ZOO504 — Final Term Summary (Lectures 23–30)

📘 Lecture 23 — Mammalian Diversity: Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep, and the Genus Capra

📖 Overview: This lecture covers the taxonomy, morphology, distribution, and key biological traits of three important ungulate groups found in Pakistan and neighboring regions: the Himalayan tahr, the blue sheep (bharal), and the genus Capra (wild goat). It details their distinguishing features, native and introduced ranges, and ecological significance in high-altitude and mountainous habitats.

🗂️ Topics Covered

The lecture opens with a description of the Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), covering its etymology, distribution across Asia and introduced populations, and its limited presence in Pakistan’s Pir Punjal Range. It then examines the blue sheep or bharal (Pseudois nayaur), highlighting its intermediate characteristics between sheep and goats, absence of suborbital glands, winter coat color, and range in Pakistan’s Hunza and Karakoram areas. Finally, it provides a detailed account of the genus Capra, including physical description, reproductive biology, social behavior, diet, and specific distribution within Pakistan—from coastal Balochistan to northern Chitral and the Kirthar National Park.

📝 Lecture Summary

1. Himalayan tahr

The word “tahr” comes from the Nepali word thār. The genus “Hemitragus” comes from the Greek words hemi meaning “half” and trágos meaning “goat.”

Distribution:

• Native: China; India; Nepal
• Introduced: New Zealand; South Africa
• Pakistan: Restricted to Pir Punjal Range in Azad Kashmir.

2. Pseudois nayaur

Description: Commonly called Blue sheep or Bharal. It shows characteristics intermediate between sheep and goats. It has smooth cylindrical horns (not wrinkled as found in true wild sheep). Suborbital gland is absent. Adult males have a salty blue coat in winters and are beardless. In general appearance and size, it looks like the famous wild sheep “Shapu.”

Distribution:

• Native: Bhutan; China; India; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan
• In Pakistan: Hunza, Karakoram Range in Baltistan.

Capra: Species & Sub-species

Description: Body length 52 inches (4.4 feet). They have strong limbs terminating in broad hooves. Female and young male are yellow-brown to reddish-grey. Males are beautiful with long horns and white hair in old age. Males have a short beard; females have black beards.

🔑 Definition — Gestation period: 150–155 days (about 5 months). Twins are common.

🔑 Definition — Sexual maturity: About 3 years. They are gregarious, forming large herds. Older males generally keep together. The wild goat has a wonderful sense of balance and can make a standing leap upwards.

Food: The leaves and bushes of small shrubs and herbs.

Distribution:

• Live at sea level and in remote cliffs, inhabiting mountains up to 1000 ft.
• Found in mountain ranges of southern Balochistan.
  • From Mekran coastal range at Pasni to Sindh Kohistan and Kirthar Range in the east.
  • Hunza
  • Northern Chitral

Game reserve for wild goat:

• Hingol Range in central Mekran.
• Biggest population in Kirthar National Park in southern Sindh — about 4000 organisms.

💡 Why this matters: The Capra distribution highlights that Pakistan’s wild goat populations are concentrated in specific protected areas, with the Kirthar National Park holding the largest known group, making it a critical site for conservation.

⭐ Key Takeaways

Students must remember that the Himalayan tahr derives its genus name from Greek for “half goat” and is confined in Pakistan only to the Pir Punjal Range of Azad Kashmir. The blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) is distinguished from true sheep by its smooth cylindrical horns and absence of suborbital glands, and in Pakistan it is found in Hunza and the Karakoram Range. The genus Capra (wild goat) has a gestation of 150–155 days, reaches sexual maturity at 3 years, twins are common, and males develop long horns and white hair with age. Its distribution spans from sea-level coastal ranges in Balochistan to Sindh’s Kirthar National Park and northern areas like Hunza and Chitral. Finally, the Kirthar National Park supports the largest wild goat population in Pakistan at approximately 4,000 individuals.

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. What Greek words form the genus name Hemitragus, and what do they mean?
2. Where in Pakistan is the Himalayan tahr exclusively found?
3. What two key physical features distinguish the blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) from true wild sheep?
4. What is the gestation period and typical number of young for the genus Capra?
5. Which protected area in Pakistan holds the largest known population of wild goats, and what is its estimated size?

📘 Lecture 24 — Capra hircus, Capra Ibex, Capra falconeri, Antelopes

📖 Overview: This lecture provides a detailed taxonomic and morphological description of three key species of wild goats in Pakistan: the domestic goat (Capra hircus), the ibex (Capra ibex), and the markhor (Capra falconeri). It also introduces the general characteristics of antelopes and the three species found in Pakistan. Understanding these species is crucial for wildlife biology, conservation, and biodiversity studies in the region.

🗂️ Topics Covered

The lecture covers the physical description, measurements, habitat, and distribution of Capra hircus, Capra ibex, and the five subspecies of Capra falconeri (Markhor) found in Pakistan. It then provides a general description of antelopes as a group, including key anatomical features, and lists the three antelope species present in Pakistan: Nilgai, Chinkara, and Black Buck.

