MYAGDI, Nov 4: The population of the rare Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) has increased in the high-hill areas along the Kaligandaki River basin, according to a recent study by the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU).
The study, conducted after a gap of 16 years, recorded 18 pairs of Cheer Pheasant in seven locations of Thasang Rural Municipality in Mustang. In 2009, only six pairs were recorded in the same area. Earlier surveys had documented 17 pairs in 2004 and 11 pairs in 2006.
The NOU research team, which surveyed Ghansa, Lete, Kunjo, Titital, Khanti, and Jhipra Deurali in Mustang, is now extending its study to the Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality of Myagdi and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.
Turning Challenges into Triumph: The Mahakali River Basin Story
Researcher Birat Rajak said increased community conservation awareness, control of poaching, and reduced human and livestock disturbance near habitats have contributed to the rising population. “The latest survey shows a positive trend in the upper Kaligandaki region,” he said.
Cheer Pheasants are primarily found in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Rara National Park, as well as in mountainous regions of Myagdi, Baglung, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Bishnu Adhikari, chief of the Division Forest Office, Myagdi, said the species is listed as endangered under Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 BS.
Pawan Rai, programme officer at the Biodiversity Conservation Society Nepal, said a long-term conservation plan will be implemented based on the study findings from Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.
RSS
