Reconnaissance and Validation of Bird Watching Trails in Govind Landscape Region under Ecotourism Program of SECURE Himalaya Project, Uttarakhand (Final Report)

Abstract

The Wildlife Institute of India was approached by the Self Help group/organisation, Dehradun to conduct a reconnaissance and validation surveys of identified forest trails with respect to their potential development as bird-watching sites for tourists in the region in the future. A team of three persons with expertise, training, and experience in avian diversity and ecology – Ms. Ankita Das, Mr. Abdus Shakur and Mr. Rohit Jha – was assembled and visited the landscape during October 24 to November 01, 2021, enumerating birds, taking detailed habitat notes and drafting the report towards suggesting both short- and long-term recommendations towards popularising avitourism in the region.

Full text

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RECONNAISSANCE AND VALIDATION OF BIRD WATCHING
TRAILS IN GOVIND LANDSCAPE REGION UNDER ECOTOURISM
PROGRAM OF SECURE HIMALAYA PROJECT, UTTARAKHAND
JANUARY 2022
FINAL REPORT
Suggested citation: Shakur, M. A.*, Jha, R. R. S.*, Das, A.* and Sathyakumar, S. (2022)
Reconnaissance and Validation of Bird Watching Trails in Govind Landscape Region under Ecotourism
Program of SECURE Himalaya Project, Uttarakhand (Final Report) (submitted to Self Help Group,
Dehradun). Pp. 24
(* denotes recognition as equal contributors)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild Life) & Chief Wild Life
Warden, Government of Uttarakhand and Divisional Forest Officer, Govind Pashu Vihar (Purola)
for necessary permissions to work in Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary. We are thankful to Mr.
Asheesh Sharma & the Self Help, Dehradun organisation for commissioning WII for this work. We
are also very grateful to Sh. Praveen and his family & friends towards facilitating our comfortable
stay at Dhaula, Istragaad, Doni and Nanna Tal. We are also thankful to Ms. Poonam ji for our stay
at Sankri and for necessary arrangements to hike near Gibson waterfall area. We also acknowledge
support and encouragement from the Dean and Director of WII.
Sl.
No.
Content
Page nos.
1
Introduction
1 – 5
2
Ecotourism – Global & Local Perspectives
5 – 8
3
Reconnaissance Program
8 – 9
4
Trail Descriptions & Results
9 – 19
5
Conclusion & Recommendations
19 – 23
6
References
23 – 24
APPENDICES
25 – 35

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1. INTRODUCTION
Govind landscape is a part of the western Himalayan highland. It lies in Uttarkashi district in
the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The protected landscape comprises of Govind Pashu
Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS) (481.05 km2) – established in 1955 – and Govind National
Park (GNP) (558.88 km2) – which was later carved out of GWS in 1991 (Gupta 2004). The
protected landscape also has 42 villages nestled within. According to the Management Plan of
GWS & GNP (Mishra undated – period 2019-20 to 2028-2029), areas within 5 km radius of
GWS & GNP extending into neighbouring forest divisions of Tons, Upper Yamuna and
Uttarkashi is considered part of the larger Govind landscape. Thus, the larger Govind landscape
encompasses an additional area of about 258.77 km2, thereby bringing the total Govind
landscape area (including GWS & GNP) to about 1,298.70 km2. GWS is bound to the north by
the interstate boundary with Himachal Pradesh (contiguous with the adjacent Chitkul-Raksham
Sanctuary), to the east by a chain of mountain peaks and to the south by the Tons-Yamuna
watershed (Rahmani et al. 2016). Two major rivers – Rupin and Supin – flow through GWS
and meet at Netwar to form River Tons. The landscape is also dotted with several ponds and
tanks (Kumar et al. 2004). GNP encompasses the upper catchment area of River Tons. Tons is
one of the most significant tributaries of River Yamuna in the upper reaches and drains the
major portion of the area (Rahmani et al. 2016). The landscape falls under Biogeographic zone-
2B of North-West Himalayas (Rodgers and Panwar 1988), with altitude ranging from 1290 m
to 6387 m above mean sea level (asl). The landscape is one of the most biologically diverse
area in the northwest Himalayan region (Aziem et al. 2020).
The region comprises of various climatic zones from sub-tropical (1200–1700 m) to temperate
(1700–3500 m) and alpine (>3500m). According to Rahmani et al. (2016), the landscape
harbours representative species of Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest (Biome 7) and Eurasian
High Montane – Alpine Forest (Biome 5) {biome classification as per Bird Life International
(undated)}. Some of the habitat types found in the landscape include Himalayan Moist
Temperate Forest, Sub-tropical Pine Forest, and Alpine Moist Pasture. Some of the dominant
vegetation found up to 2600 m asl include Chir Pine Pinus roxburghii, Cedar Cedrus deodara,
Oak Quercus spp., and other broadleaf species. Blue Pine Pinus wallichiana, Cedar, Silver Fir
Abies pindrow, Spruce Picea smithiana, Yew Taxus baccata, while other species such as Oak
Quercus spp., Maple Acer spp., Walnut Juglans regia, Hazel Corylus jacquemontii and
Rhododendron Rhododendron sp. that are predominantly found above 2600 m asl (Anon. 1986,
Negi et al. 2013). Temperature in the landscape ranges from sub-zero to 25° C. The summer

