Srinagar, Oct 09: A two-day interactive session on wildlife conservation, titled “Birdwatch Meet,” was held at Wadura, Sopore on October 6 and 7. The event, organised by Kashmir Birdwatch in collaboration with SKUAST-K Wadura Campus and supported by Wildlife Research and Conservation Foundation, marked a significant step towards celebrating Wildlife Week 2023.
The workshop featured a series of activities aimed at promoting wildlife conservation, including discussions led by renowned ornithologists, wildlife biologists, and Subject Matter Experts. Notable speakers included the Chief Guest, Prof Asad R Rahmani, a distinguished ornithologist, and the Guest of Honor, Dr Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K Wadura. Other distinguished attendees included Intesar Suhail, Wildlife Warden Shopian Division, Dr Khursheed Ahmad from Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K Benhama, and Qazi Tassaduq Mueen, President of Kashmir Birdwatch.
During the workshop, Prof Asad Rahmani emphasized the pressing need to double conservation efforts in academia and outreach to preserve avian diversity, shedding light on the current scenario of bird conservation in India. Qazi Tassaduq Mueen shared the inception story of Kashmir Birdwatch and commended SKUAST-K Wadura Campus for its significant role in supporting the organization.
The event featured engaging sessions, including Conservation Evenings conducted by Wildlife Research and Conservation Foundation. Dr Mehreen Khaleel from WRCF conducted outdoor sessions with students, and a mothing session in the late evening was led by Tahir Gazanfar.
The second day of the workshop commenced with a morning birding session within the campus, identifying 17 different bird species. Day two also included brainstorming sessions related to wildlife conservation, moderated by the Wildlife Research and Conservation Foundation. Additionally, Tahir Gazanfar delivered a lecture on odonates of Kashmir, enriching participants’ knowledge about the local wildlife.
The workshop provided a platform for experts, students, and enthusiasts to collaborate and deepen their understanding of wildlife conservation efforts in Kashmir. Such initiatives contribute significantly to the preservation of biodiversity and raise awareness about the importance of conserving our natural heritage.
