Parvaiz Yousuf, a resident of Lalpora Chatham village in Pampore, Kashmir, has made a name for himself as a certified birder, writer, bird guide, researcher, and science journalist. His passion for birds has led him to create the first-ever comprehensive book on the birds of Kashmir, featuring an impressive collection of over 2,000 photos and 60,000 words. This remarkable guide documents 677 bird species found in the region, making it a valuable resource for bird enthusiasts, researchers, and nature lovers alike.
Childhood Fascination Turns into Lifelong Passion
Yousuf’s love for birds began in his childhood. Growing up in Pampore, he was surrounded by the beautiful wetlands, including the famous Chatlam wetland reserve. From a young age, he observed migratory birds visiting these areas, sparking a curiosity that would shape his future. “I grew up watching these migratory birds, and that’s where my interest began,” Yousuf explains.
In 2017, Yousuf enrolled in an integrated B.Sc.-M.Sc. course at the Central University of Kashmir. This academic journey provided him with a solid foundation in scientific knowledge and research methods, further fueling his passion for ornithology. Working alongside experienced professionals in the field, Yousuf gained practical experience and expanded his knowledge of birds through regular bird-watching expeditions across different parts of Kashmir.
Bridging the Gap: The Need for a Comprehensive Bird Guide
The idea for writing a book on Kashmir’s birds came to Yousuf during a bird-watching festival organised by the Tourism Department of Jammu and Kashmir. He noticed that many children were asking for a book that could help them identify the various bird species found in the region. Realising the lack of such a resource, Yousuf felt motivated to fill this gap.
“Last year, I published a book called ‘Birds of Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh’,” Yousuf says. This comprehensive guide covers the entire bird diversity of the region, which is surprisingly rich. “If we talk about Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh together, we have a total bird diversity of 677 species found here,” he explains.
The impressive diversity of bird species in the region can be attributed to its varied climate zones. Jammu has a subtropical climate, Kashmir has a temperate climate, and Ladakh is a cold desert. This range of habitats supports a wide variety of bird species, making the region a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Preserving Local Knowledge and Promoting Conservation
One of the unique aspects of Yousuf’s book is its inclusion of local names for bird species in Kashmiri, Dogri, and Ladakhi languages. He noticed that while many people knew the local names of birds, they were often unfamiliar with their English names. By including these local names, Yousuf aims to preserve traditional knowledge and make the guide more accessible to local communities.
“For example, many people might know the Kashmiri name for a bird, but they might not know its English name,” Yousuf explains. “Through this book, I’ve tried to promote both local and scientific names.”
The guide also serves as an important tool for conservation efforts. By raising awareness about the rich bird diversity in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, Yousuf hopes to inspire more people to take an interest in protecting these species and their habitats.
Yousuf’s book was launched at the International Conference on Sustainable Environment (ICSE) in New Delhi, where it received a positive response from attendees. The guide’s comprehensive nature and its focus on local knowledge make it a valuable resource not only for birdwatchers and researchers but also for students and the general public interested in learning more about the region’s avian inhabitants.
As the first of its kind, Parvaiz Yousuf’s book on the birds of Kashmir marks a significant milestone in the documentation and study of the region’s biodiversity. Through his dedication and passion, Yousuf has not only created an invaluable resource for bird enthusiasts but also contributed to the conservation and appreciation of Kashmir’s natural heritage. His work serves as an inspiration for future generations of naturalists and researchers in the region and beyond.
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