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season lasts from March to June. The monsoon generally begins by middle of June and lasts
up to second week of September. The landscape receives an annual rainfall of about 1,500 mm.
The landscape experiences extreme cold and snow during winter season from November to
February (Mishra undated).
Figure 1: Physical map of Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary and Govind National Park, comprising
the Govind protected landscape; all predetermined trails in this reconnaissance survey were
located within Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) reported a total of 257 taxa belonging to nine faunal groups
in surveys conducted during 1993-1996 from GWS & GNP in Kumar et al. (2004). Of the 98
forms of invertebrates, they documented 12 species of Odonata, 55 species of Lepidoptera, 25
species of Hymenoptera and six species of Chilopoda. Among 159 vertebrates, two species of
Pisces, four species of Amphibia, six species of Reptilia, 32 species of Mammalia and 115
species of Aves were reported. However, in the most recent surveys conducted during 2009-
2011 focused on avian fauna, Sanyal et al. (unpublished) recorded 252 bird species from the
area (Rahmani et al. 2016). Among mammalian species, as per the International Union for
Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus (Garshelis &
Steinmetz 2020) and Snow Leopard Panthera uncia (McCarthy et al. 2016) are categorised as
‘Vulnerable’ whereas Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster is categorised as
‘Endangered’ (Timmins & Duckworth 2015). Threatened bird species found here include

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Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus and Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichi (Rahmani
et al. 2016). The Snow Leopard Project was initiated by the Government of India in the Govind
landscape. It is also one of the Important Bird and Biodiversity areas (IBBA) of India as
identified in Rahmani et al. (2016).
Most of the people inhabiting the landscape are either landless or possess small land holdings.
The terrain in the landscape makes agriculture difficult except in the valleys. Yet, agriculture
and livestock rearing are the primary occupations and basis of local livelihood (Negi et al.
2013). This area is used for human habitation, agriculture, grazing and rearing livestock,
tourism and recreation, mountaineering, trekking, nature conservation and research (Rahmani
et al. 2016).
Figure 2: A view of the Swargarohini Peak in Govind landscape; image credit Ankita Das
2. ECOTOURISM – GLOBAL & LOCAL PERSPECTIVES
The International Ecotourism Society (2015) defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to
natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of local people and
involves interpretation and education”. IUCN’s Ecotourism Programme describes it as
"Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in

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order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features – both past and
present) that promote conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active
socio-economic involvement of local population". Ecotourism is a sub-component of the field
of sustainable wildlife-oriented tourism and identifies itself separately from the mass tourism
industry. As an alternative to mass tourism, ecotourism involves “visiting natural areas to learn,
to study, or to carry out activities environmentally friendly, that is, a tourism based on the
nature experience, which enables the economic and social development of local communities”
(Kiper 2013).
Govind National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for many trekking routes which attract
several tourists throughout the year. Har ki Dun valley has Marinda Tal, Borasu Pass and the
Jaundhar glacier. Some of the famous mountain peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpuch,
Black Peak and Changsheel Peak are present in this landscape. Besides these, there are other
trekking routes such as the Kedarkantha trek known for its mesmerising sunrises and sunsets.
The landscape also has a few high altitude lakes such as Ruinsiyara and Bharadsar. Through
Bali Pass trek, one can enjoy the adventurous part of the religious Yamunotri valley. Rupin
Pass is another scenic trek in the area. Owing to its beautiful landscape with dense forests,
alpine meadows and snow clad mountains, there is a lot of potential to promote sustainable
ecotourism in the area.

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Figure 3: A view of the Har-ki-Dun valley; image credit Ankita Das
Bird-watching can promote both conservation and local community livelihoods through
ecotourism. “Birding, bird-watching or bird tourism is a specialised sector of nature based
tourism focused explicitly on searching for, watching and enjoying birds” (Biggs, 2013).
Avitourism is said to be a sub-sector or niche sector of the nature-based/ sustainable tourism
industry (Newsome et al. 2005, Biggs et al. 2011, Biggs 2013). Uttarakhand has a diversity of
geography offering a wide variety of ecosystems and thus supports a large diversity of birds.
The state has 710 species of birds comprising almost half of all bird species found in India
(Mohan and Sondhi 2017). This provides great potential for birdwatching and avitourism in
the state. Hence, in the recent decades, bird tourism is making inroads in Uttarakhand. Since
2012, the Uttarakhand Forest department is trying to bring avitourism under the ecotourism
discourse. Carefully planned and operated ecotourism sites, especially if it is village/home stay-
based and includes local participation at all levels, has been shown to provide direct benefits
that could offset pressure from other less sustainable activities that make use of natural and
cultural resources (Kiper 2013). In this spirit, emphasis is being placed on creating and training
nature guides from the local communities, with birdwatching as the focal activity. This has
given opportunity to people in rural areas to learn birdwatching as a skill and earn/ supplement
their income.

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Figure 4: WII avian expert team with our host at Istragaad village; image credit WII
In this context, the Wildlife Institute of India was approached by the Self Help group/
organisation, Dehradun to conduct a reconnaissance and validation surveys of identified forest
trails with respect to their potential development as bird-watching sites for tourists in the region
in the future. A team of three persons with expertise, training, and experience in avian diversity
and ecology – Ms Ankita Das, Mr Abdus Shakur and Mr Rohit Jha – was assembled and visited
the landscape during October 24 to November 01, 2021, enumerating birds and taking detailed
habitat notes.
3. RECONNAISSANCE PROGRAM
Day 1 – October 24, 2021 – Departure from Dehradun and arrival/night halt at Dhaula.
Day 2 – October 25, 2021 – Approximately 5 km trail walk from Dhaula to Istragaad (night
halt) mainly through moist riverine forests, orchards, human habitation and Kuin Dibri
(waterfall) area.
Day 3 – October 26, 2021 – Exploration around Kuin Dibri area in the morning in moist riverine
forests along a perennial stream with adjoining scrub and mixed use areas; approximately 2.5
km trail walk from Istragaad to nearby Forest Rest House and slightly beyond (on the