📝 Lecture Summary

Capra hircus

Females are beardless but carry backward curving horns. Horns measure up to 15 cm and bear fine annulations towards their base. Younger males and females show a characteristic shape pattern with a dark stripe running from the corner of eye to the muzzle. Mature males are spectacularly beautiful and may have horns over one meter in length. In adults, the hair coat is of reddish buff in color. The belly and the outside of lower limbs, beard, and fore part of face varies from black to chestnut brown in color. They are capable of surviving in very arid desert conditions. They inhabit mountain crests up to 3300 m.

• Shoulder height in males is 85 to 95 cm, in females 55 to 60 cm.
• The weight of adult males is up to 120 kg, females 50 to 55 kg.

🔑 Definition — Annulations: Ring-like markings or ridges, typically found on the base of the horns of some animals.

Capra Ibex

Description: Females and young males have a reddish brown tan or a golden color in summer, with a greyish brown appearance in winters. Older males have a rich brown chocolate coloration. They usually live above the tree line from about 3660 m to over 6000 m.

Distribution: It is fairly widespread in Baltistan, Dosai, Gilgit, and Chitral.

🔑 Definition — Tree line: The edge of the habitat at which trees are capable of growing; beyond this line, environmental conditions (like low temperature or lack of moisture) prevent tree growth.

Capra falconeri

Description: Capra falconeri is commonly called the Markhor. No wild goats excel the Markhor in climbing on precipitous slopes. They are sensitive to cold and descend to comparatively lower levels in the winters. They have five distinct subspecies in Pakistan.

1. Capra falconeri falconeri (Astor Markhor)
2. Capra falconeri cashmiriensis (Kashmir Markhor)
3. Capra falconeri megaceros (Kabul Markhor)
4. Capra falconeri jerdoni (Suleiman Markhor)
5. Capra falconeri chiltaniensis (Chiltan Markhor)

Distribution:

• Capra falconeri falconeri is confined to Gilgit.
• Capra falconeri cashmiriensis is found in Chitral; few herds also occur in Swat and Azad Kashmir.
• Capra falconeri megaceros is found in Malakand, Swat and Chitral.
• Capra falconeri jerdoni occurs in mountain ranges immediately north and east of Quetta, Baluchistan.
• Capra falconeri chiltaniensis is restricted to three hill ranges namely Chiltan, Koh Murdar and Koh Maran near Quetta.

💡 Why this matters: The five subspecies of Markhor are geographically restricted, making them highly susceptible to habitat loss and overhunting. Understanding their precise distribution is critical for targeted conservation efforts in Pakistan.

PPT 177-180: Antelopes

General Description: An antelope is a member of a number of even-toed ungulate species indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia. They are distinct hooved mammals of the family Bovidae. They possess unbranched horns that are never shed. They have no incisors or canines in the upper jaws. They are Old World (Africa, Europe, and Asia) grazers and browsers. In Pakistan, there are three species of antelopes: Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Chinkara (Gazella gazella), and Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra).

🔑 Definition — Even-toed ungulate: A hoofed mammal that bears weight equally on two (or an even number) of its toes (e.g., pigs, hippos, camels, cattle, deer, antelopes). 🔑 Definition — Old World: Term used in biogeography to refer to the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia. 🔑 Definition — Grazer: An animal that feeds primarily on grasses. 🔑 Definition — Browser: An animal that feeds primarily on leaves, shoots, and twigs of shrubs and trees.

📐 Formula:

• No incisors or canines in the upper jaws = a key identifying feature of antelopes.
• Horns: unbranched and never shed (unlike deer antlers, which are branched and shed annually).

📌 Example (Pakistan Antelope Species):

1. Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
2. Chinkara (Gazella gazella)
3. Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra)

⭐ Key Takeaways

This lecture identifies three key wild goat species in Pakistan: Capra hircus (with males up to 120 kg and horns over 1m), Capra ibex (living above 3660m in Baltistan, Dosai, Gilgit, Chitral), and Capra falconeri (Markhor, with five subspecies geographically restricted in northern and western Pakistan). Key anatomical distinctions include horn size, annulations, and seasonal coat color changes, especially for Capra ibex. Antelopes are defined as even-toed ungulates of the family Bovidae with unbranched, non-shed horns and no upper incisors, with three species found in Pakistan. For the exam, students must be able to differentiate these species by their physical traits, distributions, and distinct horn characteristics, and list the five Markhor subspecies and three Pakistani antelopes.

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. What are the primary physical differences between male and female Capra hircus in terms of beard, horn size, and body weight?
2. Describe the summer and winter coat color changes in female and young male Capra ibex.
3. List the five subspecies of Capra falconeri (Markhor) found in Pakistan and name the specific geographic region for each.
4. What three key anatomical features distinguish an antelope from a deer?
5. Name the three species of antelopes found in Pakistan and their scientific names.

📘 Lecture 25 — Nilgai, Chinkara, Black Buck, and Foxes

📖 Overview: This lecture covers the description, ecology, distribution, and conservation status of four significant mammal species found in Pakistan: the Nilgai, Chinkara, and Black Buck (all ungulates), and two species of foxes. Understanding these species is crucial for wildlife conservation and management in Pakistan's diverse habitats, from semi-deserts to irrigated plantations.

