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the mid-nineteenth century into the unknown highlands of ‘Cashmere’ or ‘Little Tibet’, and available published and unpublished modern research material, trip reports, and checklists with the results of the author’s own investigations.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 ecosystems 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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