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Chansheel Bugyal route) along scrub forest (initial half) and mature dense oak and pine forests
(latter half) in the evening; walk back along the same route to Istragaad (night halt).
Day 4 – October 27, 2021 – Approximately 5 km trail walk back to Dhaula from Istragaad
through Kuin Dibri area, human habitation, orchards, and moist riverine forests; night halt at
Doni village.
Day 5 – October 28, 2021 – Exploration around Rupin River near Doni village in the morning
along boulder-stony floodplain area with a scattering of bushes and scrub vegetation; afternoon
trek (approximately 5.5 km) to Nannatal largely along habitation and modified habitats with
patches of forested areas; halt near Nannatal.
Day 6 – October 29, 2021 – Exploration around orchards and fallow fields/scrub near Nannatal
early morning; approximately 5.5 km trek back to Doni largely through fields, orchards, scrub
and human-use areas; night halt at Sankri.
Day 7 – October 30, 2021 – Approximately 7 km morning until evening trek to Gibson
waterfall area largely through dense montane forests (detour from Kedarkantha trek); overnight
camping in the forest.
Day 8 – October 31, 2021 – Approximately 7 km trek back to Sankhri, largely along
Kedarkantha trek route, along less dense forests, and mixed-use areas with high tourist
movement; night halt at Netwar.
Day 9 – November 01, 2021 – Departure from Netwar and arrival at Dehradun.
4. TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS & RESULTS
In a total of seven days and around 140 person-hours of dedicated and exclusive bird-watching
effort in the above-mentioned areas, we enumerated a total 1815 individuals belonging to 115
bird species, including the presence of ten Schedule-I and two near threatened species –
Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus and Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis). Highest
number of species documented (73) and the largest number of unique species (16) were along
the Dhaula-Istragaad trail (including a small area towards Chanseel Bugyal beyond Istragaad),
mainly because of the existence of a wide variety of available habitats (fields, orchards, scrub,
riverine areas, montane forests) and the team’s high birding effort there (around 54 person-
hours and 17.8 km walking effort). Areas/ treks/ trails have been designated from a bird-
tourism perspective, and their documented species richness and a crude measure of beta

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diversity (species unique to an area vis-à-vis the region concerned), from our seven-day survey,
is provided in the results. The results must be interpreted keeping in mind differential effort
invested along different trails. We provide descriptions of the visited birding areas along with
their bird diversity documented with birding effort invested.
4 a. Dhaula area:
Dhaula is a small hub pertaining to commercial activities in the area situated at an altitude of
1550 m asl. Lying adjacent to Rupin River, this place is relatively open with both riverine and
shrubby vegetation elements around. The roads nearby are nice trails to walk on and watch
birds and are surrounded by shrubs giving a chance to get a glimpse of Chestnut-headed Tesia
Cettia castaneocoronata or Scaly-breasted Cupwing Pnoepyga albiventer which may be
relatively common there. In about 5.5 person-hours and 3.2 km of birding effort, 29 species
were documented in and around Dhaula.
4 b. Dhaula – Istragaad trail:
The trail to Istragaad (elevation 1950 m asl) from Dhaula is about 4.5 km long and meanders
along the Istragaad stream crisscrossing riverine forest patches and relatively open apple
orchards. The climb is gentle (total altitudinal climb about 400 m) and mixed species flocks
are more easily encountered during morning hours. Being nearby to the stream area and having
places with canopy openings, the trail offers good photographic opportunities as well. Species
like the Ashy-throated Warbler Phylloscopus maculipennis and various species of tits are
frequently encountered on this trail. The Kuin Dibri waterfall near Istragaad village is a
pleasant place to visit with high turnover of bird species. It offers everything from early
morning sunlight to aesthetic appearances of the agricultural fields, farmhouses, and a pleasing
cacophony of bird calls amidst the gushing sound of the waterfall. After waking up to calls of
the Blue-whistling Thrush (locally referred to as “Koel”), the place explodes with activity of
laughingthrushes, warblers and parakeets. Early morning is the best time to explore this area
as the bird activity is highest and with vegetation at eye level offers good opportunities to
photograph them as well. There is a chance of finding Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator
xanthonotus close to the village as there is a perfect habitat with large beehives on the mountain
slopes. The area just beyond Istragaad on the trail that leads to the Chansheel Bugyal (~ 1.8
km) gives an opportunity to explore nearby mature oak and pine forests. A perfect place to
encounter forest-dwelling species like pheasants (Himalayan Monal, Partridges) and thrushes.
If vigilant enough, one can spot Himalayan Goral Naemorhedus goral as well on the opposite

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steeper slopes of the mountain. In total, birding effort invested on the Dhaula-Istragaad trail
and surrounding areas was about 54 person-hours and 17.8 km, in which we documented 73
species.
Figure 5: Trail along riverine forest with dense understorey on Dhaula-Istragaad route; image
credit Rohit Jha
Figure 6: Kuin Dibri area near Istragaad has high bird activity and diversity; image credit Rohit
Jha

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Figure 7: Dhaula to Istragaad trail/ trek route
Figure 8: Dense and mature montane forest dominated by oak and pine trees on way towards
Forest Rest House from Istragaad settlement; image credit Rohit Jha

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4 c. Doni village and Rupin riverbank:
Doni village, situated at an elevation of 1850 m asl, lies a few kilometres upstream of Rupin
River from Dhaula. The area near the village might not be a great place due to human habitation
and built area, but a descend to the Rupin River provides opportunities to explore the
surroundings. The river broadens up near Doni and the wide banks here are boulder stricken
and contain patches of dry scrub. Himalayan Griffon and Bearded Vultures can be seen here
on the watch out for food circling the hill slopes. One can also see a Himalayan Prinia Prinia
crinigera waving its tail while calling or a Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis trying its luck
chasing sparrows, and the Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria foraging around boulders. In a
total of 8.3 person-hours and 3 km of birding effort, mainly along the Rupin River, we
documented 41 species.
Figure 9: Bouldery/ stony floodplain habitat along River Rupin with forested hills near Doni
village; image credit Rohit Jha
4 d. Doni/Satta to Nanna Tal trail:
The trek from Doni to Nanna Tal (altitude 2350 m asl) is a relatively shorter trail (3 km) but
rather difficult because of the steep climb involved (altitudinal increment of 500 m). It passes
through agricultural fields and scrub patches and ends near Nanna Tal – a small water body –
surrounded by dense pine forests. Along the way, especially in the afternoons, the relatively
more open expanse with a scattering of trees allows good opportunities to sight raptors. It is a
nice place to keep a watch for owls in the night time. Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga
caryocatactes is quite abundant all along the route and were seen gorging on pine cones to
cache them for the cold season. Hill slopes above Nanna Tal bustles with activity once the sun

