyrhynchos): Found upto an elevation of

the (.Ciconia episcopus episcopus): Found in about 3000 mts in different parts of the Himalaya. It is known to
IuTm1 »P'° - elevauon of breed in Kashmir.
10. Gadwall (Anas strepera strepera): A winter migrant to the
tropical and sub-tropical forests of the Himalaya.
11. Falcated teal {Anasfalcata): Found in parts of the Himalayan
foothills.

Not very common in the 12. Wigeon {Anas penelope): Found in the wedands of the west-
em Himalayan foothills.

Ibis and SpoonbiU 13. Garganey {Anas querquedula): Awinter visitor to the wet
lands of the western and central Himalayan foothills.
14. Shoveller {Anas clypeata): Awinter migrant to the sub-tropi-
the Lives in and around cal and temperate tracts ofthe western Himalaya.
68 Himalayan Wildlife
15. Pink-headed duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea): Occurs in
the swamps and marshes of the foothills of Nepal and eastern Hima
laya.
16. Common pochard {Aythya ferina): Found in the foothills of
the western Himalaya.
17. White-eyed pochard (Aytha nyroca): Found in the wetlands
of Kashmir and Ladakh.
18. Ti^ed duck {Aytha fuligula): Apalaearctic species spending
the winter in parts ofthe western, central and eastern Himalaya.
19. Scaup duck {Aytha marila): Awinter migrant to the wetlands
of the western, central and eastern Himalaya.
20. Cotton teal {Nettapus coromandelianus coromandelianus):
Found m the wedands of the foothills of the western and central
Himalaya, usually upto an elevation of400 mts.
Qu/flmlc ofthe foothills of Arunachal{Cairina
swamps Pradesh.scutulata): Occurs in the
aUy
A winter visiior to the western and
central Himalaya, upto the Ouais ofBhutan in the east.
vari^' (^ii'gus merganser orientalis): Found in
elevation'ofSTOmtslSlT"^
t
Hawksand Vultures
, ringed late {Elanus caeruleus vociferus)' Lives in the
tats and culdvated areas or.jrf«ti rcSt^S
2. BlyOt's baza Wceda jerdcni jerjonf)-. Found in the tKipical
Himalayan Birds 69
evergreen and tropical moist deciduous forests of the eastern Hima
laya.
3. Indian black-crested baza {Aviceda leuphotes syama): Found
in the foodiills of the central and eastern Himalaya.
4. Black kite or Pariah {Milvus migrans migrans): Found upto an
elevation of 2200 mts in western and central Himalaya.
5. Black kite or Pariah {Milvus nugrans lineatus): Found in the
upper areas of the Himalaya.
6. Brahminy kite {Haliastur indus): Found in the foothills of the
western and central Himalaya.
7. Goshawk {Accipiter gentilis): A winter visitor to the upper
areas of the Himalaya.
8. Crested goshawk {Accipiter trivirgatus): Found upto an eleva
tion of 2200 mts from Garhwal to Arunachal Pradesh.
9. Sparrow hawk {Accipiter nisus melaschistos): Found between
an elevation of 1100 mts and 3300 mts in the Himalaya.
10. Besra sparrow hawk {Accipiter virgatus kashmiriensis):
Found in the western Himalaya.
11. Besra sparrow hawk {Accipiter virgatus qffinis): Found in the
central and eastern Himalaya.
12. Long-legged buzzard {Buteo rufinus rufinus): Found in the
western and central Himalaya.
13. Upland buzzard {Buteo hemilasius): Found in the uppertracts
of western and central Himalaya.
14. Buzzard {Buteo buteo burmanicus): Found upto an elevation
of about 2200 mts; breeds in Ladakh.
15. White-eyed buzzard eagle {Butastus teesa): Found inthe foot
hills ofthe western and central Himalaya.
16. Hodgson's hawk eagle {Spizaetus nipalensis nipedensis):
Found between an elevation of 400 mts and 2200 mts in various parts
of theHimalaya.
17. Changeable hawk eagle {Spizaetus cirrhatus limnaetus):
Found upto an elevation of 2200 mts from Garhwal to Arunachal
68 Himalayan Wildlife
15. Pink-headed duck (Rhodonessa caryophyllacea): Occurs in
the swamps and marshes of the foothills of Nepal and eastern Hima
laya.
16. Common pochard {Aythya ferina): Found in the foothills of
the western Himalaya.
17. White-eyed pochard (Aytha nyroca): Found in the wetlands
of Kashmir and Ladakh.
18. Ti^ed duck {Aytha fuligula): Apalaearctic species spending
the winter in parts ofthe western, central and eastern Himalaya.
19. Scaup duck {Aytha marila): Awinter migrant to the wetlands
of the western, central and eastern Himalaya.
20. Cotton teal {Nettapus coromandelianus coromandelianus):
Found m the wedands of the foothills of the western and central
Himalaya, usually upto an elevation of400 mts.
Qu/flmlc ofthe foothills of Arunachal{Cairina
swamps Pradesh.scutulata): Occurs in the
aUy
A winter visiior to the western and
central Himalaya, upto the Ouais ofBhutan in the east.
vari^' (^ii'gus merganser orientalis): Found in
elevation'ofSTOmtslSlT"^
t
Hawksand Vultures
, ringed late {Elanus caeruleus vociferus)' Lives in the
tats and culdvated areas or.jrf«ti rcSt^S
2. BlyOt's baza Wceda jerdcni jerjonf)-. Found in the tKipical
Himalayan Birds 69
evergreen and tropical moist deciduous forests of the eastern Hima
laya.
3. Indian black-crested baza {Aviceda leuphotes syama): Found
in the foodiills of the central and eastern Himalaya.
4. Black kite or Pariah {Milvus migrans migrans): Found upto an
elevation of 2200 mts in western and central Himalaya.
5. Black kite or Pariah {Milvus nugrans lineatus): Found in the
upper areas of the Himalaya.
6. Brahminy kite {Haliastur indus): Found in the foothills of the
western and central Himalaya.
7. Goshawk {Accipiter gentilis): A winter visitor to the upper
areas of the Himalaya.
8. Crested goshawk {Accipiter trivirgatus): Found upto an eleva
tion of 2200 mts from Garhwal to Arunachal Pradesh.
9. Sparrow hawk {Accipiter nisus melaschistos): Found between
an elevation of 1100 mts and 3300 mts in the Himalaya.
10. Besra sparrow hawk {Accipiter virgatus kashmiriensis):
Found in the western Himalaya.
11. Besra sparrow hawk {Accipiter virgatus qffinis): Found in the
central and eastern Himalaya.
12. Long-legged buzzard {Buteo rufinus rufinus): Found in the
western and central Himalaya.
13. Upland buzzard {Buteo hemilasius): Found in the uppertracts
of western and central Himalaya.
14. Buzzard {Buteo buteo burmanicus): Found upto an elevation
of about 2200 mts; breeds in Ladakh.
15. White-eyed buzzard eagle {Butastus teesa): Found inthe foot
hills ofthe western and central Himalaya.
16. Hodgson's hawk eagle {Spizaetus nipalensis nipedensis):
Found between an elevation of 400 mts and 2200 mts in various parts
of theHimalaya.
17. Changeable hawk eagle {Spizaetus cirrhatus limnaetus):
Found upto an elevation of 2200 mts from Garhwal to Arunachal
118 Himalayan Wildlife

