Census Study of Ducks, Swans and Geese from High-Altitude Wetlands of Pakistan

The family Anatidae consists of aquatic birds such as ducks, geese and swans of varied sizes that belong to the order Anseriformes (Carboneras, 1992). The Anatidae comprise of approximately 148 species (Johnsgard, 2010). This family is commonly found across the globe except for in Antarctica. Data on ecology and population of these water birds was taken from protected areas of Pir Lasura National Park (June-July 2009), Banjosa Game Reserve (May-June 2009), Dhirkot National Park (February 2008), Pir Chanasi National park (April-May 2010) and Tolipir National Park (April-May 2008). Only four species from the family Anatidae were found in the study region. Banjosa Game Reserve had the most diversity with 41 % of Mute swan, 10% of Lesser White-fronted Goose and 32% of the Northern Shoveler. Efforts are needed by the concerned parties to conserve the population of the Lesser White-fronted Goose which was only observed in Banjosa Game Reserve and had a low population density, along with a vulnerable status globally

Comparative Mito-Genomic Analysis of Different Species of Genus Canis by Using Different Bioinformatics Tools

In the current study, the mitochondrial genes sequence for COI, Cyt b and 16s rRNA of seven species found in different parts of the world were retrieved from NCBI Gene Bank while, PCR products of COI, Cyt b and 16s rRNA genes obtained from C. lupus and C.aureus present in Pakistan were sequenced and aligned for comparison. The phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI, Cyt b and 16s rRNA genes showed almost the same results for the extant species of genus Canis. 16s rRNA revealed C. latrans, C. lycaon and C. simensis showed close phylogenetic relation with each other. While, COI and Cyt b showed wider genetic distance. Cyt b and 16s rRNA analysis indicated C. mesomelas and C. adustus as sister taxa, while COI also proved the same phylogenetic association. COI and 16s rRNA revealed the least genetic distance between C. aureus and C. lycaon while Cyt b showed more genetic distance. COI, 16s rRNA analysis determined close phylogenetic relations between C. lupus and C. lycaon while Cyt b showed greater phylogenetic distinction between these two species. Cyt b and 16s rRNA revealed no genetic distance between C. latrans and C. lycaons while COI analysis identified both as genetically distant. Finally, COI, 16s rRNA successfully determined the phylogenetic association between C. aureus and C. adustus but Cyt b clarified more with higher genetic distance. Hence, it is concluded that 16s rRNA revealed least genetic distance while Cyt b showed higher genetic distances which suggest its potential use for species delineation especially for mammal

A Preliminary Study on Population of Some Passeriformes at Marala Head

Passerines are perching birds of order Passeriformes representing half of the diversity of birds (Sibley and Monroe, 1990). There are total 6,600 species identified under 140 families declaring Passeriformes as the largest order of birds. Three hundred and thirteen species of Passeriformes were reported by Roberts (1992) from Pakistan but according to check list of birds of Pakistan there are more than 400 species of Passeriformes in Pakistan (Clements, 2019). They have significant ecological importance in an ecosystem and are mostly omnivores except the shrikes which are carnivorous. This study was done to form a preliminary checklist of Passeriformes at Marala Wetlands from October 2000 to September 2001. Census of the passeriformes was conducted on monthly basis by physically exploring the starting points from the three rivers (Kikar post, Kalyal and Rangpur Kuri) to Marala Head. Four families (Dicruridae, Passeridae, Ploceidae and Sylviidae) belonging to the order of Passeriformes were observed. Only one species was observed from each family

Livestock at Marala Head

Pakistan possesses the most varied and widely distributed network of wetlands. The study area spanned across Kikar post to head Marala at river Jammu Tawi from Kalyal to head Marala at river Chenab and from Rangpur Kuri to head Marala at river Manawar Tawi. Total count of the livestock (resting grazing) population was taken during each calendar month of the year, i.e., from October, 2000 to September 2001. The results of the survey confirmed the presence of 6 common species of livestock i.e. sheep, goat, buffaloes, cows, donkeys and horses in the study area in different sizes of populations