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rays hit the scrub around the apple orchards in the morning. White-browed Fulvetta Fulvetta
vinipectus, monals, woodpeckers, rosefinches are some of the species/ groups that can be easily
seen near Nanna Tal. In about 30 person-hours and 10.2 km of effort (including the trek and
areas around Nanna Tal), we documented 51 species here.
Figure 10: Largely mixed use habitats with forested patches and scrub habitats along the Nanna
Tal trek from village Doni; image credit Rohit Jha
Figure 11: Doni Village to Nanna Tal trek/ trail route

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Figure 12: A view of the Nanna Tal lake surrounded by pine forests
Figure 13: The Gibson waterfall trek from Sankri (detour from Kedarkantha trek) passes
through dense riverine and montane forests; image credit Rohit Jha

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4 e. Saud/ Sankri – Gibson Waterfall Trail:
The trail starts from Sankri village (1950 m asl) – which is also a trekking hub – and goes
through pine forests alongside dense riverine vegetation adjacent to a third order stream ending
near an open spot near Gibson waterfall area inside the forest (2575 m asl) where a few tents
can be set up. It is a rather difficult trek because of the steepness at few places (overall altitude
gain of 625 m) and being in relatively unchartered country as compared to the more heavily
visited Kedarkantha trek. The trek’s length is about 3.75 km. However, one gets to experience
the beauty of pine forests far away from the more heavily visited trekking route. It is one of the
best places to find Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus and Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia
macrolopha deep inside the forests needing one to keep vigilant lest flush them away. Rufous-
gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata, Green Shrike-Babbler Pteruthius xanthochlorus are
the birds that can be encountered here on the trail. Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus
flocks, White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis, Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes
are some other species that can be found more easily all day along the trail. A person who
respects forests and with the perfect company on the walks receives lot of sighting and signs
of other wildlife including Himalayan Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Gray Langur
Semnopithecus ajax, and the rare Himalayan Pit Viper Gloydius himalayanus. A perfect trail
for people that enjoy watching wildlife in more pristine habitats and with a liking to explore
offbeat routes/places. In a birding effort of 10.2 km and 30.5 person-hours, we documented 49
species.
Figure 14: Sankri to Gibson waterfall trek/ trail route

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4 f. Kedarkantha Trail:
The Kedarkantha Peak – a famous winter trek in the region – is a relatively easier trail since it
is well-marked with regular presence of eateries and resting places. Those seeking to complete
the Kedarkantha trek and watch birds simultaneously could take this trail/ route as it offers the
opportunity of encountering a variety of bird species since it goes through multiple habitats.
Species turnover could be low since this is a popular trekking route/ destination, hence
rendering it difficult to encounter more secretive species or to watch any bird for longer
durations, unless present in a small group. Thrushes, Warblers and Yuhinas can be more easily
encountered on this trail. On our return to Sankri from Gibson waterfall area, we took the
Kedarkantha trail for only about 2 km (incomplete) and invested about 5 person-hours of
birding effort for a total of 25 species.
Figure 15: Species richness observed at each trail/ trek route; Dhaula = Dhaula area, Istragaad =
Dhaula-Istragaad trek including route to Chanseel bugyal, Doni = Doni-Rupin River trail,
Nannatal = Doni-Nanna Tal trek, Gibson Waterfall = Sankri-Gibson waterfall area trek &
Kedarkantha = Kedarkantha trail/trek; analysis and graph by Abdus Shakur

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Figure 16: Number of unique species observed at each trail/trek route with differential survey
effort caveat; Dhaula = Dhaula area, Istragaad = Dhaula-Istragaad trek including route to
Chanseel bugyal, Doni = Doni-Rupin River trail, Nannatal = Doni-Nanna Tal trek, Gibson
Waterfall = Sankhri-Gibson waterfall area trek & Kedarkantha = Kedarkantha trail/trek;
analysis and graph by Abdus Shakur
Figure 17: Species richness observed at each trail/trek route is largely congruent with
birdwatching effort invested (see Figure 15); Dhaula = Dhaula area, Istragaad = Dhaula-
Istragaad trek including route to Chanseel bugyal, Doni = Doni-Rupin River trail, Nannatal =
Doni-Nanna Tal trek, Gibson Waterfall = Sankhri-Gibson waterfall area trek & Kedarkantha =
Kedarkantha trail/trek; analyses and graph by Abdus Shakur

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In Table 1 below, we summarise three trails/ routes primarily for which this survey was
conducted – Dhaula-Istragaad, Doni-Nanna Tal and Saud/Sankhri-Gibson waterfall – in terms
of their accessibility, terrain, natural environment, avian population/ diversity, and overall
natural beauty.
Trail / Trek
Accessibility
Terrain /
Difficulty
level
Natural environment
Bird population &
species diversity
Overall
natural
beauty
Dhaula –
Istragaad
Good
Easy
Riverine vegetation,
mature oak & pine forests,
orchards, bushes & scrub,
human habitation
High
Excellent
Doni –
Nanna Tal
Good
Medium/
Hard
Bushes & scrub, human
habitation, orchards,
mature oak and pine forest
Medium (good
diversity of raptors
and other open
habitat/scrub-
preferring species)
Good
Saud/
Sankhri –
Gibson
waterfall
Good
Medium/
Hard
Thickly forested, riverine
vegetation
High
Excellent
Table 1: Summary of certain features of the three identified trails/ trek routes
5. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
In a short time of only seven birding days covering the early winter/ autumn season, the team
was able to document 115 avian species. This suggests high year-round avian diversity in the
region. Additionally, the area is remote, the terrain is rugged, and at present the region has
limited connectivity (both surface transport and telecommunications). In this context, the
region will always attract only the most avid birdwatcher who pursues birdwatching more than
just as a hobby, or the more wildlife-focused physically fit tourist who does not mind staying
off the grid for a few days. All identified trails were found to be promising, and all our night
halt destinations/villages could develop a certain number of outhouses/rooms to host tourists
in a sustainable fashion. Hence, basic but comfortable infrastructure need to be created to host
tourists taking care that sustainable ecotourism practices are adhered to in their entirety. We

