Myagdi, Nov 4: The population of the rare bird species, Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii), has increased in the high hilly areas around the Kaligandaki River Basin in Myagdi district.
According to a study conducted by the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU), the number of Cheer Pheasants has risen compared to sixteen years ago. The NOU recently carried out field research in Ghansa, Lete, Kunjo, Titital, Khanti, and Jhipra Deurali areas of Thasang Rural Municipality, Mustang.
The research team has now extended its study to Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality in Myagdi and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve to assess the bird’s population status.
Researcher Birat Rajak, who was part of the study team, reported that 18 pairs of Cheer Pheasants were found at seven sites this year, compared to six pairs recorded in 2009.
“Seventeen pairs were recorded in 2004 and 11 pairs in 2006. There had been no study since 2009. This year’s findings show a noticeable increase in the upper Kaligandaki region,” Rajak said.
He attributed the growth in population to conservation awareness, anti-poaching efforts, and reduced human and livestock disturbances around the birds’ habitat.
The Cheer Pheasant is 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 Far-Western Nepal.
Bishnu Adhikari, Chief of the Division Forest Office, Myagdi, said that the Cheer Pheasant is listed as an endangered species under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 BS.
Meanwhile, Pawan Rai, Programme Officer at the Biodiversity Conservation Society Nepal, said that a long-term Cheer Pheasant Conservation Programme will be launched based on the findings from Myagdi’s Kaligandaki Basin and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. #bird rss #nepal
