Although remote monitoring is a more efficient technique , actual field surveys still have their own perks starting from hand on experience and observation of various wildlife’ activities to enjoying the undisturbed natural habitat.

One such field survey was conducted by Snow Leopard Foundation research team comprising 5 members. The team started their journey on 23^rd December, 2016. The final destination was upper Braldu valley , District Shigar , Baltistan and survey was to be conducted on population estimation of ibex and Ladakh urial . First five days were spent in making necessary arrangements which included obtaining permission letter from wildlife department, datasheets, equipment (spotting scopes) collections and collaborating with Central Karakoram National Park’s (CKNP) staff.

The targeted area starts from Askoli and on 29th December, the survey began from this very point. The team adopted “double observer method” in which two teams are made to count the number of individuals of a particular species. Team started counting Ibex and Ladakh Urial from Askoli till Domurdo upto Panma Glacier.

The team successfully spotted 5 herds of ibex but there were no direct sightings of Ladakh urial. However, other signs were found which made urial’s presence affirmative. SLF team also visited a local museum in Askoli village as a recreational treat. This whole field survey proved to be fruitful in terms of determining status of ibex and urial in Braldu valley and giving a necessary exposure to emerging researchers.

Tahir, a research student described his experience to be a learning one. He commented,

“The best thing for me was to observe wild ungulates in their natural wild habitat and learning

how to deal with local communities and convince them for wildlife conservation”.

The survey ended on 4^th January, 2017. “It was both a great interactive and learning experience” said Ejaz, a field biologist and team leader of this survey.

Snow leopard foundation works for conservation of snow leopards in their habitat. As snow leopards’ survival depends upon an adequate amount of prey, and Ibex and Ladakh urial are principle prey of snow leopard in this area, it is crucial to determine their status and population estimates. Jaffar ud Din , the assistant director at SLF said

“These surveys foster our know how of snow leopards and their natural prey. Understanding ecology of snow leopards, their prey base and interaction with humans is prerequisite identifying conservation hotspots. These surveys are now obligatory under the National Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Priorities (NSELP) endorsed by the Government of Pakistan and Global Snow Leopards and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP). ”

The survey would not have been possible without support of CKNP staff. Syed Yasir Abbas, ecologist at CKNP commented