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recommend the following measures to be taken over the short and long-term if developing and
sustaining low-impact ecotourism opportunities focused on avian diversity is the objective. In
implementing the suggested measures, experience and expertise of several relevant
organisations based in and around Uttarakhand and those of members of local communities
already engaged in birdwatching-based sustainable ecotourism ventures must be utilised in all
possible ways and manner.
I. Short-term
i. At least two further 10-15 day surveys in the winter and spring/summer seasons
could be done to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the avian diversity of the
landscape. Such surveys must also aim to identify other promising trails/treks/spots
in the region to give a wider palette of choices to potential tourists and to develop
a bird and/or wildlife tourism circuit/package in the landscape. This will also help
determine the distribution and variation of bird habitats in the landscape, and
potential to club birdwatching with other wildlife-viewing experiences. This will
help in generating training material and bird pocket guides. If certain spots are
identified to have high turnover of birds (such as the Kuin Dibri area near
Istragaad), camouflaged hideouts could be made to enable larger groups to observe
birds without directly disturbing them.
ii. A bird festival with invited participation – given limited infrastructure in the region
– could be organised this year at Dhaula/Sankri with the partnership of all
stakeholders (including NGOs such as the Titli Trust – www.titlitrust.org – with a
vast experience in this sector) and funding support from the state government. This
will help in popularising the area as a bird-watching destination.
iii. Training, hand-holding and financial assistance of village members interested to
host tourists on all aspects related to establishing and upgrading guest
houses/rooms – to accommodate tourists’ basic comforts along sustainable tourism
principles and global best practices – will be beneficial. Having relatively less well-
off households involved in and spearheading small-scale village/homestay-based
tourism will be societally beneficial too and establish them as partners in
conservation. Wider consultations with all stakeholders, including Uttarakhand
Forest Department, will be most crucial.

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iv. Training on bird identification, birdwatching and basic bird biology to interested
youth will help a pool of persons willing to accompany tourists during their
birdwatching trips. Such training could be imparted by experienced wildlife
researchers/individuals and organisations with the required skill sets and training
material.
II. Long-term
i. Organisations experienced in setting up and facilitating homestay-based lodging
facilities must also help setup a relevant organisational structure comprising of
trained local persons capable of eventually running the administration of the
ecotourism enterprise in the landscape entirely by themselves with appropriate
profit-sharing models for local infrastructure/village development.
ii. Establishing forward-linkages will be crucial, for which appropriate tie-ups and
partnerships may be necessary, until a dedicated website is established, or by
simply using existing social media platforms (such as Instagram). While promoting
and developing places as avitourism destinations, emphasis must always be
towards implementing smaller-scale but sustainable tourism practices, including
good practices such waste avoidance/ responsible waste management.
iii. To avoid causing negative impacts of tourism on the environment, and to ensure
that the environmental aesthetic value of the landscape is retained, environment
carrying capacity of birdwatching-focused ecotourism need to be carried out.
Similarly, a study evaluating willingness-to-pay will also be useful.
iv. Birdwatching-focused tourism enterprises in the landscape could also be
supplemented by other income-generating activities such as village tourism –
focusing on experience of rural living in the Himalayan mountains – alongside the
sale of local handicrafts and local agricultural produce. This will help establish a
more well-rounded enterprise with a wider involvement of local communities and
intended benefits to flow to the local economy.

22 | P a g e
Figure 18: A collage of bird species seen during the reconnaissance survey – (clockwise from top
left, images not to scale) a female Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos, Rufous-bellied
Woodpecker Dendrocopos hyperythrus, Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes and Spotted
Forktail Enicurus maculatus; all images credit Ankita Das
Figure 19: A collage of bird species seen during the reconnaissance survey – (clockwise from top
left, images not to scale) Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus, Striated Laughingthrush
Grammatoptila striata, Common Raven Corvus corax and White-throated Laughingthrush
Pterorhinus albogularis; all images credit Ankita Das

23 | P a g e
Figure 20: WII bird expert team with trip local coordinator Mr. Praveen at Dhaula; image credit
WII
6. References
Anon. (1986) Indo-U.S. snow leopard project. Progress report for spring 1986. Snow Line 10:
4–5.
Aziem, S., Negi, A. K. and Mir, N. A. (2020) Diversity of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Agro
Forestry Landuse in Govind Pashuvihar Wildlife Sanctuary Uttarakhand India. European
Journal of Medicinal Plants, 54-63.
Biggs, D. (2013) Birding, sustainability and ecotourism. International handbook on
ecotourism.
Biggs, D., Turpie, J., Fabricius, C. and Spenceley, A. (2011) The value of avitourism for
conservation and job creation—An analysis from South Africa. Conservation and Society,
9(1): 80-90.
Garshelis, D. & Steinmetz, R. (2020) Ursus thibetanus (amended version of 2016 assessment).
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22824A166528664.
https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22824A166528664.en. Accessed on 07
January 2022.

