Dr. Riaz Aziz Minhas

Dr. Riaz Aziz Minhas
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Personal Details
Dr. R. A. Minhas earned his Ph.D. in Zoology with a specialization in Wildlife from the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. He joined the Department of Zoology as a lecturer in 2010 and has over 15 years of experience in postgraduate teaching and research in Ecology and Wildlife.

He has published more than 55 research papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, focusing on various aspects of wildlife ecology and conservation genetics. Additionally, he has co-authored two books on the wildlife resources of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. To raise public awareness about natural resource conservation, he has also contributed several articles to national and international print and electronic media on different aspects of wildlife. Throughout his tenure in the Department of Zoology, Dr. Minhas has supervised 15 M.Sc. and 16 M.Phil. scholars in various fields of wildlife ecology. Currently, 7 M.Phil. and 02 PhD scholars are being supervised by him.

Before joining the university, he was actively involved in community-based wildlife conservation and management while serving with the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and WWF-Pakistan. As a leading Field Biologist, he played a key role in various wildlife monitoring studies conducted by the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries across different regions of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Associate Professor
PhD
Zoology
  1. Babar Zahoor, Basharat Ahmad*, Riaz Aziz Minhas and Muhammad Siddique Awan. 2020. Damages Done by Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Moji Game Reserve and its Surroundings, Leepa Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan). Pakistan J. Zool., pp 1-9, 2020.
  2. JAHANGEER, M., MINHAS, R.A AND AWAN, S. 2019. Current distribution and status of Himalayan Grey Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) in Lachhrat Forest Range, Azad Jammu and Kashmir-Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 3(1):10-20.
  3. AHMAD, B., NOOR, F., AWAN, M. S., MINHAS, R. A. AND ALI, U. 2019. Distribution and Population Status of Himalayan Monal Pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus) in Salkhala Game Reserve, Neelum Valley Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan). The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 29(4): 1150-1159.
  4. KAZMI, S. SHABI-UL-HASSAN, MINHAS, R. A.*, AHMAD, B., AWAN, M. S., ABBASI, S., ALI, U., SHAKEEL, U. AND DAR, N. I. 2019. Crop Raiding by Himalayan Black Bear: A Major Cause of Human- Bear Conflict in Machiara National Park, Pakistan. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 29(3): 2019, Page: 854-863.
  5. FURQAN, M., ALI, U., ARA, A., SHAHZAD, M.M., AWAN, M.S., MINHAS, R.A., AHMAD, K.B., QAMAR, Z.Q., AND DAR, N.I. 2019. Population Estimation and Habitat Analysis of Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) in Mirpur District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan J. Zool., 51(2): 549-557.
  6. KHAN, L.A., MINHAS, R. A., AWAN, M. S., AHMAD, K.B., SHAFI, N., ALI, U., AND IFTIKHAR, N. 2018. Population Status and Distribution of Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) in Musk Deer National Park Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan). Pak. j. sci. ind. res. Ser. B: biol. sci. 2018 61B (3): 158-164.
  7. MINHAS, R. A., KHAN, M.N., AWAN, M. S., AHMAD, B., BIBI, S. S., HANIF, M., AND MIAN, A. 2018. RAPD based Genetic Diversity of Endangered Himalayan Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) Populations of Pakistan. Pakistan J. Zool., 50(6): 2059-2071.
  8. SIRAJ-UD-DIN, M., MINHAS, R. A., ALI, U., KHAN, M., AWAN, M.S., SHAFI, N., AND AHMAD, B., 2018. Habitat and Feeding Ecology of Ladakh Urial (Ovis vignei vignei) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Pakistan J. Zool., 50(1): 197-206.
  9. KHALID, S., AWAN M.S., MINHAS, R.A., ASHRAF, N., AHMED, K.B., SHAFI, N. AND ABASSI, S., 2017. Distribution and Habitat Use of Avian Fauna of Rawalakot City and its Surroundings, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan J. Zool., 49(6): 2331-2334.
  10. IFTIKHAR, N., QAMAR, Z. Q., ALI, U., AWAN, M.S., BIBI, S.S., MINHAS, R.A., 2017. Population Status of Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Punjab University Journal of Zoology, 32 (1): 101-109.
  11. AWAN, M.S., MINHAS, R. A., AHMED, B. AND KHAN, A.A., 2017. Impact of habitat qualities on the breeding activities of Himalayan griffons (Gyps himalayensis Hume, 1869): A case study from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 27(2): 627-641.
  12. SIRAJ-UD-DIN, M., MINHAS, R. A.*, KHAN, M., ALI, U., BIBI, S.S., AHMED, B. AND AWAN, M. S., 2016. Conservation Status of Ladakh Urial (Ovis vignei vignei Blyth, 1841) in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 48(5): 1353-1365.
  13. ALI, U., MINHAS, R. A., AWAN, M. S., AHMED, K. B., QAMAR, Q.Z. AND DAR, N. I., 2016. Human-Grey Wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) Conflict in Shounther Valley, District Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 48(3): 861-868, 2016.
  14. SHAFI, N., RAUF, A., AKHTAR, T., MINHAS, R.A., ULFAT AND BIBI, S., 2016. Comparative isolation and amplification of Cytochrome oxidase 1 DNA from Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow Trout) of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 4(6): 196-199.
  15. KAUSAR, N., AWAN, M.S., MINHAS, R.A., QAMAR, Z., DAR, N.I. AND ALI, U. 2016. Socio-economic survey of Pir Lasorha National Park in District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Wildlife, 7(2): 41-48.
  16. SHAKEEL, U., MINHAS, R.A., AWAN, M. S., BIBI, S. S. AND IFTIKHARA, N. 2015. Conservation Status of Himalayan Grey Goral (Naemorhedus goral bedfordi Hardwicke, 1825) in Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 47(5): 1297-1304.