🗂️ Topics Covered

The lecture begins with detailed descriptions of the Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), including its physical characteristics, feeding habits, reproduction, lifespan, and distribution in Pakistan. It then covers the Chinkara (Gazella gazella), focusing on its coat, behavior as a browser, social structure, and distribution in the Thar desert. Next, the Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra) is described, emphasizing its sexual dimorphism, spiral horns, and restricted populations. Finally, the lecture introduces foxes (family Canidae), with a focus on the Red Fox (Vulpis vulpis) and Indian Fox (Vulpis benghalensis), covering their general biology and distribution in Pakistan.

📝 Lecture Summary

Nilgai

The Nilgai (Scientific Name: Boselaphus tragocamelus) is a sturdy animal, with the name meaning "blue cow." The male has a bluish-grey colour, while females are yellowish brown. It is described as having stout legs, a long sloping horse-like neck, a horse-like nose that is black and nabbed, and a small pit gland below the eye. Both sexes have a conspicuous white stocking mark above the fetlocks and hooves, and a long tail with a tuft of coarse black hair on the middle forepart of the neck. The male has black cow-like horns curving slightly backwards and outwards; the female has no horns. They are crepuscular feeders (early morning and late evening), grazing on grass and browsing on trees, and favoring succulent fruits and leaves. They often raid agricultural crops, becoming a problem.

🔑 Definition — Nilgai: A large antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) found in South Asia, characterized by sexual dimorphism in color and horn presence. 📐 Gestation: 247 days → Usually twins are born, rarely a single. 📌 Longevity: In the wild is 12-15 years; in captivity is 18 years. 💡 Why this matters: The young spend most of the first 10 days lying down, standing only to suckle, making them vulnerable. Distribution: Native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Regionally extinct in Bangladesh. Introduced to Mexico and the United States. In Pakistan, breeding populations exist only in Changa Manga and Lal Suhanra plantations. Individuals along the Pak-India border inter-migrate. Due to a declining population, they are not allowed to be hunted. They are mainly found in the tropical thorn forest and uncultivated semi-deserts of Pakistan, primarily around the Indian border in the northeastern Punjab, south around Fort Abbas in Cholistan, and some stray into Tharparkar in Sindh.

Chinkara

The Chinkara (Scientific Name: Gazella gazella) has a body covered with long, coarse, reddish-grey hair with a blue-grey underwool in winter. The belly and throat are pure white. The legs are very long and slender, with dark brown tufts of hair on the knees (carpus) of the forelegs. The muzzle is fully covered with whitish hair. They are semi-nocturnal, starting to forage mainly in cultivated crops before sunset and retreating deep into the desert by morning. They are primarily browsers, utilizing foliage and fruits of natural shrubs, but grasses form a major part of their diet during the monsoon. They tend to keep to small groups of 2-3 individuals. Females nearly always bear horns, which are straight, smooth spikes. The average horn length of males is 10-12 inches measured over the curve. The young are susceptible to predation from jackals, wolves, and possible caracal cats, while adults have no serious enemies except man.

🔑 Definition — Chinkara: A species of gazelle (Gazella gazella) inhabiting the Thar desert and semi-arid regions. 📐 Gestation: Five and a half months → Single is born (twins are reported occasionally). Female matures at 12 months. 📌 Longevity: In wild is not known; in captivity they live for 12-13 years. 📌 Distribution: Found in Western and Central India, Pakistan, the Thar Desert, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Black Buck

The Black Buck (Scientific Name: Antelope cervicapra) exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males get their name from the black pelage attained on maturity at three years of age. Both sexes have white underparts, including the insides of the legs and lower chest. Horns are found only in males and are twisted in a tight spiral with up to five turns, appearing before their pronounced colour change.

🔑 Definition — Black Buck: An antelope (Antelope cervicapra) with sexually dimorphic black and white pelage and spiral horns. 📐 Gestation: 5-6 months → one young per birth. 📌 Food: Leaves, buds, grasses, field fruits, and grain crops. 📌 Life span: 10-12 years. 📌 Fact: Extensive hunting and habitat destruction have restricted Black Buck to only small, isolated populations in their former native habitat. 📌 Distribution: Found in desert and semi-desert areas of Pakistan, east of the Indus, in Cholistan and Thar. 📌 Captive population: Kirther and Lal Suhanra National Park; Mir of Khairpur Mehrano Research; Khanpur, Ghotki; New Jator, Nawab Shah.

PPT-181: Foxes

Foxes are small-to-medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They are smaller and lighter in build, with a more bushy tail and larger, erect, triangular pinnae. They possess a keen sense of smell, hearing, and sight, allowing them to adapt to diverse climates and habitats. They feed on carrion, mice, rabbits, birds, and fruits of wild plants. They live singly and are non-social in their hunting habits. Cubs are born with eyes closed and are attended by both parents for about four to five weeks.

🔑 Definition — Fox: A small-to-medium-sized, omnivorous canid known for its bushy tail and adaptability. The two common species found in Pakistan are:

• Red Fox (Vulpis vulpis)
• Indian Fox (Vulpis benghalensis)

📌 Red Fox Distribution in Pakistan: Baluchistan, KP, Cholistan, and the Tharparkar region.