24 | P a g e
Kumar, A., Gupta, S. K. and Padmanaban, P. (2004) Some selected fauna of Gobind Pashu
Vihar, Conservation Area Series, 18: 1-90 (Published by the Director, Zool. Surv. India,
Kolkata).
McCarthy, T., Mallon, D., Jackson, R., Zahler, P. & McCarthy, K. (2017) Panthera uncia. The
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22732A50664030.
https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T22732A50664030.en. Accessed on 07
January 2022.
Mohan, D. and Sondhi, S. (2017) An updated checklist and bibliography of the birds of
Uttarakhand. Published by Uttarakhand Forest Department, Dehradun. Pp. i-vi, 1-92.
Negi, V. S., Maikhuri, R. K. and Rawat, L. S. (2013) Ecological assessment and energy budget
of fodder consumption in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, India, International Journal of
Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 20:1, 75-82, DOI:
10.1080/13504509.2012.747993
Newsome, D., Dowling, R. K., & Moore, S. A. (2005). Wildlife tourism. Channel View
Publications.
Rahmani, A. R., Islam, M. Z. and Kasambe, R. M. (2016) Important Bird and Biodiversity
Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation (Revised and updated). Bombay Natural History
Society, Indian Bird Conservation Network, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and
BirdLife International (U.K.). Pp. 1992 + xii
Rodgers, W. A. and Panwar, S. H. (1988) Biogeographical classification of India. New Forest,
Dehra Dun, India.
The International Ecotourism Society (2015) (https://ecotourism.org/what-is-ecotourism/)
Timmins, R.J. and Duckworth, J.W. (2015) Moschus leucogaster. The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species 2015: e.T13901A61977764. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-
2.RLTS.T13901A61977764.en. Accessed on 07 January 2022.

25 | P a g e
APPENDIX 1 – List of bird species seen during the reconnaissance survey
Sl.
no.
Family
Common Name
Scientific Name
IUCN
Category
WLPA
Schedule
1
PHASIANIDAE
Hill Partridge
Arborophila torqueola
LC
IV
2
Himalayan Monal
Lophophorus impejanus
LC
I
3
Koklass Pheasant
Pucrasia macrolopha
LC
I
4
Kalij Pheasant
Lophura leucomelanos
LC
IV
5
COLUMBIDAE
Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
LC
IV
6
Snow Pigeon
Columba leuconota
LC
IV
7
Oriental Turtle-Dove
Streptopelia orientalis
LC
IV
8
Spotted Dove
Streptopelia chinensis
LC
IV
9
APODIDAE
Himalayan Swiftlet
Aerodramus brevirostris
LC
IV
10
PHALACROCORACIDAE
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
LC
IV
11
ACCIPITRIDAE
Bearded Vulture
Gypaetus barbatus
NT
I
12
Himalayan Griffon
Gyps himalayensis
NT
IV
13
Mountain Hawk-Eagle
Nisaetus nipalensis
LC
I
14
Black Eagle
Ictinaetus malaiensis
LC
I
15
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
LC
I
16
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
LC
I
17
Black Kite
Milvus migrans
LC
I
18
Upland Buzzard
Buteo hemilasius
LC
I
19
STRIGIDAE
Mountain Scops-Owl
Otus spilocephalus
LC
IV
20
Collared Owlet
Taenioptynx brodiei
LC
IV
21
Brown Wood Owl
Strix leptogrammica
LC
IV
22
MEGALAIMIDAE
Great Barbet
Psilopogon virens
LC
IV
23
PICIDAE
Brown-fronted
Woodpecker
Dendrocoptes auriceps
LC
IV
24
Rufous-bellied
Woodpecker
Dendrocopos
hyperythrus
LC
IV
25
Himalayan Woodpecker
Dendrocopos
himalayensis
LC
IV
26
Lesser Yellownape
Picus chlorolophus
LC
IV
27
Scaly-bellied
Woodpecker
Picus squamatus
LC
IV
28
Gray-headed
Woodpecker
Picus canus
LC
IV
29
FALCONIDAE
Eurasian Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
LC
IV
30
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
LC
I
31
PSITTACULIDAE
Slaty-headed Parakeet
Psittacula himalayana
LC
IV
32
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
Long-tailed Minivet
Pericrocotus ethologus
LC
IV
33
VIREONIDAE
Himalayan Shrike-
Babbler
Pteruthius ripleyi
LC
IV
34
Green Shrike-Babbler
Pteruthius xanthochlorus
LC
IV
35
LANIIDAE
Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach
LC
IV

26 | P a g e
Sl.
no.
Family
Common Name
Scientific Name
IUCN
Category
WLPA
Schedule
36
CORVIDAE
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandarius
LC
IV
37
Black-headed Jay
Garrulus lanceolatus
LC
IV
38
Red-billed Blue-Magpie
Urocissa erythroryncha
LC
IV
39
Gray Treepie
Dendrocitta formosae
LC
IV
40
Eurasian Nutcracker
Nucifraga caryocatactes
LC
IV
41
Large-billed Crow
Corvus macrorhynchos
LC
IV
42
Common Raven
Corvus corax
LC
IV
43
STENOSTIRIDAE
Yellow-bellied Fairy-
Fantail
Chelidorhynx
hypoxanthus
LC
IV
44
Gray-headed Canary-
Flycatcher
Culicicapa ceylonensis
LC
IV
45
PARIDAE
Coal Tit
Periparus ater
LC
IV
46
Rufous-naped Tit
Periparus rufonuchalis
LC
IV
47
Green-backed Tit
Parus monticolus
LC
IV
48
Himalayan Black-lored
Tit
Machlolophus
xanthogenys
LC
IV
49
CISTICOLIDAE
Himalayan Prinia
Prinia crinigera
LC
IV
50
PNOEPYGIDAE
Scaly-breasted Cupwing
Pnoepyga albiventer
LC
IV
51
HIRUNDINIDAE
Asian House-Martin
Delichon dasypus
LC
IV
52
Nepal House-Martin
Delichon nipalense
LC
IV
53
PYCNONOTIDAE
Red-vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus cafer
LC
IV
54
Himalayan Bulbul
Pycnonotus leucogenys
LC
IV
55
Black Bulbul
Hypsipetes
leucocephalus
LC
IV
56
PHYLLOSCOPIDAE
Ashy-throated Warbler
Phylloscopus
maculipennis
LC
IV
57
Buff-barred Warbler
Phylloscopus pulcher
LC
IV
58
Hume's Warbler
Phylloscopus humei
LC
IV
59
Lemon-rumped Warbler
Phylloscopus
chloronotus
LC
IV
60
Mountain Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus sindianus
LC
IV
61
Whistler's Warbler
Phylloscopus whistleri
LC
IV
62
Greenish Warbler
Phylloscopus
trochiloides
LC
IV
63
Western Crowned
Warbler
Phylloscopus occipitalis
LC
IV
64
Gray-hooded Warbler
Phylloscopus
xanthoschistos
LC
IV
65
SCOTOCERCIDAE
Gray-sided Bush
Warbler
Cettia brunnifrons
LC
IV
66
Chestnut-headed Tesia
Cettia castaneocoronata
LC
IV
67
Aberrant Bush Warbler
Horornis flavolivaceus
LC
IV
68
AEGITHALIDAE
Black-throated Tit
Aegithalos concinnus
LC
IV

