Saving biodiversity, one click at a time

Abdul Qayoom Sofi’s story began in the quiet village of Kanispora, situated in the Baramulla district of Kashmir. The forests that surrounded his village were his refuge in childhood. Today he has documented over 170 bird species, earning recognition for his contributions to wildlife preservation. (Photo by Shah Khursheed)

Working as a Block Forest Officer for Jhelum Valley, Sofi has documented rare and endangered Markhor, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Goral, Himalayan Red Fox, Yellow-Throated Martin, Jungle Cat, bats, and Civet Cat in Lachipora and Limber Wildlife Sanctuaries and in forests of Baramulla. In the picture is an Oriental Scope Owl captured by him. His find was published in the Indian Birds Volume 19 No. 4 in the year 2023. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

Apart from Scope Owls, Sofi has managed to document several uncommon owl species in the Baramulla forest, including the Asian Barred Owlet, Collared Owl, Brownwood Owl, and Collared Scops Owl. In this image, the Collared Scope Owl can be seen peacefully resting on a tree branch in Baramulla. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

In 2022-23, Sofi’s dedication was recognised as he was awarded the prestigious Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) for his efforts. In this image is the Kashmir Flying Squirrel, which is a rare and elusive creature often seen only in the dead of night, feasting on walnuts. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

A nest of Egyptian Vultures is seen in this image. An adult vulture is seen caring for its young before migration. As an endangered species declared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), vultures are heavily impacted by illegal stone quarries as they nest in high cliffs. In one such instance, Sofi did his bit to protect these vultures by reporting the illegal mining activities of the quarry. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

A Warbling White-Eye forages for food among the branches of a fig tree. Sofi has personally documented over 175 bird species, including 162 from the forests of Baramulla. His work has not only enriched the birding community but also paved the way for national birders, who were previously reluctant to explore North Kashmir. Among his discoveries are species found exclusively in the forests of North Kashmir, not anywhere else in the region. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

Captured in this image is the European Roller which, with its stunning appearance and beautiful morning song, enhances the charm of Baramulla’s forests. Sofi’s goal is to raise awareness about biodiversity in Kashmir. He uses photography as a powerful tool to share this message with the world. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

A Kashmir Flycatcher is spotted in the forest, attempting to hide in a hollow. A secretive bird, it breeds only in Kashmir after migrating in winter. Sofi spent days in its habitat observing it. Through each encounter, Sofi’s understanding of Kashmir’s wildlife deepened. It wasn’t just about discovering rare species or capturing stunning photographs – it was about protecting the land he loved. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

A touching scene of a mother Hoopoe caring for her baby, who waits with an open beak within the safe hollow of the pine tree for food. Two of his fellow officers saw potential in Sofi’s pictures and gave him a Canon 7D Mark II camera to take better pictures of the native birds in the Baramulla’s forests. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)

The red-billed Leiothrix is perched on a branch ready for its close-up. Kashmir’s forests have a huge impact on the economy of the union territory due to tourism and related activities. Additionally, biodiversity preservation needs attention. In the words of 15th-century Kashmiri saint and poet, Sheikh ul Alam: “Ann poshi teli yeli wan poshi (food will last as long as forests last)”. (Photo by Abdul Qayoom Sofi)