⭐ Key Takeaways

The most critical points for an exam are the precise physical descriptions, feeding habits, and reproductive data for each species. For the Nilgai, remember its unique "blue cow" nickname, 247-day gestation with twins, and restricted breeding populations in Changa Manga and Lal Suhanra. For the Chinkara, focus on its semi-nocturnal browsing behavior, small group sizes of 2-3, and 5.5-month gestation yielding a single offspring. The Black Buck is defined by extreme sexual dimorphism and spiral horns in males, with a 5-6 month gestation and a current distribution limited to small, isolated populations. Finally, foxes are distinguished from other canids by their smaller size, bushy tail, and solitary hunting habits, with the Red Fox being the widespread species in Pakistan. Conservation threats from hunting and habitat loss are a recurring theme.

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. What is the significance of the white stocking marks and pit gland on a Nilgai?
2. Describe the foraging behavior (time of day and food preference) of the Chinkara.
3. What are the key physical features that distinguish a male Black Buck from a female Black Buck?
4. State the gestation period and typical number of offspring for the Nilgai, Chinkara, and Black Buck.
5. List the two common fox species found in Pakistan and the specific regions where the Red Fox is distributed.

📘 Lecture 27 — Indian Fox Distribution in Pakistan; Hyaenas; Wild Dogs; Wolves; Civets; Martens

📖 Overview: This lecture covers several families of Carnivora found in Pakistan, including Hyaenas, Wild Dogs (Canidae), Civets (Viverridae), and Martens (Mustelidae). It details their physical descriptions, key identifying features, ecological roles as predators and scavengers, and geographic distribution within the country, making it essential for understanding Pakistan’s mammalian carnivore diversity.

🗂️ Topics Covered

This lecture begins with the distribution of the Indian Fox in southern Sindh and northeast Punjab. It then describes the physical characteristics and distribution of Hyaenas, the only species being Hyaena hyaena. The lecture covers Wild Dogs (family Canidae), detailing the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) and Golden Jackal (Canis aureus). Finally, it describes Civets (Indian and Palm civet) and Martens (Stone and Yellow-throated marten), including their unique traits and habitats.

📝 Lecture Summary

Indian Fox Distribution in Pakistan

The Indian Fox is found in specific regions of Pakistan. Its distribution is noted to be in Southern Sindh and Northeast Punjab.

PPT-182: Hyaenas

Description: Hyaenas are large, dog-like carnivores with a big head. They possess massive cheek teeth and well-developed carnassials. Their fore legs are longer than their hind legs. Each foot has four toes with non-retractile claws. The most conspicuous feature is a crest-like mane that extends from the head to the root of the tail. Their body fur has a yellowish-fawn ground color with indistinct broad vertical black stripes, and close-set black stripes on the legs. Their voice is almost human-like and can imitate the cries of other animals to deceive dogs, calves, and sheep. Hyaenas are scavengers, feeding on carrion, but will also attack live cattle.

Distribution: The only species found in Pakistan is Hyaena hyaena. It is distributed in the hilly tracts of Pakistan, being more common in Baluchistan and Sindh.

🔑 Definition — Carnassials: The specialized cheek teeth (premolars and molars) in carnivores that are adapted for shearing flesh.

PPT-183: Wild Dogs

Description: Wild dogs are members of the family Canidae, order Carnivora. They are predators and scavengers. The dog has powerful muscles, fused wrist bones, and teeth for catching and tearing. They are characterized by having five digits on the fore limbs, of which the first one is vestigial. Hind limbs have four digits. Claws are non-retractile. External pinnae are pointed. The tail is long and bushy. No stripes or spots are found on the body. The teeth are proportionately smaller than those of wolves. The skin of domestic dogs tends to be thicker than that of wolves. A dog's paws are half the size of a wolf's, and a dog's tail tends to curl upwards. The two familiar species found in Pakistan are the Wolf (Canis lupus) and the Jackal (Canis aureus).

PPT-184: Wolves

1. Gray wolf (Canis lupus)
Synonym: The timber wolf, Western wolf.
Description: A canine native to the wilderness and remote areas of Eurasia and North America. It is the largest extant member of its family. Weight in males is 43–45 kg, and in females, 36–38.5 kg. The wolf’s body is usually covered with thick greyish or grizzled color hair. It is known for hunting large prey and its more gregarious nature. Wolves typically locate their prey by scent.
Distribution: The wolf is common in Cholistan (Punjab) and Tharparkar Dist. (Sindh).

2. Golden jackal (Canis aureus)
Description: This jackal is smaller and possesses shorter legs and a shorter tail. The tip of its bushy tail is black. It has a less-prominent forehead and a narrower, more pointed muzzle. The jackal has a fox-like narrow head and pointed muzzle. Other traits are like dogs. The hair coat is grizzled tawny buff color.
Distribution: The jackal is found throughout Pakistan in mountainous areas, forests, plantations, and riverine thickets.

📌 Example: The key difference between a wolf and a domestic dog is that a wolf’s paws are twice the size of a dog’s, and a dog’s tail tends to curl upwards, whereas a wolf’s does not.

🔑 Definition — Vestigial: A structure, like the first digit on a dog's forelimb, that is reduced in size and function compared to its ancestral form.