27 | P a g e
Sl.
no.
Family
Common Name
Scientific Name
IUCN
Category
WLPA
Schedule
69
SYLVIIDAE
White-browed Fulvetta
Fulvetta vinipectus
LC
IV
70
ZOSTEROPIDAE
Whiskered Yuhina
Yuhina flavicollis
LC
IV
71
Indian White-eye
Zosterops palpebrosus
LC
IV
72
TIMALIIDAE
Black-chinned Babbler
Cyanoderma pyrrhops
LC
IV
73
White-browed Scimitar-
Babbler
Pomatorhinus schisticeps
LC
IV
74
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-
Babbler
Erythrogenys
erythrogenys
LC
IV
75
LEIOTHRICHIDAE
Striated Laughingthrush
Grammatoptila striata
LC
IV
76
Streaked
Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron lineatum
LC
IV
77
Variegated
Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron
variegatum
LC
IV
78
Chestnut-crowned
Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron
erythrocephalum
LC
IV
79
Rufous Sibia
Heterophasia capistrata
LC
IV
80
Chestnut-tailed Minla
Actinodura strigula
LC
IV
81
White-throated
Laughingthrush
Pterorhinus albogularis
LC
IV
82
TICHODROMIDAE
Wallcreeper
Tichodroma muraria
LC
IV
83
SITTIDAE
White-tailed Nuthatch
Sitta himalayensis
LC
IV
84
White-cheeked Nuthatch
Sitta leucopsis
LC
IV
85
CERTHIIDAE
Hodgson's Treecreeper
Certhia hodgsoni
LC
IV
86
Bar-tailed Treecreeper
Certhia himalayana
LC
IV
87
CINCLIDAE
Brown Dipper
Cinclus pallasii
LC
IV
88
STURNIDAE
Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis
LC
IV
89
TURDIDAE
Long-tailed Thrush
Zoothera dixoni
LC
IV
90
Alpine Thrush
Zoothera mollissima
LC
IV
91
Gray-winged Blackbird
Turdus boulboul
LC
IV
92
MUSCICAPIDAE
Blue Whistling-Thrush
Myophonus caeruleus
LC
IV
93
Little Forktail
Enicurus scouleri
LC
IV
94
Spotted Forktail
Enicurus maculatus
LC
IV
95
Golden Bush-Robin
Tarsiger chrysaeus
LC
IV
96
Slaty-blue Flycatcher
Ficedula tricolor
LC
IV
97
Rufous-gorgeted
Flycatcher
Ficedula strophiata
LC
IV
98
Little Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula westermanni
LC
IV
99
MUSCICAPIDAE
Ultramarine Flycatcher
Ficedula superciliaris
LC
IV
100
Rusty-tailed Flycatcher
Ficedula ruficauda
LC
IV
101
Blue-fronted Redstart
Phoenicurus frontalis
LC
IV
102
Plumbeous Redstart
Phoenicurus fuliginosus
LC
IV
103
White-capped Redstart
Phoenicurus
leucocephalus
LC
IV

28 | P a g e
Sl.
no.
Family
Common Name
Scientific Name
IUCN
Category
WLPA
Schedule
104
MUSCICAPIDAE
Siberian Stonechat
Saxicola maurus
LC
IV
105
Gray Bushchat
Saxicola ferreus
LC
IV
106
ESTRILDIDAE
Scaly-breasted Munia
Lonchura punctulata
LC
IV
107
PASSERIDAE
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
LC
IV
108
Russet Sparrow
Passer cinnamomeus
LC
IV
109
MOTACILLIDAE
Gray Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
LC
IV
110
White Wagtail
Motacilla alba
LC
IV
111
Olive-backed Pipit
Anthus hodgsoni
LC
IV
112
FRINGILLIDAE
Common Rosefinch
Carpodacus erythrinus
LC
IV
113
Pink-browed Rosefinch
Carpodacus rodochroa
LC
IV
114
Yellow-breasted
Greenfinch
Chloris spinoides
LC
IV
115
EMBERIZIDAE
Rock Bunting
Emberiza cia
LC
IV
Note: IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature, WLPA = Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, LC = Least Concern, NT = Near Threatened; entries in bold text
indicate either species are ‘Near Threatened’ as per IUCN classification or feature in
Schedule I of WLPA, 1972

