| Abstrakt: |
Raptors are high in trophic level and play an essential role in the functioning of an ecosystem, yet not much information about their distribution and abundance is available from the Indian Himalayan region. The present study was conducted in the Indian part of the Kailash sacred landscape, Western Himalayas, between February 2015–December 2017, documenting the distribution and abundance status of raptors in the landscape. Altogether, 320 km of trails were walked, and 1162 km of the vehicular survey were conducted through different habitats. A total of 506 individuals of 25 species belonging to three families were recorded. Nine Globally Threatened/Near Threatened species and eight migrant species were observed from the landscape. Himalayan vulture Gyps himalayensis was the most abundant and widely distributed raptor, followed by Black-eared kite Milvus migrans lineatus and Steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis. The population of raptors is declining worldwide, and in the Kailash landscape, this lesser-known group should be monitored regularly and protected by ensuring the availability of suitable and undisturbed habitat, control on forest fire, and uncontaminated food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
Full text from SpringerLink