PPT-185: Civets

Description: Civets are related to cats but are distinguished by their longer head and jaws, relatively short legs, and bushy tail. They are good climbers, nocturnal, and omnivorous. They secrete from their anal glands a greasy substance called ‘civet’, which is used in making perfumes and for marking territory. They live upon small mammals, birds, lizards, and feed on fruits as well. The two species of civets found in Pakistan are the Indian civet and the Palm civet.

• Indian civet (Viverricula indica)
Distribution: The Indian civet is commonly found throughout riverine jungles and sand dune deserts of Punjab and Sindh.

• Palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus)
Distribution: The Palm civet is a mountain species. It frequently occurs in Chitral, Swat, Dir, Azad Kashmir, and Murree Hills.

🔑 Definition — Civet: A greasy substance secreted from the anal glands of civets, used in the perfume industry and for territorial marking.

PPT-186: Martens

Description: These are small carnivorous animals that live in wild rocky regions and are adapted to an arboreal life. Their ears are large, pointed, and set wide apart. The tail is bushy and thick. Two species common to Pakistan are the Stone marten and the Yellow-throated marten.

• Stone marten (Martes foina)
The stone marten has a dense fur coat of rich liver chestnut hue.
Distribution: Stone martens are found throughout mountain ranges of Baluchistan and Northern areas.

• Yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula)
The yellow-throated marten is considerably larger in size than the stone marten. The whole of its chest, throat, and lower jaw are yellowish in color. The general body color is silvery, the tail is longer; the rhinarium is naked and black.
Distribution: The Yellow-throated marten is found in Chitral, Azad Kashmir, and Margala Hills.

💡 Why this matters: Martens are important indicators of healthy forest ecosystems and are adapted to specific high-altitude, rocky habitats.

🔑 Definition — Arboreal: Referring to animals that live in or are adapted to living in trees. 🔑 Definition — Rhinarium: The naked, often moist, skin surface around the nostrils in many mammals, particularly visible in the Yellow-throated marten.

⭐ Key Takeaways

A student must remember the key identifying features and distributions of these Pakistani carnivores. Hyaenas are scavengers with a mane and non-retractile claws, found in Baluchistan and Sindh. The Gray Wolf is the largest canid in Pakistan, found in Cholistan and Tharparkar, while the Golden Jackal has a black-tipped tail and is found throughout the country. Civets are nocturnal, omnivorous, and produce “civet” from anal glands, with the Indian civet in riverine jungles and the Palm civet in mountainous areas. Martens are small, arboreal carnivores; the Stone marten has a liver chestnut coat in the north, while the Yellow-throated marten features a yellow throat and naked black rhinarium in Chitral and Kashmir.

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. What is the only species of Hyaena found in Pakistan, and what is its primary feeding habit?
2. What is the key morphological difference between the forelimb and hindlimb digits of a dog?
3. Compare the weights and geographic distributions of the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) and the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus).
4. What is the ecological and commercial significance of the substance “civet” secreted by civets?
5. Describe the distinguishing features of the Stone marten and the Yellow-throated marten, including their tail length and rhinarium.

📘 Lecture 28 — Badgers, Otters, Common Peafowl, and Cheer Pheasant

📖 Overview: This lecture covers four distinct animal species found in Pakistan and surrounding regions. It describes the physical characteristics, distribution, behavior, and ecological roles of the Honey Badger, two species of Otters, the Common Peafowl with its striking plumage and color variations, and the Cheer Pheasant. Understanding these species is important for biodiversity knowledge and conservation efforts in South Asia.

🗂️ Topics Covered

The lecture begins with the Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis), detailing its unique appearance, defensive gland, and distribution in Balochistan and Sindh. It then covers two otter species found in Pakistan: the Himalayan Otter and the Indian Otter, describing their aquatic adaptations and diet. The main focus is on the Common Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), including its physical description, the male's decorative train, color variations (white, pied, black-winged), distribution, and omnivorous feeding habits. Finally, the lecture discusses the Cheer Pheasant, a large game bird of the Himalayas, detailing its plumage, vocalizations, and restricted distribution in Pakistan.

📝 Lecture Summary

PPT-187: Badgers

The Honey Badger, scientifically named Mellivora capensis, is described as the "Ratel" or "Honey badger," a primarily carnivorous species. It is a thickest, ugly animal about 75 cm in length. Its coarse body fur is sharply divided into two contrasting colors: the top half (head, neck, and back) is silvery grey, while the limbs, belly, lower cheeks, and muzzle are dark black. Its ear pinnae are very much reduced. The fore limbs are powerful and armed with strong claws. A notable feature is a sac-like gland around the anus, from which an offensive secretion can be emitted.

🔑 Definition — Ratel: Another name for the Honey Badger, Mellivora capensis, known for its thick, ugly appearance and powerful forelimbs. 📐 No Formula. 📌 No Numerical Example.

Distribution It is found throughout the southern parts of Baluchistan and Sindh.

PPT-188: Otters

Otters are aquatic carnivores. They possess a broad and depressed head, a naked black rhinarium, and short webbed legs. Their body is covered with dense oily greyish brown fur. The tail is thick and somewhat flattened, and the ear pinnae are very small. They are mainly nocturnal in hunting activity, sheltering by day in burrows in the banks of rivers or ponds. Their food mainly consists of fish, frogs, and molluscs.

