Product Description
* First comprehensive field-guide on ornithology and mammal life in the Ladakh region * Provides authoritative information on 276 bird species and 30 larger mammal species found in the region, including their local names, alternative names, habitat, behaviour, status, and distribution * Supplements the results of author's own investigations with historical records of the first expeditions into the region in the mid-eighteenth century * Makes practical suggestions on how to conserve the fragile ecosystem of this region and enjoy its beauty without destroying it * Includes nearly 450 fine colour plates * An indispensable companion to researchers, scientists, bird-watchers, and nature lovers This volume is the first-ever thorough documentation of the wealth of wildlife from the Ladakh region. It puts together material from publications dating back to the first adventurous expeditions during the mid-eighteenth century into the unknown highlands of 'Cashmere' or 'Little Tibet', and available published and unpublished modern research material, trip reports, and checklists with the results of the author's own investigations. The book provides extensive information, along with carefully selected photographs, on all recorded species of birds and larger mammals in the region, including their local names, alternative names, habitat, behaviour, status, and distribution. A total of 310 bird species has been reported from the Ladakh region. This volume includes full descriptions and illustrations of 276 bird species, together with concise citings of the 34 species which have not been sighted after 1960. It also portraits the 33 mammal species found in Ladakh, at least two of which have not been seen for some time. Ladakh, like any other high-altitude desert in the world, has a fragile ecosystem that can be easily spoiled by unimaginative planning and uncontrolled tourism. This book offers practical and specific views on how to conserve e co sy stems and enjoy the region's beauty without destroying it. Bird-watchers, naturalists, scientists and researchers with an interest in Ladakh should find it an invaluable companion.
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