26. Red-headed bullfinch (Pyrrhula erythrocephala): Found from

Kashmir to Kangra.

Buntings

1. Pine bunting {Emberiza leucocephala): Found from Kashmir

to Mussoorie.

2. Black-faced bunting {Emberiza spodocephala): Found in the

east of Himalayan foothills.
3. White-capped bunting {Emberiza stewarti): Found from Kash
mir to Almora.

4. Rock bunting {Emberiza cia): Found in the upper tracts of the

Himalaya.
5. Grey-headed bunting {Emberizafucata): Found from Kashmir
to Shimla.

6. Crested bunting {Melophus lathami): Found in the foothills

from Kashmirto Bhutan.
 5
Himalayan Reptiles and Fishes

Many different species of reptiles live in the Himalaya,

Gangetic gharial and muggar are found in limited numbeis in o y
few ofthe Himalayan rivers. Smaller four-footed «
common house gecko. Asian gecko and fiui-tbroated lizard.
species and varieties of both poisonous and non-poisonous
««foiiiriii<lheHiiiuilav..AiiiM«slcliMe««itetoig«^.^^
Russell's pit viper, vine snake and common grass snake, smuc
found upto an elevation ofabout 2800 mts.
Himalayan rivers, streams and lakes are nch in ^ ^
delude the rohu. mahaseer, and rainbow troutwhich^
®the Himalayan wat^s by aBritish army office. ^
upstream for spawning and breeding dunng e ^
InmKumaun
the recenthaspast, pdlution in Dal lake in Kashm^discussed
resulted in large scale
a^ here.laxe'
The unportant species ofrq)tiles and fishes
reptiles

RepUles include snakes, lizards and

restricted to the foothill, terai and bhabar tracts, snakes
^ found all over the Himalaya.
Snakes
. fUg ^rorid. Amongst
Over two thousand species of These occur from
ihese, over one hundred are found in the Lahui and
terai and bhabar tracts to the cold deserts have
Spiti. Only the important venemous and non-venem
been described in detail while the rest have only
Whittaker 1975).
 120 Himalayan Wildlife Reptilesand Fishes 121