Two species are present in Pakistan:

• The common or Himalayan otter (Lutra lutra):
  • Distribution: Found in all Himalayan river systems.
• Smooth coated or Indian Otter (Lutra perspicilata):
  • Distribution: Found throughout the lower Indus riverine system of Punjab and Sindh.

PPT 189-190: Common Peafowl

The term Peafowl is given to 2 species of bird: the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and the Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus). Males are known as ‘Peacocks’, females as ‘Peahens’. The Peacock is the National bird of India.

Description: Indian blue peafowl are known for their exquisite train and plumage and are considered one of the largest flying birds. They weigh between 2.7-6 kg with a wingspan of 1.4-1.6 m and vary in length from 0.86-2.12 m. They have long, strong, grayish-brown legs equipped for running, and both sexes have spurs about 2.5 cm long. Males use spurs during the breeding season to ward off competing males. Females are brown, grey, and cream-colored, while chicks are light yellow to brown. The neck and breast are bright blue, with golden feathers lining their sides and backs. Both sexes have crests on top of their heads.

• Polygynous
• Familiar displays
• Clutch size: 3-6 eggs
• Incubation: by female only, lasts for 28-30 days

The males have a long train ("tail") about 1.2 m in length from June to December. The train is discarded in January and regrown rapidly when breeding season approaches. The train is an iridescent arrangement of multiple colors featuring ocelli (eye-spots). When displayed, it spreads in a wide fan showing gold, brown, green, and black feathers. Around 30 to 40 of the ocelli around the outer edges are V-shaped. This complicated pattern is thought to be an advantage in mating.

There are three variations in the Indian blue peafowl:

• The white feathered peafowl: Completely white feathers from head to tail; ocelli barely visible. These are not albinos because they are true breeders and have brown eyes.
• Pied: Random white feathers appear in the plumage due to an incomplete dominant gene.
• Black-winged peafowl: Dark feathers with blue and green tips.
• Pavo cristatus can hybridize with the green peafowl, Pavo muticus.

🔑 Definition — Ocelli (eye-spots): The iridescent, multi-colored spots on a peacock's train feathers. 🔑 Definition — Pied: A color variation in peafowl resulting from an incomplete dominant gene, causing random white feathers. 📌 Example: Two white feathered peafowl, when bred together, will produce all white feathered offspring. This proves they are true breeders, not albinos.

Distribution Native: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Introduced: Australia, Bahamas, New Zealand, United States. Distribution in Pakistan: Tharparkar district, small areas in Azad Kashmir, and Changa Manga. IUCN status: Least Concern

Feeding habit Omnivorous: Grain and green crops, insects, small reptiles, mammals, berries, termites, grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Roots in high fairly open trees in large numbers.

PPT-191-192: Cheer pheasant

Pheasant is a large long-tailed game bird with showy plumage in males.

Description: These birds lack the color and brilliance of most pheasants. They have buffy gray plumage and long gray crests. The bill is pale and horny, and the bare skin around the eye is bright red. Its long tail has 18 feathers, with the central tail feathers being much longer, colored mainly gray and brown. The top of the head and crest are blackish-brown. The female is slightly smaller in overall size; sexual dimorphism is slight. Birds have many vocalizations including a very distinctive crowing. Incubation is performed by the female, with a clutch size of 9-10 eggs.

🔑 Definition — Sexual Dimorphism: The distinct difference in size or appearance between the sexes of an animal species (in this case, slight in Cheer Pheasants).

Distribution In the highlands and scrublands of the Himalayas region. Native: India, Nepal, Pakistan

Distribution in Pakistan Formerly abundant throughout Siran, Kaghan valley, Marghalla hills, Swat, and Kohistan districts. At present, it is restricted to several small pockets of Kashmir. 50-60 pairs of breeding captive birds are well kept at Dhodial (Manshera) in KPK.

Feeding habit: Major food: Underground plant bulbs and tubers. 💡 Why this matters: This species is a prime example of a bird whose range has dramatically shrunk due to habitat loss, now relying on captive breeding for survival.

⭐ Key Takeaways

• The Honey Badger is a carnivore found in southern Pakistan, identifiable by its two-toned fur (silvery grey top, black bottom), powerful claws, and an anal gland that emits a foul secretion.
• Two otter species inhabit Pakistan: the Himalayan Otter in the Himalayan river systems and the Indian Otter in the lower Indus riverine system; both are aquatic carnivores feeding on fish, frogs, and molluscs.
• The Common Peafowl is a large, colorful bird where males (peacocks) have a long, decorative train with ocelli for mating displays; three color variations exist (white, pied, black-winged) and it holds an IUCN status of "Least Concern."
• The Cheer Pheasant is a less colorful game bird found in the Himalayas, now restricted in Pakistan to small pockets of Kashmir, with a major food source of underground plant bulbs and tubers.
• Key reproductive facts include the peafowl's clutch size (3-6 eggs, 28-30 day incubation by female) and the cheer pheasant's clutch size (9-10 eggs, incubation by female).

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. What is the scientific name of the Honey Badger, and what is its unique defensive adaptation?
2. Name the two otter species found in Pakistan and describe their different distributions.
3. What are the three color variations of the Indian blue peafowl, and which one is not an albino?
4. What is the IUCN conservation status of the Common Peafowl, and where in Pakistan is it found?
5. Where is the Cheer Pheasant's primary captive breeding center in KPK, and what is its main food item?

