Founders Note

Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman

Birds are wonderful subjects to photograph – difficult, but wonderful. At the Paws Trails bird photography workshops, we have had the good fortune to introduce many enthusiastic photographers to the joys of freezing the avian beauties in flight. The Arabian peninsula offers wonderful opportunities for this genre of photography and is an affordable and easily accessible hobby to residents of the Middle East.

This is the first time a bird species is being featured in PT Aware, and what better subject than the Houbara Bustard. This is a bird with close ties to the Arab civilization and is also an intriguing migratory species with a far-ranging distribution.

Being migratory, also means that the species has good visibility and has ties with many cultures around the world. Sadly, the Houbara is today classified as Vulnerable by IUCN and declining. Being enthusiastic bird photographers ourselves, we have observed the threats faced by them first hand. It is important to ensure that traditions and conservation should co-exist harmoniously.

Houbara Bustards are unique species to photograph. But, we appeal to your gentle side to respect their space and especially not to spook the bird during the breeding season. Just one failed breeding season can have catastrophic effects on populations of vulnerable species.

Thanks to all the wonderful photographers for your Houbara images. It is the aim of Paws Trails to use community photography as a powerful tool for conservation. Please keep contributing and let your images tell the tales of enigmatic species from around the world to our readers worldwide.

www.pawstrails.com

Hermis Haridas & Nisha Purushothaman
Founders – Paws Trails Explorers