  17. SIRAJ-UD-DIN, M., MINHAS, R. A.*, KHAN, M., ALI, U., BIBI, S.S., AHMED, B. AND AWAN, M. S., 2016. Conservation Status of Ladakh Urial (Ovis vignei vignei Blyth, 1841) in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 48(5): 1353-1365.
  18. SIRAJ-UD-DIN, M., MINHAS, R. A.*, KHAN, M., ALI, U., BIBI, S.S., AHMED, B. AND AWAN, M. S., 2016. Conservation Status of Ladakh Urial (Ovis vignei vignei Blyth, 1841) in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 48(5): 1353-1365.
  19. SULTANA, N., AWAN, M.S., SHAMIM, A., IQBAL, A., ALI, U., MINHAS, R. A., MAJID, M.M. AND BANGASH, N., 2015. Prevalence of Ticks Infesting Selected Domestic Livestock Population of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Scholar’s Advances in Animal and Veterinary Research, 2(2): 98-106.
  20. SHAH, A.*, KHAN, M. S., AWAN, M. S., MINHAS, R. A., AKHTAR, N., KAUSAR, S., 2014. Spatial distribution and nidification record of Himalayan Monal and Koklass Pheasants in Kalam district Swat, KP, Pakistan. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 5(2): 296-305.
  21. MINHAS, R. A.*, ALI, U., AWAN, M.S., AHMED, K.B., KHAN, M.N., DAR, N.I., QAMAR, Q.Z., ALI, H., CYRIL C. GRUETER, YAMATO TSUJI., 2013. Ranging and Foraging of Himalayan Grey Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) in Machiara National Park, Pakistan. Primates, 54: 147-152
  22. BIBI, S.S., MINHAS, R.A., AWAN, M. S. AND ALI, U., 2013. Study of Ethno-Carnivore Relationship in Dhirkot, District Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan). Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 23(3):854-859.
  23. SHAH, A., AWAN, M. S., KHAN, M. S., MINHAS, R. A., KAUSAR, S., 2013. Vegetation analysis in the habitats of Koklass pheasant. Journal of Biodiversity and Ecological Sciences, 3(4): 191-201.
  24. MINHAS, R.A., AHMED, K.B., AWAN, M.S., QAMAR Z.Q., DAR, N.I AND ALI, H., 2012. Distribution Patterns and Population Status of the Himalayan Grey Langur (Semnopithecus ajax) in Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 44(3): 869-877.
  25. KHAN, M.B., AHMED, K.B., AWAN, M.S., ALI, U., MINHAS, R.A. AND CHOUDARY, S.A., 2012. Distribution, Population Status and Habitat Utilization of Common Otter (Lutra Lutra) In Neelum Valley Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan Journal of Zoology 44(1): 233-239. 
  26. KHAN, M.B., AHMED, K.B., AWAN, M.S., ALI, U., MINHAS, R.A. AND CHOUDARY, S.A., 2012. Distribution, Population Status and Habitat Utilization of Common Otter (Lutra Lutra) In Neelum Valley Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan Journal of Zoology 44(1): 233-239. 
  27. GOURSI, U.H., AWAN, M.S., MINHAS, R.A., ALI, U., KABIR, M. AND DAR, N.I., 2012. Status and Conservation of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) in Deva Vatala National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 44(6):1507-1514. 
  28. ANDLEEB, S., SHAMIM, S., AWAN, M.N. AND MINHAS, R.A., 2012. Modified Protocol for Genomic DNA Extraction from Newly Plucked Feathers of Lophura leucomelana hamiltoni (Galliformes) for Genetic Studies and its Endo-restriction analysis. Pak.j.sci.ind.res.Ser.B.biol.sci. 55(2):108-113.
  29. ZULFIQAR, S., MINHAS, R.A., AWAN, M. S. AND ALI, U., 2011. Population and Conservation Status of Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjac) in Pir Lasorha National Park and other areas of District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan). Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 43(5): 993-997.
  30. MASAUD, N., AWAN, M.S., MINHAS, R.A. AND ALI, U., 2010. Study of Avian Diversity in and around Chinari, District Hattian, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Wildlife, 1(2): 43-49.
  31. QAMAR, Q.Z., DAR, N.I., ALI, U., MINHAS, R.A., AYUB, J. AND ANWAR, M., 2010. Human-Leopard Conflict: An Emerging Issue of Common Leopard Conservation in Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Wildlife, 1(2): 50-56.
  32. MINHAS, R. A., AHMED, K. B., AWAN, M. S., and DAR, N. I. 2010. Social Organization and Reproductive Biology of Himalayan Grey Langur (Semnopithecus entellus ajax) in Machiara National Park Azad Kashmir (Pakistan). Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 42(2): 143-156.
  33. MINHAS, R.A., AHMED, K.B., AWAN, M.S. AND DAR, N.I. 2010. Habitat Utilization and Feeding Biology of Himalayan Grey Langur (Semnopithecus entellus ajax) in Machiara National Park Azad Kashmir (Pakistan). Zoological Research, 31(2):177-188.
  34. DAR, N.I., MINHAS, R.A., QAMAR, Z. AND LINKIE, M., 2009. Predicting the patterns, perceptions and causes of human–carnivore conflict in and around Machiara National Park, Pakistan. Biological Conservation, 142: 2076–2082.
  35. MINHAS, R. A.*, AHMED, K. B., AWAN, M. S., AND DAR, N. I. 2009. Biology of Himalayan Grey Langur (Semnopithecus entellus ajax) in Machiara National Park Azad Kashmir (Pakistan). Proceedings Pakistan Congress of Zoology, 29: 201-202.
  36. QAMAR, Q.Z. MAQSOOD, A. AND MINHAS, R. A., 2008. Distribution and Population Status of Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in Machiara National Park, AJK. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 40(3): 159-163.
  37. AWAN, M.S., MINHAS, R.A., AHMAD K.B. AND DAR, N.I., 2004. Distribution, food and habitat preferences of small mammals in Machiara National Park, District Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Punjab University Journal of Zoology, 19:17-31.
  38. QAMAR, Q. Z. AND MINHAS, R. A., 2006. Medicinal Plants and their uses in Machiara National Park. Protected Areas Management Project- Machiara National Park, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Government of AJK. Al-Sheikh Press, Muzaffarabad.
  39. DAR, N. A. MINHAS, R. A. AND BIBI, S. S. 2019. Wildlife of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.