📘 Lecture 29 — [Exact Lecture Title: Roots, Tubers, Seeds, Berries, Various insects / IUCN status / Koklass / Monal Pheasant]

📖 Overview: This lecture covers the feeding habits, physical characteristics, distribution, and conservation status of game birds in Pakistan, focusing on the Koklass and Monal Pheasant. It explains their taxonomic classification, morphological features, and ecological significance, emphasizing the importance of habitat preservation for vulnerable species.

🗂️ Topics Covered

The lecture begins with a brief section on general food items (roots, tubers, seeds, berries, insects) and the IUCN status of an unspecified species (Vulnerable, CITES Appendix I). It then provides a detailed account of Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha), including its name origin, description, territorial behavior, subspecies, distribution, feeding habits, and IUCN status (Least Concern). The lecture concludes with the start of a section on Monal Pheasant.

📝 Lecture Summary

Roots / Tubers / Seeds / Berries / Various insects / IUCN status

This section outlines a general diet consisting of roots, tubers, seeds, berries, and various insects. It notes an IUCN status of Vulnerable and that the species is listed on Appendix I of CITES.

🔑 Definition — IUCN Red List: A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. Vulnerable means the species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. 📐 CITES Appendix I: Includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

PPT-193: Koklass

Scientific Name: Pucrasia macrolopha Facts: The name "koklass" is onomatopoeically derived from the bird's territorial call. This bird has a long central and two lateral crests on the head. It is also called pucras. Description: Medium-sized pheasants. Sexes are moderately dimorphic (males have a well-developed occipital crest, females have a shorter crest). They are monogamous. Territoriality is well developed. Clutch size: 5-7 eggs. Subspecies in Pakistan: (i) Western Koklass, (ii) Kashmir Koklass. Distribution: Native to Afghanistan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan. Found in Afghanistan, Swat, Kohistan (6000-11000 ft, e.g., Ayubia National Park). Feeding habit: All kinds of grains, grass seeds, berries, buds, insects, and worms. IUCN status: Least Concern.

PPT 194-195: Monal Pheasant

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⭐ Key Takeaways

The Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) is a medium-sized, monogamous, territorial bird with a distinctive onomatopoeic name and moderate sexual dimorphism, particularly in crest length. Its clutch size ranges from 5-7 eggs. In Pakistan, two subspecies (Western and Kashmir Koklass) inhabit areas like Swat, Kohistan, and Ayubia National Park at altitudes of 6000-11000 feet. Its diet consists of grains, seeds, berries, buds, insects, and worms, and its IUCN status is Least Concern. The lecture also introduces a general category of food items (roots, tubers, seeds, etc.) linked to a Vulnerable/IUCN-listed species.

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. How is the name "Koklass" derived?
2. Describe the sexual dimorphism seen in Koklass Pheasants.
3. What is the clutch size of the Koklass?
4. Name the two subspecies of Koklass found in Pakistan.
5. At what altitude range is the Koklass typically found?

📘 Lecture 30 — Avian Biology: A Study of Monal, Chukor, Tragopan, Houbara Bustard, and Kingfisher

📖 Overview: This lecture provides a detailed examination of five distinct bird species: the Himalayan Monal, Chukor Partridge, Tragopan, Houbara Bustard, and Kingfisher. It covers their descriptions, feeding habits, distribution, and conservation status, illustrating the diversity within the avian world and the varying levels of threat they face.

🗂️ Topics Covered

The lecture begins with an introduction to the Monal bird family, detailing the Himalayan Monal's description, dimorphic characteristics, feeding habits, and distribution in Pakistan. It then covers the Chukor Partridge, including its description, habitat, feeding habits, and threats. Next, the lecture explores the Tragopan, focusing on the Western Tragopan's description, feeding habits, distribution, and conservation concerns. Finally, it discusses the Houbara Bustard and the Kingfisher, covering their descriptions, diets, and conservation statuses.

📝 Lecture Summary

Facts: Monal

The lecture begins by introducing the Monal, a bird of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. There are three species and several subspecies, including the Sclater's monal (Crestless monal), Chinese monal, and Himalayan monal. The Himalayan monal is notably the National bird of Nepal and the State bird of Uttarakhand, India.

1. Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan Monal is a relatively large-sized pheasant. The sexes are highly dimorphic. The adult male has a multicolored plumage, a long, metallic green crest, coppery feathers on the back and neck, eyes ringed with blue, and a reddish-brown neck. It has a curved beak that enables it to dig into hard mountain soil to uncover seeds. The tail feathers are uniformly rufous, becoming darker towards the tips. A prominent white rump is most visible when the bird is in flight. Males weigh up to 2380 gms. The female is duller in color, weighing up to 2150 gms, with white lower tail coverts barred with black and red, a prominent white patch on the throat, and a white strip on the tail. The first-year male and juvenile resemble the female, but the first-year male is larger. The species is Polygynous, has a clutch size of 4-5 eggs, and an incubation period of 26-29 days. The breeding season begins in April at higher altitudes.

