𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀: 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗶𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻

( All pictures are taken by me, kindly respect copyrights) 

27th July 2024

The Kashmir Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax), an endangered and elusive primate, inhabits the remote and rugged landscapes of Pakistan's northern regions. Recently, I had the remarkable opportunity to encounter these mysterious creatures firsthand, deep in the heart of the Shogran Kagan Valley. What began as a simple trek through the alpine jungles quickly transformed into an unforgettable adventure, unveiling the hidden world of these majestic langurs.

As we ascended to an altitude of over 2,600 meters at Siri Paye, the dense forest enveloped us in an otherworldly silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. At first, I suspected the sound of snapping branches to be the work of illegal loggers—a sadly common occurrence in these parts. But then, through the mist and rain, a troop of Kashmir Gray Langurs emerged, their silvery-gray coats shimmering in the damp air. It was a moment of pure awe, watching these large, graceful monkeys descend from the towering trees of Makra Peak.

On that first day, we observed them from a distance of about a kilometer, their agile forms moving effortlessly along the ridge. The following day, our paths crossed again, this time with the langurs just 300 meters away. A wildlife expert later informed us that this particular clan comprised at least 45 members, who reside in this area for most of the year. Their presence here was a testament to the rich biodiversity of the Shogran Kagan Valley, a habitat that provides them with the shelter and sustenance they need to thrive.

The locals shared a fascinating tale with us, one that seemed to hold a kernel of truth. According to them, the langurs descend from the high ridges when rain is imminent. Indeed, on the third day of our trek, heavy rains began to pour over Kagan Valley, causing floods that even swept away the Mahandari Bridge. The langurs, it seemed, had sensed the impending storm, moving to safer ground in anticipation.

This encounter was not just a chance to observe the langurs in their natural habitat; it was also a reminder of the delicate balance these creatures maintain with their environment.

The Kashmir Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) is an endangered primate species found in Pakistan, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The Kashmir Gray Langur is a species that relies heavily on the dense forests and diverse ecosystems of Pakistan’s Himalayan foothills. Found primarily in regions like the Lachrat Forest Range in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), these langurs face significant threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and human encroachment. Despite being protected under various wildlife laws, their fragmented populations remain vulnerable due to weak enforcement and limited conservation resources. Ecologically important for seed dispersal and controlling plant growth, these langurs exhibit complex social structures and adapt their behavior to seasonal changes. However, their survival is jeopardized by human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and the ongoing degradation of their habitats. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued existence of this species in Pakistan.

"The Mysterious Case of the Disappearance of Brahminy Starlings from Lahore"

02nd December, 2023

The scientific name of the Brahminy Starling is "Sturnia pagodarum."

Brahminy Starlings are commonly found in the Indian subcontinent, including countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. They typically inhabit various habitats such as open woodlands, gardens, cultivated areas, and urban environments. These birds are known for their adaptability and can thrive in diverse landscapes, often seen in parks, farmlands, and even near human settlements.

Twenty-five years ago, Lahore echoed with the melodious tunes of Brahminy Starlings that filled the city's skies. Their graceful flights and harmonious songs epitomized Lahore's avian diversity. However, a shift occurred as other Myna species became more prevalent, gradually leading to the disappearance of Brahminy Starlings from Lahore's ecosystem, leaving behind an enigmatic absence.

Salman Rashid, a prominent travel writer, reminisced about observing Brahminy Starlings amidst towering banyan trees near Kot Lokhpot. These recollections evoked memories of an era when these exquisite birds were an integral part of Lahore's ecological fabric. I, too, witnessed their presence during my school days in the '90s, cherishing their existence in the school gardens.

Surprisingly, nearly two decades later, during my visit on December 2, 2023, I observed the resurgence of Brahminy Starlings in the border areas of Lahore. Several of these birds were perched on a tree, a hopeful sign of their attempt to reclaim their once-familiar habitat.

This resurgence emphasizes the imperative need to protect nature and foster a harmonious coexistence with other wildlife.

"Lahore's Vanishing Avian Beauty: The Imperiled Pheasant-tailed Jacanas"

 14th May 2023

These could possibly be the final glimpses of Lahore's avian beauty, as three Pheasant-tailed Jacanas can be seen together. The urbanization of the city has resulted in the loss of many of its marshy regions, making it increasingly difficult for these birds to find in the city.

The paragraph highlights the potential decline of Lahore's avian beauty and specifically focuses on the presence of three Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, indicating that their sighting might become increasingly rare.

The Pheasant-tailed Jacana is a species of bird known for its vibrant colors and long, slender legs. It is primarily found in wetland areas and marshes, where it can navigate through the vegetation using its long toes. However, the urbanization of Lahore, the city being referred to, has led to the destruction and loss of many of these marshy regions.

Urbanization involves the expansion of cities, which often results in the conversion of natural habitats into built-up areas, infrastructure, and human settlements. As a consequence, the wetlands and marshes in Lahore have been significantly reduced in size or completely eliminated, giving way to residential and commercial developments.

The reduction in marshy regions has negatively impacted the Pheasant-tailed Jacanas and their ability to find suitable habitats within the city. These birds rely on wetland environments for foraging, breeding, and nesting. Marshes provide them with ample food sources, such as insects, aquatic invertebrates, and plant matter. Additionally, the dense vegetation and shallow water in marshes offer protection from predators.

With the loss of marshy regions due to urbanization, the Pheasant-tailed Jacanas face challenges in finding suitable areas to feed and reproduce. The remaining wetlands may be fragmented, isolated, or insufficient in size, unable to support healthy populations of these birds. Consequently, the sighting of three Pheasant-tailed Jacanas together in Lahore could be considered a rarity, potentially indicating a decline in their population within the city.

The paragraph implies that these glimpses of avian beauty might be among the last ones, suggesting that if the trend of urbanization and habitat loss continues, the Pheasant-tailed Jacanas may eventually disappear from Lahore altogether. This serves as a reminder of the impact that human activities can have on the natural world and the importance of conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable species.