Publications

2007 Marco Polo Argali Research in the Big Pamir Mountains of Afghanistan - Year-end Summary
Author(s): Winnie, J. and R. Harris
Description/Abstract: Once known to be a relatively common inhabitant of the Afghan Pamirs, the current status of one of the most important indicator species of the high-altitude areas - the Marco Polo sheep - is now largely unknown. What is known is that thirty years of conflict, unrestricted hunting and extensive livestock grazing is likely to have caused a decline in their numbers. However, without baseline data on seasonal habitat use, species distribution, population status and movement patterns, Marco Polo conservation strategies can neither be developed nor implemented. The WCS Survey Team therefore headed north in 2007 to gather supporting data on Marco Polo sheep ecology and behavior, as well as train local researchers to carry on this valuable work. This report summarizes their work through the year.

A Field Mission of the Ecosystem Health Component to Band-e-Amir in May-June 2007
Author(s): Ostrowski, S., A.M. Rajabi and H. Noori
Description/Abstract: In Spring 2007, the WCS Ecosystem Health Team undertook a field mission to Band-e-Amir in Bamyan Province to collect data on livestock health and interactions with wildlife, study a recent case of fish die-off in one of the lakes and record the wildlife of the region - both old and new. This mission report reveals the Team's findings.

A Preliminary Assessment of Forest Cover and Change in the Eastern Forest Complex of Afghanistan
Author(s): Delattre, E. and H. Rahmani
Description/Abstract: The Eastern Forest Complex includes the last continguous patches of arid coniferous forests in Afghanistan and is home to an impressive array of wildlife species including Himalayan lynx and Asiatic black bears. However, the booming timber trade occuring across the whole region is putting the area under serious pressure which is not likely to be sustainable or even irreversible. With security in the eastern provinces remaining unstable, ground-truthing to find out the extent of damage to biodiversity here is challenging. Instead, the WCS GIS team have worked with satellite imageries and innovative analysis approaches back at the base in Kabul to help map potential forest cover deforestation "hotspots". This report reveals their findings and suggests recommendations for future investigation.

A Survey of the Breeding Birds of the Wakhan Corridor
Author(s): Timmins, R.J
Description/Abstract: Surveying wildlife in Afghanistan is like working from an almost-blank slate. Having a lack of baseline data to work from is exciting but also challenging and much of WCS' field work is focused on building up knowledge of local fauna and flora, from scratch. For this field report, WCS ornithological teams headed to Badakhshan Province in the spring/summer season of 2009 to survey birdlife status and conservation in the high-altitude Wakhan Corridor, particularly within riparian and wetland habitats. This report also discusses the conservation significance of the Wakhan Corridor and proposes recommendations for its future protection.

A Visit to the Bird Market of Kabul (Ka Farushi) - 20 December 2006.
Author(s): Ostrowski, S.
Description/Abstract: As part of a study initiated in summer 2006 to document seasonal variations in bird species and numbers, the WCS Ecosystem Health Team visited the Ka Farushi bird market of Kabul during winter 2006. Along with identifying the bird species for sale and estimating their numbers and health status, the Team also questioned shopkeepers on the origins and destinations of the birds, helping to build up a picture of wild bird trade routes across the region.

Activity Report of the Ecosystem Health Team in Wakhan, Afghanistan - September to November 2010
Author(s): Noori, H., A. M. Rajabi and S. Ostrowski
Description/Abstract: During the winter period of 2010, the WCS Ecosystem Health Team performed a mass Foot-and-Mouth disease vaccination program of yak and cattle in the Big and Small Pamirs, and along the Wakhan Valley in Badakhshan. Alongside this work, the team also collected blood samples from sheep, goats, yak and cattle in order to analyze exposure to brucellosis, and began the area's first ever bovine TB detection campaign. A livestock census survey was also conducted and this field report documents their results and findings.

Activity Report of the WCS Ecosystem Health Team in the Wakhan District, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan - July 2010
Author(s): Noori, H. and A.M. Rajabi (supervised by S. Ostrowski)
Description/Abstract: An activity report documenting the progress of WCS in developing the capacity and skills of Wakhi villagers and rangers through various training activities. The particular focus of the report is on ranger training exercises provided by the Ecosystem Health Project Team during summer 2010. This training aimed at providing an overview of wildife diseases and highlighting the importance of community/ranger patrol work in surveilling wildlife and livestock health within the higher-altitude rangelands.

