Distribution and habitat analysis of Himalayan Monal pheasant (Lophophorus Impejanus) in Palas valley, district Kohistan, Pakistan
Paper Details
Distribution and habitat analysis of Himalayan Monal pheasant (Lophophorus Impejanus) in Palas valley, district Kohistan, Pakistan
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the distribution and habitat association of Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) in Palas valley, district Kohistan. For this purpose, three different habitats were selected i.e. Karosair mixed conifer forest, Deewan Nallah Fir-spruce & Betula habitat and Kabkot Fir-spruce Habitat. Each habitat was further divided into 3-4 study points for systematic surveys. We conducted a call count method to record the population of Monal pheasants and established 10 call count stations and 30 quadrats in the study area (3 in each site). A total of 21 calls were noted during this study having an overall population density of 7.5 birds/km2. The highest population density recorded in Karosair mixed conifer forest was 8.92 birds/km2, followed by 7.14 birds/km2 in Deewan Nallah Fir-spruce & Betula, while the lowest (5.95 birds/km2) was recorded in Kabkot Fir-spruce habitat. The results showed that the population density of Monal was not significantly different in all three habitat types (F = 2.31; df = 26; P = 0.1208). Distribution was also examined by direct and indirect signs comprising sighting, ground scratching, faecal droppings, feathers footprints and information gathered from hunters, native communities and wildlife officials. Major flora recorded from Monal habitat was Pinus wallichian, Betula utilis, Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana, Cedrus deodara, Debregeasia salicifolia, Geranium wallichianum, and Berberis brandisiana etc. The study concluded that the population of pheasants is decreasing through hunting, habitat degradation, increasing human settlement, plant extraction for medicinal, collection of non-timber forest products, fires and livestock grazing.
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