Factors Affecting Waterfowl Diversity at Wetland Area, Punjab (Pakistan)

Different wetlands are being selected through WWF to improve their conditions and to create awareness about their importance in public of Pakistan. The study will help in providing sound basis for the future conservation activities and management of waterfowl population, on sounder footing. The study was conducted at Marala wetlands from October 2000 to September 2001. The State of Jammu and Kashmir lies in the north. Three rivers, i.e., Tawi, Chenab and Manawar Tawi, coming from Jammu and Kashmir, flow into Game Reserve and meet to enter the Head Marala water storage reservoir. At river Jammu Tawi, 58 species of migratory birds belong to 10 families were recorded. At river Manawar Tawi, 43 species were recorded. At river Chenab, 47 species were recorded

Checklist of Bats in Some Areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Bats form an essential part of the ecosystem by aiding pollination, keeping insect pests in check and overall maybe helpful as indicators of health status of the ecosystem. This study was conducted to formulate a checklist of bats from different regions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Five National parks from Azad Jammu and Kashmir were surveyed for the species of bats present (Dhirkot National Park, Pir Lasura National Park, Pir Chanasi National Park, Banjosa National Park and Tolipir National Park). From the study conducted, 10 species of bats belonging to 5 families were found cumulatively in the five national parks

Seasonal Population Fluctuations in Some Non-Passeriformes at Marala Head, Pakistan

Point count method was used to determine the relative abundance of non-passerine species at Marala wetlands (District Sialkot, Pakistan) during different calendar months between October, 2000 and September, 2001. Six species (Hoopoe, Lapwing, Spotted Owlet, Osprey, Indian Roller and Indian Nightjar) were recorded. Osprey and Spotted Owlet appearing in smaller numbers and Red Wattled Lapwing as a dominant resident. All the species were resident with some variation in population sizes during different seasons, though Osprey was a winter visitor

Population Trend of Herons and Egrets (Family: Ardeidae) in Marala Head From Oct 2000- Sep 2001

The species cited from Pakistan included Ardea goliath, Ardea cinerea cinerea, Ardea cinerea rectirostris, Ardea purpurea manilensis and Butorides striatus javanicus, Ardeola grrayii grayii and Bubulcus ibis coromandus, Ardea alba alba, Ardea alba modesta, Egretta intermedia intermedia, Egretta garzetta garzetta and Egretta gularis schistacea, Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax, Ixobrychus minutus minutus, Ixobrychus sinensis and Ixobrychus flavicollis flavicollis. The study was carried out from October 2000 to September 2001, spanning the area from Kikar Post to Head Marala. Point count method was used to record the number of birds observed (Ralph et al., 1995). The birds were further identified using literature. Cattle egret (Bubuleus ibis), little egret (Egretta garzetta), intermediate egret (Egretta intermedia) and pond heron (Ardeola grayeii) were present at river Jammu Tawi, river Chenab and river Manawar Tawi throughout study period. However, Egretta alba was only observed from December to January

An Attempt to Update a Checklist and Some Other Aspects of Murree Hills’ Avifauna

Birds are vital component of biodiversity as they are playing a significant role in an ecosystem. Increasing human interference might have affected previously reported diversity of birds. This study was designed to collect information about birds check list data of Murree hills. Area was surveyed at different times of day and different months of season. During visits, pictures of birds were taken and identification as well as preparation of list was carried out. Comparison of new checklist with previous literature was done in order to get revised checklist of existing species

A Revision and Pectoral Guide to the Checklist of Birds of Salt Range

Birds as major important component of biodiversity provide a vital aspect of nature’s beauty and completes important ecological role in ecosystem. Current study was designed to gather baseline information about birds of salt range which tends to be modifying with the passage of time. The area was surveyed, pictures of birds were taken and after identification a checklist was formulated and changes in biodiversity was notified