Venomous Snakes termite mounds, ratholes, under rocks and boulders and even inaban
doned human dwellings. This snake feeds on insects, rats, mice, liz
1. Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus): Asmooth, glossy, bluish- ards, frogs, toads and even small snakes of their own kind. Till recent
black snake having a rounded head that is slighUy different from the times they were hunted and killed for their skin.
neck. About 40 thin white cross bands cover the entire body. The
lower part of its body is white coloured. It is found in the western, 5. Indian monocled cobra (Naja naja kaouthia): A medium to
central and eastern Himalaya upto an elevaUoii of about 1700 mts. large-sized snake with shiny scales and wide head and neck. The
The common krait lives in sandy soil, termite mounds, burrows of colour ranges from black to yellowish or greenish-brown with ragged
rodents mdpUes of brick and rubble. bands. The hood bears a marked white monocle. The underside is
Kraits are nocturnal and hide during the day. They come out after yellowish-white. _ . , ^
^k and hum for food mainly mice, rats, toads, frogs, lizards and This cobra is found in the lower hills of Garhw^
even small members of their own kind. Nepal, north Bengal, Bhutan and Aiunachal Pradwh. They i^abit
wetter areas and live in rat holes, termite mounds ^d^
A medium to large-sized
boulders. They are nocturnal and hunt for footer J
Zfh It has characteristic yellow and black season makes them very active and dangerous. The hood is ^d out
V! ondeveloped backbone and ablunt tail. The bands are when disturbed. Their food consists of '"^ects, rats, mice, tog^
not very marked theunderside. ards and even fishes and small snakes. TTiey are hunted for their skin.
foothm's^ ^ 1500 mts in the 6. KO,i cobra iOpUophasus Im^y. Ws
EmmI '"cts of Garhwal, Kumaun, Nepal, north shiny scales. Theie occur f
and rodenr Pradesh. They live in termite mounds large head is alitUe wider than the neck. The coiow vm
kraits are nrvt 1" vicinity of villages and water. The banded to yellowish or deep are edged with black,
near fields TnrfU ^0°^ >" 0P«" underside is ofalighter colour. ^ J"® ^. foothills of the
snakes. smaller This is areladvely rare ,«^/^.^rdevadon of
western, central and eastern Himalaya, y jjjgij
slendering wJf" '""'u ^^^llophis macClellandi): Asmall 2000 mts. They prefer dense ® ^ ^he hood is spread out
food consists of lizards, rats and smaU snakes.
tail is blackf'"®?'? shmy scales and a blunt black head. The when disturbed. . . j
brown ^coV^ wh ."".S 7. Russell's viper (Vipera
acterisuc yellow spots on the
acterisUc vellow k top of the head
snake having heavy, rough, strongly
HimllVTrv 4000 mts in the eastern or yellowish-brown with j^^jhade that may or may not
are able to of waterbodies, in forest areas and black. The underside is usually ofalighter snao
mice, frogs andsmalLs^s^* be speckled. ^-ntral and eastern Himalaya,
This snake is found in yve in termite mounds
co6ra (A^aya naja naja): Amedium to large- usually upto an elevation of 3000 . thorny bushes and
ra, hoL: crevices of rocte wi*V"'"f
andamediiim.«i grass. When provoked, they are cmbs and smaller
or even velinu/' h i, colour varies from dark brown to black THey feed on rals, mice, lizarfs. «»n»o"S.
white or yellow narT
pattern^^ththat may at times formcovered with aspeckled
ragged bands. snakes oftheir own kind. rt.iatively
te ai and bhabar tract to an elevation of about 4000Himalaya
mts. Theyfrom
livethein
 120 Himalayan Wildlife Reptilesand Fishes 121

