Study of variation in migratory birds population and contributing factors in Qurumbar national park and ghakuch wetland complex, Gilgit Baltistan (T-1308) (MFN 4269)

Abstract

The Qurumbar National Park and Gahkuch wetland complex have high potential ground for feeding and breeding of migratory birds. Birds migrate from one place to another for many reasons including completion of food, harsh weather conditions and for the search of breeding grounds are called migratory birds these include winter visitors ,summer breeders, and passage migrants. For survival of any specie there must be some suitable and favorable conditions. Despite of our acknowledgement that bird are important to us, anthropogenic activities often threaten the habitat such as conversion of natural land for agricultural practices. The current study was undertaken to estimate the population, identification, conservation measure for protection of migratory birds in Qurumbar National Park and Gahkuch wetland complex. Gahkuch wetland complex is the breeding ground and Qurumbar National Park is the staging ground for most of the migratory birds. Field survey Methods such as point count, line transect, interviews and questionnaires were used to know the factual situation along with the social economic and environmental conditions of the study area. During the period from September to December 2013 no unidentified specie were found. A total 220 migratory birds were recorded during September- December 2012, and a total 292 migratory birds including, Mallard, Common Coot, Common teal, Gray Heron and unidentified Ducks were recorded during September- December 2013 The increasing number of birds during 2013 is due to lack of data of one month in 2012 The authorities responsible for the natural resource management in Gilgit Baltistan i.e World widelife Fund for Nature (WWF), International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN), Wildlife department, Forest department, Local social organizations such as Qurumbar Social Welfare Conservation and Development Organization (QSWCDO) and Best Town Local Support Organization (BTLSO) were surveyed and evaluated for the legal compliance. Wildlife Act is existing but there is no compliance. The study revealed that the avi-fauna population data, identification of the threats and conservation measures provides new insights for proper management of the avifauna.