National symposium on avian biology begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, May 14: A three-day “National Symposium on Avian Biology (NSAB 2026)” in conjunction with the 7th Meeting of the Association of Avian Biologists in India (AABI) commenced on Thursday at the Shalimar Convention Centre of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir.

Organised by the Division of Wildlife Sciences, the symposium is being held in Kashmir for the first time and will continue till May 16.

According to organisers, the event aims to showcase recent advances in avian research across the country, with a special focus on Himalayan ecosystems, emerging conservation challenges and modern approaches in ornithology.

The symposium also seeks to promote harmony between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through bird-based ecotourism, nature interpretation and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Prof Khursheed Ahmad, Organising Secretary and Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the relevance of the symposium in the present scenario of avian research and conservation, particularly in the context of nature-based livelihood generation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K and chief guest on the occasion, appreciated the organisers for hosting the national-level event in Kashmir. She underlined the importance of the symposium in line with the :One Health Approach’ adopted by the university, which focuses on inclusiveness for a sustainable future.

Renowned ornithologist Asad R Rahmani shared his experiences in the field of ornithology in India and abroad.

He stressed the need to identify thrust areas for research in the rapidly changing world and encouraged participants to develop skills required for proactive wildlife management.

Prof TaejMundkur from Wetlands International South Asia deliberated on critical issues concerning conservation of birdlife and habitats, with particular emphasis on inland wetlands supporting migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.

Prof Anand S Dixit, Prime Minister Professor and founding member and president of Association of Avian Biologists in India, appreciated the efforts of the organising team for successfully conducting the event in Kashmir.

He also highlighted the role of AABI in avian conservation and emphasised the need for long-term collaborative networks for ecological monitoring and conservation.

During the inaugural session, the abstract book of the symposium and a documentary on radio-telemetry based research on ibisbill in Kashmir were also released.

Prof Sajad A Gangoo, Dean Students Welfare, SKUAST-K, presented the formal vote of thanks.