🔑 Definition — Dimorphic: having two distinct forms, usually referring to differences in appearance between males and females of the same species. 🔑 Definition — Polygynous: a mating system in which one male mates with multiple females.

The status of the Himalayan Monal is "Still fairly secure in many areas" with an IUCN Status of Least Concern. Its chief food includes terrestrial insects, tubers, mushrooms, strawberries, and maggots. Its distribution in Pakistan occurs at 8000-12000 ft in the Kaghan valley, Azad Kashmir, Pallas valley, and Ayubia National Park.

PPT 196-197: Chukor

The Chukor (Scientific Name: Alectoris chukar) is larger than the common partridge. Males measure about 34-39cm in body length, and females about 30-34 cm. Its body is pinkish-brown with rib-like bars on the flanks in buff. Its legs and feet are coral pink, the bill is crimson to coral red, and claws are dusty brown. The sexes are similar, but the female is slightly smaller and lacks a spur. A distinctive black band runs across the forehead through the eyes, down the sides of the neck, forming a necklace on the upper breast. About 7 to 14 eggs are laid, hatching in about 23–25 days.

The Chukor lives on barren rocky slopes with sparsely stunted grass and bushes. In winter, it descends to an elevation of 1200-1500 m, re-ascending in summer to 2500 m. Its diet consists of a wide variety of seeds and some insects. Its IUCN Status is Least Concern. Threats include severe winters, which affect Turkish populations, and pesticides.

PPT 198-199: Tragopan

The name Tragopan comes from "Tragos" (goat) and "Pan" (Greek god). Tragopans are commonly called "horned pheasants" due to two brightly colored, fleshy horns on their heads that can be erected during courtship displays. There are five recognized species.

1. Tragopan melanocephalus

The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) is a medium-sized pheasant with highly dimorphic sexes. The male has grey upper parts, reddish facial skin, and numerous white spots, each bordered with black and deep crimson patches on the sides and back of the neck. The throat is bare with blue skin, and the bare facial skin is red. They have a small black occipital crest. Males weigh 1.8–2.2 kg and are 55–60 cm long. Females have pale brownish-grey upper parts finely vermiculated with black spots and central white streaks. They weigh 1.25–1.4 kg and are 48–50 cm long. The species is Monogamous.

🔑 Definition — Monogamous: a mating system in which a male and a female form a pair bond and mate exclusively with each other.

The diet of the Western Tragopan consists primarily of leaves, roots, flowers, acorns, seeds, berries, grubs, and insects. It is a shy and wary bird. Its distribution in Pakistan is largely restricted to the area between the Jhelum and Kunhar rivers of Hazara district, including the forests of Kaghan valley, Machiara National Park (A.K), and Pales valley. The IUCN Status is Vulnerable. Threats include hunting and trapping for its meat and decorative plumage. It is listed on CITES Appendix I.

💡 Why this matters: The Western Tragopan’s "Vulnerable" status and protection under CITES highlight the direct impact of human activities, such as hunting for meat and feathers, on a species' survival.

PPT-200: Houbara Bustard

The Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a large-sized running bird, measuring 60-70 cm in length and weighing up to 1.5-2.5 kg. Its general body color is sandy, pencilled with black. It has a short crest of elongated feathers (white at the base, tipped black) and a ruff of black and white feathers on each side of the neck. The bill is horny brown, and the legs are greenish-yellow. Females are somewhat smaller.

The Houbara Bustard is omnivorous but largely vegetarian. It feeds on young shoots of wheat, mustard, and other oil seed crops, as well as flowers, drupes, and berries. It also eats black ants, termites, beetles, grasshoppers, centipedes, small lizards, and snakes. Its IUCN Status is Vulnerable. It is distributed across North Africa, the Middle East, and Western Asia.

PPT-201: Kingfisher

The Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a member of a family of small to medium-sized, brightly colored birds in the order Coraciiformes. They have a cosmopolitan distribution. Its IUCN Status is Least Concern. Threats include hard winters and long-term declines thought to be due to chemical and biological river pollution, such as industrial waste and agricultural chemical runoff. Canalization and clearance of emergent vegetation result in loss of habitat. It is also at risk locally from persecution to protect fish stocks. Conservation actions are proposed, including the preservation of rivers and streams and research to investigate threats and mitigation measures. It is listed on Bern Convention Appendix II and EU Birds Directive Annex I.

⭐ Key Takeaways

Students must remember the distinct physical descriptions and ecological niches of each species. The Himalayan Monal and Chukor are currently "Least Concern," while the Western Tragopan and Houbara Bustard are "Vulnerable," highlighting different threat levels. The Kingfisher serves as an example of a "Least Concern" species threatened by environmental pollution and habitat degradation. Finally, the protective measures for the Western Tragopan (CITES Appendix I) and Kingfisher (Bern Convention, EU Birds Directive) are critical for their conservation.

🧠 Quick Revision Questions

1. What are the three species of Monal mentioned in the lecture, and which one is the National bird of Nepal?
2. Describe the key physical difference between male and female Himalayan Monals.
3. What is the IUCN status of the Chukor, and what are two threats it faces?
4. What is the meaning of the name "Tragopan," and why is the Western Tragopan considered "Vulnerable"?
5. What are the primary threats to the Kingfisher's population, and what conservation actions are proposed?