Additional Data on Livestock Health in Band-i-Amir (update to the report "A Field Mission of the Ecosystem Health Component to Band-e-Amir in May-June 2007")
Author(s): Ostrowski, S., A.M. Rajabi and H. Noori.
Description/Abstract: Monitoring the health status of livestock is critical in assessing disease risk to wild animals. This is particularly true in Afghanistan since the potential for inter-species transmission is high given the amount of cohabitation between domestic and wild animals. This addendum document to the WCS Ecosystem Team's 2007 report compiles the results of investigations into health issues within domestic sheep and goats in Band-e-Amir (such as Foot-and-Mouth diease) and discusses the development of policies in the future to reduce disease transmission into wild ungulate populations such as the Marco Polo sheep.

An Annoted List of Bird Species Observed by the Ecosystem Health Team in Wakhan in November - December 2006
Author(s): Ostrowski, S.
Description/Abstract: Combined with previous expeditions to the high-altitude peaks of the Pamir mountains, the Ecosystem Health Team set out in the winter of 2006 to clarify the status of a number of resident, breeding, wintering and migratory birds that occur in this unique landscape, including the Lammergeier and Ibisbill. Eight new species to the region were also recorded during this trip. This is the first document since seminal survey work was conducted here in the 1970s and helps to improve our knowledge of the avifauna in the Afghan Pamirs.

Appendix to Permanent Monitoring Sites- Methdology and Examples of Photo Plots and Data
Author(s): Bedunah, D.J.
Description/Abstract: In order to determine changes in overall condition of a site over time, whether that includes improvements or further degradation, time-sensitive measurements of parameters such as vegetation levels must be made on a consistent basis. Without such data, it becomes almost impossible to predict the conservation potential of a site, particularly within the context of planning for a future protected area network. This was exactly the challenge facing the WCS Rangeland Team; thus their first job within the Wakhan Corridor was to establish permanent monitoring sites in 2006, 2007 and 2008. This appendix accompanies the report entitled - Permanent Monitoring Sites: Methodology and Examples of Photo Plots and Data.

Argali Abundance in the Afghan Pamir Using Capture-Recapture Modeling From Fecal DNA
Author(s): Harris, R.B., J. Winnie, S.J. Amish, A. Beja-Pereira, R. Godinho, V. Costa and G. Luikart
Description/Abstract: Abstract: Estimating population size in a mark-recapture framework using DNA obtained from remotely collected genetic samples (e.g., feces) has become common in recent years but rarely has been used for ungulates. Using DNA extracted from fecal pellets, we estimated the size of an argali (Ovis ammon) population that was believed to be isolated from others within the Big Pamir Mountains, Afghanistan, an area where access was difficult and expensive. The full paper is available for purchase from the Journal of Wildlife Management and the abstract is available at this link.

Assessment of Raptor Trade in Afghanistan - A Short Visit to Mazar-e-Sharif.
Author(s): Ostrowski, S., A.M. Rajabi and H. Noori.
Description/Abstract: High numbers of hawks and falcons are trapped and sold onto the Gulf countries for the sport of falcony every year. This has led to a decline in numbers of certain bird species particularly the Saker falcon, Peregrine falcon and Gyr falcon. Afghanistan is a known breeding ground and migratory destination for these birds, and Mazar-e-Sharif city in the north is a center for wildlife trade. This investigative report was conducted by the WCS Ecosystem Health Team and provides much-needed knowledge on the occurrence and extent of the raptor trade in Afghanistan gleaned through interviews with traders.

Avian Influenza Surveillance - Results of a Questionnaire Investigation at Kol-e Hashmat Khan Lake, Kabul, October 2007
Author(s): Ostrowski,S., A.M. Rajabi and H. Noori.
Description/Abstract: Kole Hashmat Khan on the outskirts of Kabul is home to a diversity of wild waterfowl although the immediate environment is under serious threat from encroachment and water drainage. WCS has been conducting field visits here for several years, in order to monitor certain trends in bird populations and evaluate the effects of environmental damage. However this study aimed at determining whether the Lake also warrants close surveillance for the first signs of an Avian Influenza outbreak amongst the wild and neighboring domestic bird populations. Furthermore, the investigation constituted an important training exercise for WCS/FAO trainees studying the virus and various surveillance techniques.

Band-Amir Provisional National Park- A Preliminary Management Plan 2008 - 2011
Author(s): Shank, C., Band-e-Amir Coordinating Committee and Band-e-Amir Protected Area Committee (BAPAC)
Description/Abstract: Band-e-Amir, in Bamyan Province sets the scene for one of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes. In years gone by, the area contained a rich diversity of fauna including Siberian ibex, urial and a plethora of bird species, all of which helped boost its tourism potential enormously. Sadly, the surrounding environment has been put under severe pressure in recent times with increasing human encroachment, conflicts in landuse, and an exploitation of its natural resources. However, few would argue that the site is not deserving of National Park status, helping to benefit both the environment and local communities. This management plan lays out a roadmap for how this could be achieved and provides direction for effective and fair interim management of the recently-declared Band-e-Amir National Park whilst a complete management plan is developed for post-2011.