Venomous Snakes termite mounds, ratholes, under rocks and boulders and even inaban
doned human dwellings. This snake feeds on insects, rats, mice, liz
1. Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus): Asmooth, glossy, bluish- ards, frogs, toads and even small snakes of their own kind. Till recent
black snake having a rounded head that is slighUy different from the times they were hunted and killed for their skin.
neck. About 40 thin white cross bands cover the entire body. The
lower part of its body is white coloured. It is found in the western, 5. Indian monocled cobra (Naja naja kaouthia): A medium to
central and eastern Himalaya upto an elevaUoii of about 1700 mts. large-sized snake with shiny scales and wide head and neck. The
The common krait lives in sandy soil, termite mounds, burrows of colour ranges from black to yellowish or greenish-brown with ragged
rodents mdpUes of brick and rubble. bands. The hood bears a marked white monocle. The underside is
Kraits are nocturnal and hide during the day. They come out after yellowish-white. _ . , ^
^k and hum for food mainly mice, rats, toads, frogs, lizards and This cobra is found in the lower hills of Garhw^
even small members of their own kind. Nepal, north Bengal, Bhutan and Aiunachal Pradwh. They i^abit
wetter areas and live in rat holes, termite mounds ^d^
A medium to large-sized
boulders. They are nocturnal and hunt for footer J
Zfh It has characteristic yellow and black season makes them very active and dangerous. The hood is ^d out
V! ondeveloped backbone and ablunt tail. The bands are when disturbed. Their food consists of '"^ects, rats, mice, tog^
not very marked theunderside. ards and even fishes and small snakes. TTiey are hunted for their skin.
foothm's^ ^ 1500 mts in the 6. KO,i cobra iOpUophasus Im^y. Ws
EmmI '"cts of Garhwal, Kumaun, Nepal, north shiny scales. Theie occur f
and rodenr Pradesh. They live in termite mounds large head is alitUe wider than the neck. The coiow vm
kraits are nrvt 1" vicinity of villages and water. The banded to yellowish or deep are edged with black,
near fields TnrfU ^0°^ >" 0P«" underside is ofalighter colour. ^ J"® ^. foothills of the
snakes. smaller This is areladvely rare ,«^/^.^rdevadon of
western, central and eastern Himalaya, y jjjgij
slendering wJf" '""'u ^^^llophis macClellandi): Asmall 2000 mts. They prefer dense ® ^ ^he hood is spread out
food consists of lizards, rats and smaU snakes.
tail is blackf'"®?'? shmy scales and a blunt black head. The when disturbed. . . j
brown ^coV^ wh ."".S 7. Russell's viper (Vipera
acterisuc yellow spots on the
acterisUc vellow k top of the head
snake having heavy, rough, strongly
HimllVTrv 4000 mts in the eastern or yellowish-brown with j^^jhade that may or may not
are able to of waterbodies, in forest areas and black. The underside is usually ofalighter snao
mice, frogs andsmalLs^s^* be speckled. ^-ntral and eastern Himalaya,
This snake is found in yve in termite mounds
co6ra (A^aya naja naja): Amedium to large- usually upto an elevation of 3000 . thorny bushes and
ra, hoL: crevices of rocte wi*V"'"f
andamediiim.«i grass. When provoked, they are cmbs and smaller
or even velinu/' h i, colour varies from dark brown to black THey feed on rals, mice, lizarfs. «»n»o"S.
white or yellow narT
pattern^^ththat may at times formcovered with aspeckled
ragged bands. snakes oftheir own kind. rt.iatively
te ai and bhabar tract to an elevation of about 4000Himalaya
mts. Theyfrom
livethein
 Reptiles and Fishes 123
122 Himalayan Wildlife

small snake whose upper surface is green in colour while the lower frogs, rats, mice, lizards, small snakes, birds and even their eggs.
part is ofa different shade. The head is wide, triangular and the neck 4. Bronze-back tree snake (Dendrellaphis tristis): A
isthin, delicate. The head has tiny scales while the dorsal body scales sized slender snake having smooth scales. They are long with a
are slighdy keeled. head and large eyes. The upper portion is dark brown Oj" ^ack. whUe
This snake is found at elevations of 4800 mts in the western the underside is of awhitish, grey or light green colour. Am e
Himalaya. It perhaps ascends upto the highest elevation as compared or bronze strip extends on the dorsal side from fte head •
to any other snake in the world. They live in thick vegetation near the outer edge of the belly scale is notched and these form a
edges of streams and rivers. These snakes are relatively slow moving side of the body. This helps the snake to cUmb .c
and search for food at night. Frogs, rats, mice and lizards are their Found all 'along the Himalayan foothill Wt up^
main food. about 2000 mts. They live in low bushes and thomy ^
snake which is active both during the day and nig -nakes are
Non-venomous Snakes from tree to tree and from tree tops to the Their
usually found in the open and usually <^0 small snakes and
1. Himalayan cat snake {Boiga multifasciata): A small to me- principal food consists of frogs, rats, mice, squirrels, smai
^um-sized slender snake, with smooth scales, very thin neck, pro- birds.
tudmg eyes and a flat head. It has a light brown colour and bears a .. j- This is a medium to
darker pattern of zig zag markings. Adistinct 'Y' mark occurs on the 5. Royal snake (Spalerosophis diade ).
top of Its head. The underside is of a lighter shade. The scales are large-sized snake. The upper part is are irregular
smooth but not usually glossy. colour while the underside is of a rose-pm • -pije
Hmalayan cat snake is found upto an elevation of about black markings on the back. The head and necK are
juuu rats. They are nocturnal creatures and spend the day amongst dorsal scales are keeled. r«„,hnis terai and bhabar tract of
bushes, under the bark of trees or rocks. Frogs, toads, rats, mice, liz The royal snake is found in the footh • jjjgy Uve in rat
Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, This snake is active
ards and insects are their main food. holes, crevices and amongst rocks and bashes. They prefer
during the day and is an agile cUinher °\«®rfood j^^gts of rodents,
si^ slender snake with dullM/we/wZ/fl
scales. It isnasutus):
green inAcolour.
medium to large-
The head is arid areas to moister tracts. Their pnncipal fooo
lizards, insects and small birds. ^ medium-
^thiUs and terai-bhabarunderside is of a Ughter shade. Found in the
belt of Kumaun, Nepal and north Bengal. 6. Banded racer side is Ugh^ ^
iS K-^! ®^ongst low bushes and trees. Frogs, mice, Uzards and sized snake having smooth scales. shade. The youngs
small birds are their main food. brown in colour while the lower side is regularly spa
iChrysopelea ornata): A small to medium-sized snakes have white cross bands that sxt ^ jmie narro
and brilliant white markings on the "ea •
S Iht !"^'"1 a^ery bright pattern ofblack, than the head while the tip or nose is ^ bhabar tract o
scales that are used.V®
for climbing. lateral folds on the belly The banael
banded racer
«cer_.is f<^d
found in J^^^ngst .h. the grasses^"
western and central Himalaya. It ' . during the day.
onHdnorth Bengal upto an elevation of forests of themts.
about 2000 foothills of active
They are Nepal bushes. This is an agUe snake hunong fo gnd rubble mthi
a^g the day and prefer to live on large trees and dense forests. live in the burrows of rodents. Tnsects and lizards.
grass. Their main food consists of frogs. wge snake with
nth!fbranches of one high tree to the 7. Common ratsnake {Ptyas rmicosus).
y 7^15 is a "
k also used for searching their food. Their
^eirprincipal
enemiesfood
and consists
this ability
of
 Reptiles and Fishes 123
122 Himalayan Wildlife

