A three-day National Symposium on Avian Biology (NSAB 2026), organised by the Division of Wildlife Sciences of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, commenced at the university’s Shalimar Convention Centre on Thursday.
The symposium, being held in conjunction with the seventh meeting of the Association of Avian Biologists in India, is being organised in Kashmir for the first time and will continue till May 16.According to the organisers, the event aims to highlight recent advances in avian research, with focus on Himalayan ecosystems, emerging conservation challenges and modern approaches in ornithology. Discussions will also explore biodiversity conservation, bird-based ecotourism and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Prof Khursheed Ahmad, Organising Secretary and Head of the Division of Wildlife Sciences, delivered the welcome address and outlined the significance of avian research and conservation in relation to nature-based livelihood generation in Jammu and Kashmir.Director Extension Raihana Habib Kanth, who was the chief guest, said the symposium was in line with the “One Health” approach adopted by the university for sustainable development.
Former Bombay Natural History Society director Asad R. Rahmani shared his experiences in ornithology and stressed the need for proactive wildlife management and research in changing environmental conditions.
Taej Mundkur spoke on conservation of migratory birds and wetlands along the Central Asian Flyway, while Anand S. Dixit highlighted the role of collaborative ecological monitoring and conservation networks.
An abstract book of the symposium and a documentary on radio-telemetry-based research on the ibisbill in Kashmir were also released during the event.
Dean Students Welfare Sajad A. Gangoo proposed the vote of thanks