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APPENDIX 2 – Brief Information on some selected bird species documented in the
Landscape
1. Himalayan Monal
The state bird of Uttarakhand and a colourful Pheasant of Himalayas. Found in coniferous
forests with steep slopes and seen in areas with undergrowth. A very shy bird and gets flushed
out easily. Call is a whistle like “kur-lieu” or “kleeh-wick”, which can be heard prominently
during dusk and dawn. Sometimes this species is hunted as game or for the male’s crest.
2. Koklass Pheasant
Medium sized pheasant with feathered face; the male has a black crest and female with a
smaller crest. A shy bird seen in forests with steep slopes. The male announces the morning
with its characteristic hoarse call. Known to feed on seeds and fruits of various plants
Figure 2: Koklass Pheasant male (credit: Savithri Singh, Wikimedia commons)
Figure 1: Himalayan Monal male (credit: Ajit Hota, Wikimedia commons)

30 | P a g e
3. Himalayan Griffon
A large raptor of the Himalayas seen circling near the hills and valleys and villages on the
lookout for corpse. Commonly seen lonely or in pairs but aggregate at feeding sites,
sometimes stage a road blockade when start feeding on a carcass next to a road. A near
threatened species due to the possible decline of population by diclofenac use.
4. Bearded Vulture
A unique raptor having a small beard at the base of bill found in the higher elevations. Has a
unique diet comprising of bone, bone marrow and sometimes carcass. Known to take the bone
of dead animal and release it from the air, breaking the bone and making it easy to feed. Studies
have shown that wild birds preferred bone over meat when given a choice.
Figure 4: Bearded Vulture (credit: Derek Keats, Wikimedia commons)
Figure 3: Himalayan Griffon (credit: Imran Shah, Wikimedia commons)

31 | P a g e
5. Golden Eagle
A large dark brown raptor seen uncommonly. Often seen soaring in the sky or rarely seen
sitting on the steep slopes with sparse vegetation. Bird both hunts for other birds, mammals
and scavenges. It is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
6. Northern Goshawk
A large gray coloured raptor of forested areas often seen circling near forest edge or villages
hunting for smaller birds. A relatively rarer bird in the higher elevation of Himalayas.
Figure 6: Northern Goshawk (credit: Krill Lapin, Wikimedia commons)
Figure 5: Golden Eagle (credit: Juan Lacruz, Wikimedia commons)

32 | P a g e
7. Mountain Scops-Owl
A small nocturnal owl that occurs in Oak, Rhododendron, Deodar and Pine forests from 600 –
2600 m in the Himalayas (Ali and Ripley). They are known to feed on insects and rodents. The
species is heard more readily than being seen. The call is a two note “Phlew Phlew” repeated
after few seconds. It might start calling after sunset and can continue till dawn. Might move
down in winters.
8. White-cheeked Nuthatch
A small bird of the coniferous forests, heard more commonly and seen in the canopy. The
nasal calls can be heard from far in the forests. Can be seen on the lookout for insects under
bark and lichen and feed on cone seeds.
Figure 8: White-cheeked Nuthatch (credit: Imran shah, Wikimedia commons)
Figure 7: Mountain Scops-Owl (credit: Rejaul Karim, Wikimedia commons)

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9. Green Shrike-Babbler
Small shrike-babbler with small bill and greenish upperparts. Resident of Oak and coniferous
forests and often found hunting in mixed species flocks consisting of Phylloscopus warblers,
Tits and Treecreepers. The bird gives a single note “Whee” call while foraging.
10. Asian House-Martin
A small blue and white colored martin often seen in huge flocks over valleys near to villages
foraging for insects in flight. Looks similar to Common House-martin but differentiated by
having darker underparts and much forked tail. Often flies along with other House-martin and
swifts while foraging.
Figure 10: Asian House-Martin (credit: Dibyendu Ash, Wikimedia commons)
Figure 9: Green Shrike-Babbler (credit: Dibyendu Ash, Wikimedia commons)

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11. Blue-Whistling Thrush
A bluish coloured bird with yellowish bill, a common bird of the landscape found near to damp
places near streams and villages. A very vocally active bird during dawn and dusk, and wakes
you up early in the morning. Fondly called as ‘Koel’ by the locals. Migrates down to lower
elevations in winter.
12. Eurasian Nutcracker
A crow sized bird known for feeding on nuts of cones. Seen more often plucking nuts from
cones hanging upside down and then gobbling them up, flying to a secure place and hiding it
for winter. Can be seen in great numbers in coniferous forests in the higher reaches. Gives a
characteristic “krr- Krr-krr” call throughout the day.
Figure 11: Blue-Whistling Thrush (credit: Abdus Shakur)
Figure 12: Eurasian Nutcracker (credit: Kuhnmi, Wikimedia commons)

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APPENDIX 3 – Brief Profiles of the Reconnaissance Team
1. Mohammad Abdus Shakur
Shakur finished his Masters in Wildlife Sciences from the Wildlife Institute
of India, Dehradun in 2021. His research interests deal with insect
communities in human-modified landscapes. He is broadly interested in
ecology and conservation with a hope to speak up for tiny things that matter.
He can be found on the lookout for birds or ants, if not busy.
2. Ankita Das
Ankita is presently working as a Project Associate at the Wildlife Institute
of India, Dehradun in the project ‘Uttarakhand Wildlife Population
Estimation’. She did her Masters in Environmental Studies from University
of Delhi, where she worked on “Acoustic diversity of dawn and roosting
chorus of birds in an urban landscape”. Her research interest includes
community ecology, acoustic communication, medicinal plants and
traditional ecological knowledge.
3. Rohit R.S. Jha
Rohit completed his Masters in Wildlife Biology & Conservation from the
National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore in 2014. He worked on
the Bengal Florican satellite telemetry project with the Bombay Natural
History Society (2014-17). Thereafter, he has been working with the
Wildlife Institute of India, first investigating the nesting ecology of riverine
birds in the Chambal landscape of Uttar Pradesh (2018-20), and currently
as a senior researcher assessing biodiversity of the Hazaribagh-Koderma
landscape in the state of Jharkhand. His primary research interest includes
investigating the ecology of less-studied and threatened species (particularly birds) in
vulnerable habitats.