Biodiversity Reconnaissance Survey in Darwaz Region, Badakhshan, Afghanistan, April 2012
Author(s): Moheb, Z. & Mostafawi, S. N.
Description/Abstract: The most notable findings of the survey were the confirmation of the presence of Markhor and Brown Bear in the Area, as well as what appears to be the first ever live photographs of a lizard species, Laudakia badakhshana, and the first record of this species since its initial taxonomic description in 1969 (S. Anderson per comm., 2012). There was also a report that a Caspian Tiger had allegedly been shot in Darwaz about 15 years ago. In the course of 29 days of survey we visited three districts of Darwaz where we saw markhor, red fox, unidentified voles and bats, 107 species of birds, agama lizards and Laudakia badakshana . We recorded indirect field evidence of brown bear, leopard (or possibly snow leopard), ibex, porcupine, marmot, wild boar and snakes. During the interview the informants reported the occurrence of nearly 20 mammalian species in the study area

Biodiversity Reconnaissance Survey- July-August 2011- Shar-e-Buzurg District, Badakshan Province
Author(s): Moheb, Z. & Mostafawi, N.
Description/Abstract: Shar-e-Buzurg is one of 28 districts in Badakhshan Province. The capital of this district is a town bearing the same name, Shahr-e Buzurg. It is a remote part of Afghanistan with a very poor road network. Shahr-e Buzurg is divided into five zones and has a population of approximately 42,000 people spread across 74 villages. Villages are far away from each other and people lack public transportation. Wildlife were said to be abundant in Shahr-e Buzurg during the 1970s, and according to a gap analysis carried out by WCS in collaboration with the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) from the Afghan government in 2009, as part of the Program of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA), it is an area of interest for biodiversity conservation. In addition, Habibi (2003) indicates that Shahr-e Buzurg is part of the historical range for the markhor (Capra falconeri) in Afghanistan. Therefore surveying this area has been viewed as a priority.

Bird Species from Afghanistan displayed at Kabul Zoo - A Preliminary Report
Author(s): Ostrowski, S.
Description/Abstract: This preliminary report details WCS Veterinary Consultant Dr Stephane Ostrowski's visit to Kabul Zoo in order to determine the origins and health status of its captive bird species. This forms the early stages of an avian vaccination campaign and husbandry training program planned at the Zoo as well as initating efforts to spread a conservation message regarding capture of wild birds for trade.

Birdlife Monitoring Program in Kol-e Hashmat Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan - March 2007 - April 2010
Author(s): Mostafawi, S.N and S. Ostrowski.
Description/Abstract: Over the course of three years, WCS biologists have conducted 86 surveys at Kole Hashmat Khan Lake on the southeastern outskirts of Kabul in order to document water bird diversity. Although facing immense pressure from intensive water drainage and reed harvesting, Kole Hashmat Khan is a potential candidate for Protected Area status, providing a safe haven for over 90 different bird species during the winter and spring months, with at least 4 species breeding succesfully amongst its reed beds. Five species of global conservation concern have also been spotted recently including the Dalmatian pelican and Eastern Imperial Eagle. This field report highlights the history of this important wetland area and lists results from the first avian survey at Kole Hashmat Khan for over 30 years.

Birds and Mammals in Dasht-e-Nawar, Afghanistan- Occurrence and Hunting Pressure, 2007 Surveys
Author(s): Ostrowski, S., A.M. Rajabi and H. Noori
Description/Abstract: In the spring and summer of 2007, the WCS Ecosystem Health Team surveyed a high-altitude wetland in eastern Afghanistan (known locally as Dasht-e-Nawar), the goal being to document the birds and mammals frequently observed there and assess the hunting pressure upon them. Two immediate successes were the sighting of Greater flamingos breeding on the lake and 40 new bird species added to the site list. However, the survey also revealed extensive capture of waterbirds here during the summer which is likely to reduce their numbers significantly in the long-term.

Brown bear status and threats in Darwaz, Northern Badakhshan, Afghanistan.
Author(s): Moheb, Z. Lawson, D. and Mostafawi, S.N.
Year: 2012
Description/Abstract: In Afghanistan, brown bears are distributed in the northeastern parts including the Darwaz region, Badakhshan. However, the actual status and distribution of the species are not known in Afghanistan. We documented brown bears in Darwaz, where there have been no previous records confirming the presence of the species. Brown bear occurrence was confirmed through public reports during personal interviews, field evidence, and documentation of alleged bear depredation cases. Seventy-two percent of the informants stated that brown bears occur in Darwaz, and depredation complaints were recorded from 17 villages across the area. The highest numbers of complaints were from Nusai District. Cattle, especially bulls, were the major victims of alleged brown bear depredation in the region.
Journal/Source: Ursus
Publisher: International Association for Bear Research and Management