Educational Tour of Department of Zoology

Department of Zoology University of Ladakh successfully conducted a 6 days Zoological tour from 11-11-2022 to 16-11-2022, to Nubra Valley, for M.Sc. 2nd and 4th semester students. Registrar University of Ladakh, Prof Ashok Kumar Sharma had flagged off the 45-member touring contingent from the university head office at 9:30am on 11/11/2022. After exploring the Faunal diversity of Nubra valley for 6 days, the touring contingent returning to the campus at 05:10pm on 16/11/2022. The stench of Nubra valley from Turtuk Thang in the south to Panamic to the north was scanned during this tour. Students observed the unique mammalian, avian and insect fauna in their natural habitats and learned about their behavioral prospects. They were also acquainted with the floristic composition of this Trans-Himalayan region of the country. Because of freezing temperature no herpeto fauna and other cold-blooded animals were observed. Nevertheless, large number of mammalian and avian species were sited during this tour. The mammalian species observed were Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Siberian Ibex (Capra Sibireca), Mountain Weasel (Mustela altaica), Yak (Bos grunnies), Changra (Capra aegagrus), Dzo (domestic-hybrid between Yak and Cattle), Double Hump Camel (Camelus bactrianus) and Ladakhi Breed of Cattle (domestic). Avian species recorded, were Robin Accentor (Prunella rubeculoides), White Winged Red Start (Phoenicurus erythrogastrus), Red Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Yellow Billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax Graculus), Bearded Vulture (Gupaetus barbatus ), Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), Blue Wihisting Thrush (Myophonus caeruleus), Laughing Thrush ( Garrrulax leucolophus), Chukar partridge (Electoris chukar) , Scaly Bellied Wood-Pecker (Picus squamatus), Brown Accentor (Prunella fulvescens), Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), Himalayan buzzard (Buteo burmanicus), House Sparrow (Passer domisticus), Crow (Corvus corax), Rock pigeon (Columba levia), Hill Pigeon (Columba rupestris). Some insect species such as Yellow Jacked Wasp (Vespa sp.), Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa sp.), Caliphora vicina, and a Bug species (unidentified). The touring contingent consisted 33 girls, 8 boys, 1 lady staff and 3 faculty members. For travel and transportation SRTC Ladakh has deputed one A-class bus on subsidized rates for which the department is highly thankful to the Corporation. We are also highly thankful to the university administration, particularly Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Registrar, University of ladakh for sanctioning the tour and logistic support to conduct the tour. The contingent was led by Dr. Mohd Hussain as the tour in-charge.