Gilgit, Students from the Department of Forestry, Range, and Wildlife Management at Karakoram International University (KIU) recently completed a valuable field-oriented orientation tour in the District Astore, enriching their academic experience with practical knowledge of forestry and wildlife management. Conducted from May 24-26, 2024, the tour aimed to introduce second-year students to the diverse flora and fauna of the dry temperate areas.
According to Karakoram International University, the orientation tour, approved by the Vice Chancellor of KIU, included 42 students, among them four females, and was led by Dr. Ahmad Hussain, Assistant Professor. The students visited key sites such as the 3 Mountains Junction at Jaglot, where they learned about mountain ecosystems, and Mushkin, where RFO Ghulamullah of the Astore Forest Division provided a detailed briefing on wildlife habitats.
The tour emphasized the practical application of classroom theories, enhancing students’ understanding of the environment through firsthand observations and interactions with seasoned forestry professionals like Khursheed Alam, the Divisional Forest Officer of Astore, and Shah Nawaz, DFO of Diamer. These interactions included discussions on forest history, management practices, and the significance of community involvement in conservation efforts like trophy hunting.
In addition to theoretical briefings, the students participated in a marathon race designed to promote physical endurance and team spirit. They also visited the Forest Model Nursery at Gorikot, where they learned about plant raising techniques and the management of nursery operations under various conditions.
The educational tour culminated with visits to Igah and Chilum, where students explored concepts like assisted natural regeneration and ecotones in subalpine zones, further broadening their practical knowledge and appreciation for fieldwork in forestry and wildlife management.
The success of the tour was acknowledged by both students and faculty, who expressed gratitude towards the field staff for their dedication and insightful briefings, setting a strong foundation for the students’ future careers in environmental conservation.