My research focuses on understanding the ecology and behavior of wildlife in Pakistan’s temperate regions. Collaborating with wildlife managers, I develop integrative research plans to address conservation challenges through scientific inquiry. My work is flexible, encompassing diverse research questions, species, and methodologies to enhance knowledge of wildlife natural history.

• Five consecutive Certificate Awards for the ‘Invaluable Research Contributions’ by the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for the years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
• Member Editorial Board for Annual Reports, Newsletters, and Prospectus of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.
Member Editorial Board Kashmir Journal of Science
• Member, Environmental Assessment Advisory Committee (EAAC) under AJK-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Govt. of AJK.
• Departmental Focal Person for Environmental Protection Agency GoAJK
• Departmental Focal Person for Quality Enhancement Cell UAJK
• Departmental Focal Person for Public Relations Office UAJK
• Technical Consultant, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries’ for Wildlife Monitoring and Research in AJK.
• Technical Reviewer "International Journal for Biodiversity and Environmental Management"
• Reviewer "Environmental Assessment Project" in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
• Technical Reviewer, Biology Textbooks published by Azad Jammu & Kashmir Textbook Board.
• Technical Editor "Pakistan Journal of Wildlife" (ISSN: 2227-3157 (Online)
• Technical Reviewer "International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation"
• Referee, Rumford’s Small Grants Projects in AJK

Research Details
Yes
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