KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 4
The population of the rare Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) has increased in the Kaligandaki River basin areas of Myagdi and Mustang, according to a recent study by the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU).
The study, conducted after a 16-year gap, recorded 18 pairs of Cheer Pheasants in Ghansa, Lete, Kunjo, Titital, Khanti, and Jhipra Deurali of Thasang Rural Municipality - up from six pairs in 2009.
Researcher Birat Rajak said the increase is linked to greater conservation awareness, anti-poaching efforts, and reduced disturbances around the bird's natural habitat.
Cheer Pheasants are found mainly in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Rara National Park, and parts of Myagdi, Baglung, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim.
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 programme will soon be launched in Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve to protect the species.
(With input from RSS)