small snake whose upper surface is green in colour while the lower frogs, rats, mice, lizards, small snakes, birds and even their eggs.
part is ofa different shade. The head is wide, triangular and the neck 4. Bronze-back tree snake (Dendrellaphis tristis): A
isthin, delicate. The head has tiny scales while the dorsal body scales sized slender snake having smooth scales. They are long with a
are slighdy keeled. head and large eyes. The upper portion is dark brown Oj" ^ack. whUe
This snake is found at elevations of 4800 mts in the western the underside is of awhitish, grey or light green colour. Am e
Himalaya. It perhaps ascends upto the highest elevation as compared or bronze strip extends on the dorsal side from fte head •
to any other snake in the world. They live in thick vegetation near the outer edge of the belly scale is notched and these form a
edges of streams and rivers. These snakes are relatively slow moving side of the body. This helps the snake to cUmb .c
and search for food at night. Frogs, rats, mice and lizards are their Found all 'along the Himalayan foothill Wt up^
main food. about 2000 mts. They live in low bushes and thomy ^
snake which is active both during the day and nig -nakes are
Non-venomous Snakes from tree to tree and from tree tops to the Their
usually found in the open and usually <^0 small snakes and
1. Himalayan cat snake {Boiga multifasciata): A small to me- principal food consists of frogs, rats, mice, squirrels, smai
^um-sized slender snake, with smooth scales, very thin neck, pro- birds.
tudmg eyes and a flat head. It has a light brown colour and bears a .. j- This is a medium to
darker pattern of zig zag markings. Adistinct 'Y' mark occurs on the 5. Royal snake (Spalerosophis diade ).
top of Its head. The underside is of a lighter shade. The scales are large-sized snake. The upper part is are irregular
smooth but not usually glossy. colour while the underside is of a rose-pm • -pije
Hmalayan cat snake is found upto an elevation of about black markings on the back. The head and necK are
juuu rats. They are nocturnal creatures and spend the day amongst dorsal scales are keeled. r«„,hnis terai and bhabar tract of
bushes, under the bark of trees or rocks. Frogs, toads, rats, mice, liz The royal snake is found in the footh • jjjgy Uve in rat
Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, This snake is active
ards and insects are their main food. holes, crevices and amongst rocks and bashes. They prefer
during the day and is an agile cUinher °\«®rfood j^^gts of rodents,
si^ slender snake with dullM/we/wZ/fl
scales. It isnasutus):
green inAcolour.
medium to large-
The head is arid areas to moister tracts. Their pnncipal fooo
lizards, insects and small birds. ^ medium-
^thiUs and terai-bhabarunderside is of a Ughter shade. Found in the
belt of Kumaun, Nepal and north Bengal. 6. Banded racer side is Ugh^ ^
iS K-^! ®^ongst low bushes and trees. Frogs, mice, Uzards and sized snake having smooth scales. shade. The youngs
small birds are their main food. brown in colour while the lower side is regularly spa
iChrysopelea ornata): A small to medium-sized snakes have white cross bands that sxt ^ jmie narro
and brilliant white markings on the "ea •
S Iht !"^'"1 a^ery bright pattern ofblack, than the head while the tip or nose is ^ bhabar tract o
scales that are used.V®
for climbing. lateral folds on the belly The banael
banded racer
«cer_.is f<^d
found in J^^^ngst .h. the grasses^"
western and central Himalaya. It ' . during the day.
onHdnorth Bengal upto an elevation of forests of themts.
about 2000 foothills of active
They are Nepal bushes. This is an agUe snake hunong fo gnd rubble mthi
a^g the day and prefer to live on large trees and dense forests. live in the burrows of rodents. Tnsects and lizards.
grass. Their main food consists of frogs. wge snake with
nth!fbranches of one high tree to the 7. Common ratsnake {Ptyas rmicosus).
y 7^15 is a "
k also used for searching their food. Their
^eirprincipal
enemiesfood
and consists
this ability
of
 6
Wildlife Conservation in the Himalaya

