Breeding of Anas strepera (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anatidae: Anseriformes) fromChandertal Wetland (an Internationally Known Ramsar Site in Trans HimalayanEcosystem) - A New Record

Breeding of Anas strepera (Linnaeus, 1758) (Anatidae: Anseriformes) known as Gadwall has been recorded in Chandertal, an internationally known Ramsar wetland in cold desert of North West Himalayan ecosystem. It is the first breeding record of Gadwall from Chandertal wetland. Gadwall had been reported from Pong dam, Ramsar site at a very low altitude of 390-423 meter above mean sea level in District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. But the population dynamics and breeding status have been recorded for the first time from this high altitude wetland in Trans-Himalayas. This unprecedented breeding record and population dynamics are valuable information in the context of global warming and climate change as these changes are affecting the breeding grounds and migratory habits and habitats of many birds especially water-birds.