Avifaunal survey of Tsomoriri Lake and adjoining Nuro Sumdo Wetland in Ladakh, Indian trans-Himalaya

Abstract

The high mountain lakes and bogs in the Ladakh region of the Indian trans-Himalaya represent the only breeding grounds of Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus in India, and the only breeding grounds of the Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis outside China (with the exception of Sikkim where they have recently been found breeding Tim Inskipp, Usha Lachungpa, pers. comm.). The largest of these lakes entirely within Indian limits is the Tsomoriri, believed to be the most important breeding locality for waterfowl in Ladakh (Anon. 1993).The results of an avifaunal survey of the Tsomoriri lake and an adjoining wetland called Nuro Sumdo (or Nurbu Sumdo) are reported here and the conservation problems in the area are discussed. The survey was conducted from 19-28 July, 1996.