India is considered to have the richest assemblage of wildlife. If

variety is taken as a yardstick then India will perhaps stand out as a
giant.
During the British rule in India there came a time when many
animals including the tiger and lion had reachcd on the threshold of
extinction. Each not-too-infrequent tiger-hunt left tens oftigers dead.
The wanton destruction of wildlife continued due to hunting and
clearance of forest areas.
In the past few decades, there has been an awakening towards
conserving the wildlife. The government has come out with several
laws prohibiting the killing of animals, and preserving the precious
wildlife. Several areas have been declared as protected areas so that
animals and birds can occupy their natural habitat and live and grow
under natural and protected conditions. Several wildlife sanctuaries
and national parks have been created in several parts of the country
with the specific object of conserving the wildlife. Some of the impor
tant conservation areas in the Himalaya have been dealt in the follow
ing text.

CONSERVATION AREAS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir is one ofthe leading Hin^aJayan slates in the

field of wildlife conservation. The state government has established
national parks and sanctuaries in all the three major ecological regions
of the state, viz. Ladakh. Kashmir valley and Jammu region These
ai«as have helped to conserve and improve the lot of both tlie flora
and fauna particularly those species which were on the verge of ex-
Unction, viz, the Kashmir stag and snow leopard.
 142 Himalayan Wildlije Wildlife Conservation in the Himalaya 143

for««. The principal forest types found in this national park are: (i) Dryalpine scrub.
W Dry jumper scrub forest
(b) Populus and salix forest Fauna: The faunal assemblage of this national park resembles
(c) Sub-alpine birch-fir forest that of the adjoining Kashmir valley, Ladakh and Chamba area of
(d) Dry alpine scrub and pasture. Himachal Pradesh. This is the home of—leopard, Kashmir stag,
brown and black bears, civet cat, grey langur, ibex, musk deer and
many species of birds.
endan?^ home of a number of rare and
Tibetan wilrf ^^ ''^S'Himalayan tract viz—snow leopard, Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
cies found hp ^ bharal. Amongst the rare bird spe-
Z rs nL
tory buds pass'h''' r"area on their way toP^dge.
through this Manyofmigra-
warmer parts India. This is asmall wildlife sanctuary located in the eastern part of the
Kashmir valley. It was set up as a sanctuary m1981
Kistwar National Park area of 32 sq kms. This sanctuary has recently been merged with the
Overa-An] sanctuary described in the following text
about 400 sq^kms"(JSiTlny^ ^ Geomorpfwlogy: The terrain encompasses ^
Kashmir with Himachal ?u°" catchment of the river. Glaciated tracts occur m ^
ment of the river Chenab Tlfr^' •^ ^ while the landscape of lower elevations has been carved out by fast
mts. • elevation varies from 1700 mts to 4800 flowing water.

Climate: Temperate to arctic climatic conditions prevail.

geomoiphic^featJr^es
spurs, ridges, saddles,Uiclude n"
glacial amo^fh rugged. Theinterlocking
prominent coniferous and —
sub-alpine and alpine belts are found in different parts
7il7' ary.

reaches of thisRains
upper u-acts. naSualk^rrrr^
are rerf- "^on^l'tionsprevails in the inlower
are experienced the
Fauna: The Overa wildlife
musk deer, serow, markhor and many interesung pe
winter. Autumn is briaht during the monsoon season and in
heavy snowfall occurs from ^T^l' cold. Very Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary

^c-rs: This sanctuary covers an ^

nf nhniit 400 sq kms in the upper
mountain resort of
catchment of the Lidder nver p ^ of the Overa
Pahalgam in Kashmir valley. It also includes me
sanctuary described in the previous text.
(c) Dry deodar forest Geomorphology: The
S scrub forest of thick deposits of glacial /j^^jgr river and its tributanw
shaped valleys and amphitheatas. terraces are sand-
have carved out deep boulder-fiHed 8 S • ^ hanging valleys
wiched between interlocking spurs. Wateriaiis
are common.
 142 Himalayan Wildlije Wildlife Conservation in the Himalaya 143

for««. The principal forest types found in this national park are: (i) Dryalpine scrub.
W Dry jumper scrub forest
(b) Populus and salix forest Fauna: The faunal assemblage of this national park resembles
(c) Sub-alpine birch-fir forest that of the adjoining Kashmir valley, Ladakh and Chamba area of
(d) Dry alpine scrub and pasture. Himachal Pradesh. This is the home of—leopard, Kashmir stag,
brown and black bears, civet cat, grey langur, ibex, musk deer and
many species of birds.
endan?^ home of a number of rare and
Tibetan wilrf ^^ ''^S'Himalayan tract viz—snow leopard, Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
cies found hp ^ bharal. Amongst the rare bird spe-
Z rs nL
tory buds pass'h''' r"area on their way toP^dge.
through this Manyofmigra-
warmer parts India. This is asmall wildlife sanctuary located in the eastern part of the
Kashmir valley. It was set up as a sanctuary m1981
Kistwar National Park area of 32 sq kms. This sanctuary has recently been merged with the
Overa-An] sanctuary described in the following text
about 400 sq^kms"(JSiTlny^ ^ Geomorpfwlogy: The terrain encompasses ^
Kashmir with Himachal ?u°" catchment of the river. Glaciated tracts occur m ^
ment of the river Chenab Tlfr^' •^ ^ while the landscape of lower elevations has been carved out by fast
mts. • elevation varies from 1700 mts to 4800 flowing water.

Climate: Temperate to arctic climatic conditions prevail.

geomoiphic^featJr^es
spurs, ridges, saddles,Uiclude n"
glacial amo^fh rugged. Theinterlocking
prominent coniferous and —
sub-alpine and alpine belts are found in different parts
7il7' ary.

reaches of thisRains
upper u-acts. naSualk^rrrr^
are rerf- "^on^l'tionsprevails in the inlower
are experienced the
Fauna: The Overa wildlife
musk deer, serow, markhor and many interesung pe
winter. Autumn is briaht during the monsoon season and in
heavy snowfall occurs from ^T^l' cold. Very Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary

^c-rs: This sanctuary covers an ^

nf nhniit 400 sq kms in the upper
mountain resort of
catchment of the Lidder nver p ^ of the Overa
Pahalgam in Kashmir valley. It also includes me
sanctuary described in the previous text.
(c) Dry deodar forest Geomorphology: The
S scrub forest of thick deposits of glacial /j^^jgr river and its tributanw
shaped valleys and amphitheatas. terraces are sand-
have carved out deep boulder-fiHed 8 S • ^ hanging valleys
wiched between interlocking spurs. Wateriaiis
are common.
144 Himalayan Wildlife Wildlife Conservation in the Himalaya 145
Climate: A typical temperate climate prevails at lower elevations
(h) Sub-alpine birch-fir forest
while arctic tosub-aictic conditions arecommon in the upper reaches.
(i) Sub-alpine pasture
Winters are wet and extremely cold. Snow covers a large part of the
sanctiiary for several weeks.
0) Birch-rhod^endron scrub forest
(k) Deciduous alpine scrub
Forests: The principal forest types found in this sanctuary are: (1) Dwarf rhododendron scrub.
(a) Moist deodar forest
G>) Mixed coniferous forest
Fauna: The Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary is the
(c) Moisttemperate deciduous forest interesting high altitude species. These include—leopard, '
(d) Sub-alpine forest black be^, musk deer, ib^x, maikhor and smaller
(e) Moist alpine scrub. tlie squirrels and field mouse. Amongst the birds
western tragopan and different species of eagles and vultures.
Fauna: This sanctuary is the home of many rare and threatened
high altitude species. These include—leopard, Kashmir stag, brown Shankaracharya Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
bear, black bear, ibex, musk deer and various interesting species of
birds.
Shankaracharya hill is adominaMg °Hrof°to^sts each
lake and Srinagar. It is the destination of hun Kashmir valley
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary day. The hill-top affords a commanding view ° jjjjj ^ere
for tens of miles. Before 1940, the ^
Gulmarg is apopular mountain resort near Srinagar in Kashmir depleted due to the removal of fuel wood, sm of trees.
J^ey. Dense forests occur in this area. fThe tract around Gulmarg has There came a stage when this hill becanie ^ nroKramme was
^utTso^Ss ^ sanctuary. It encompasses an area of Thereafter, a massive afforestado. a.d
taken up to increase the tree cover. This m forest covff.
cess. Today, the Shankaracharya hUl supports agooo
^ glaciated terrain is found in the upper
fieuratinn TTi©ofrunning
figuration due to the acUon lower slopes have got their present con
water.
Geomorphology: This is atowering hill situated. along
lake. The slope varies from very steep to precipi . gjea.
ters P^^ails in tfiis area. Win- Climate: Temperate to sub-arctic
all throufflwhA snowfall occurs at frequent intervals Very heavy snowfall is received during the w ^
Forests: The principal tree species Aat ^^'^^^acacia, oak and
srea are deodar, blue pine, poplar, chestnut.
listed bdow « "'is sanctuary are ^ are-leopaid.
DacC:a.^.^
(a) Moist deodar forest
- Pauna: Amongst the animals found of wiW goats and
•nusk deer, black bear, brown bear, different speci
Temperate mixed coniferous forest sheep and many interesting species of birds.
!S moist mixed deciduous forest
(a) Temperate secondary scrub
(e) Cypress and Alder forests Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary hills. K
(f) Blue pine forest
The Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary
(g) Sub-alpine high level fir forest covers an areaof about 13 sqkms.
144 Himalayan Wildlife Wildlife Conservation in the Himalaya 145
Climate: A typical temperate climate prevails at lower elevations
(h) Sub-alpine birch-fir forest
while arctic tosub-aictic conditions arecommon in the upper reaches.
(i) Sub-alpine pasture
Winters are wet and extremely cold. Snow covers a large part of the
sanctiiary for several weeks.
0) Birch-rhod^endron scrub forest
(k) Deciduous alpine scrub
Forests: The principal forest types found in this sanctuary are: (1) Dwarf rhododendron scrub.
(a) Moist deodar forest
G>) Mixed coniferous forest
Fauna: The Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary is the
(c) Moisttemperate deciduous forest interesting high altitude species. These include—leopard, '
(d) Sub-alpine forest black be^, musk deer, ib^x, maikhor and smaller
(e) Moist alpine scrub. tlie squirrels and field mouse. Amongst the birds
western tragopan and different species of eagles and vultures.
Fauna: This sanctuary is the home of many rare and threatened
high altitude species. These include—leopard, Kashmir stag, brown Shankaracharya Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
bear, black bear, ibex, musk deer and various interesting species of
birds.
Shankaracharya hill is adominaMg °Hrof°to^sts each
lake and Srinagar. It is the destination of hun Kashmir valley
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary day. The hill-top affords a commanding view ° jjjjj ^ere
for tens of miles. Before 1940, the ^
Gulmarg is apopular mountain resort near Srinagar in Kashmir depleted due to the removal of fuel wood, sm of trees.
J^ey. Dense forests occur in this area. fThe tract around Gulmarg has There came a stage when this hill becanie ^ nroKramme was
^utTso^Ss ^ sanctuary. It encompasses an area of Thereafter, a massive afforestado. a.d
taken up to increase the tree cover. This m forest covff.
cess. Today, the Shankaracharya hUl supports agooo
^ glaciated terrain is found in the upper
fieuratinn TTi©ofrunning
figuration due to the acUon lower slopes have got their present con
water.
Geomorphology: This is atowering hill situated. along
lake. The slope varies from very steep to precipi . gjea.
ters P^^ails in tfiis area. Win- Climate: Temperate to sub-arctic
all throufflwhA snowfall occurs at frequent intervals Very heavy snowfall is received during the w ^
Forests: The principal tree species Aat ^^'^^^acacia, oak and
srea are deodar, blue pine, poplar, chestnut.
listed bdow « "'is sanctuary are ^ are-leopaid.
DacC:a.^.^
(a) Moist deodar forest
- Pauna: Amongst the animals found of wiW goats and
•nusk deer, black bear, brown bear, different speci
Temperate mixed coniferous forest sheep and many interesting species of birds.
!S moist mixed deciduous forest
(a) Temperate secondary scrub
(e) Cypress and Alder forests Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary hills. K
(f) Blue pine forest
The Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary
(g) Sub-alpine high level fir forest covers an areaof about 13 sqkms.
 other Books of Related Interest
• Wildlife in the Himalayan Foothills
By P.C. Tiwari and B. Joshi
• Himalayan Forests and Forestry
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• Himalayan Natural Resources
B.D.^harma &Tej Kumar Sharma (eds)
• Mountain Ecosystems: AScenario of Unsustainability '
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• Handbook of National Parks. Wildlife Sanctuaries & f
Biosphere Reserves in India
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• Indian Forestry: A Perspective
ByAjayS. Rawat (ed)
• Indian Forestry Through the Ages '
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By Ajay S. Rawat
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• Discovering the Himalaya (Set of 2 Vols )
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ByAshok Jerath f ' \ "
• Glimpses ofthe Western Himalaya
By O.C.^Handa
• The Sfjj^rldour ofHimalayan Art &Culture
By Ashok Jerath
• Ancient Communities ofthe Himalaya
ByD.RSaklani

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