13 mammal, 130 bird species recorded at Nanda Devi park

Tribune News Service

Advertisement

Dehradun, July 8

Thirteen mammal species, 130 bird species, 40 species of butterfly and 40 of spider have been recorded in the decadal survey of Nanda Devi National Park, which concluded here yesterday.

A team comprising officials of the Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India, GB Pant Institute, Almora and the ITBP surveyed the park for a period of 26 days. Earlier, the survey was to take place in 2013. However, it was postponed following the natural disaster.

The survey recorded the presence of 13 mammal species that included snow leopard, black bear, musk deer, bharal and red fox, 130 bird species, including monal, koklas and snowcock, 40 species of butterfly and 40 species of spider. Besides wildlife species, 400 species of flora were also recorded.

Deputy Director, Corbett National Park, Saket Badola, who led the team, said the data recorded during the survey would be analysed and compared with the 2003 survey. The outcome would be complied in the form of a report, which would be sent to both the state government and the Central Government.

Meanwhile, Forest Minister Dinesh Aggarwal, who honoured the team members today, expressed happiness over the successful conduct of the survey. He said the findings could be used to explore eco-tourism potential of the park.

Aggarwal stressed on adopting measures to safeguard the flaura and fauna of the Nandadevi park. He also emphasied on promoting eco-tourism and ensuring community participation in it.