Distributional evidences and threats to cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal
Abstract
Abstract
Cheer Pheasant, a vulnerable species, is found distributed through southern foothills of the Himalayas from Pakistan to Nepal. So far, it has been recorded in few areas including Mustang, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Rara National Park in Nepal. However, no any systematic survey has been conducted on this shy species in Annapurna Conservation Area since 2010. Thus, this study represents just a general picture of Cheer Pheasant regarding its distribution and potential threats in Lete and Kunjo Rural Municipalities of Mustang district by establishing vantage points in different locations. Among ten vantage stations, cheer was detected from all stations in Kunjo while not detected from all stations in Lete. The major threats to the species were found to be overgrazing, habitat fragmentation and hunting/snaring. For the effective conservation, Cheer conservation program should be formulated and implemented soon in the study area.
Key words: Habitat fragmentation, Snaring, Vantage, Vulnerable, Hunting
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