Population Status, Habitat Preferences and Conservation Threats of Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelana leucomelana) in Narmadeswor VDC, Okhaldhunga, East Nepal

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate population status, habitat preferences and conservation threats of Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelana leucomelana) in Narmadeswor VDC, Okhaldhunga district. Roost survey method was used to collect data on population status of bird, habitat preferences index (HPI) method was used to assess the habitat preferences and conservation threats was evaluated by questionnaire survey. A total of an average of 14 individuals of Kalij pheasant were recorded from the study area in altogether four visits in April – June, August – September, October - December and January – March, 2011-2012 The result showed highest monthly density (5.55 individuals per sq. km.) in August - September and lowest (1.11 individuals per sq. km.) in March. Among four types of habitats, the closed forest with high understorey was most preferred by the Kalij (HPI = 1.30) followed by closed forest with low understorey (0.92), open forest (0.75) and terraced field (0.74). In Narmadeswor, 22 species of trees, 8 species of shrubs and 29 species of herbs, 8 species of climbers and 16 species of grass were recorded. Altogether 30 roosts were found, among the roosting trees Pinus roxburghii (50%) was mainly used by Kalij pheasant in the study area followed by Shorea robusta (33.33%), Mangifera indica (10%), Phyllanthus emblica (6.67%). Mean height, mean girth at breast height and mean height of lowest branch of roost tree was 9.69m, 0.92m and 5.27m respectively. Most of the respondents showed negative attitude towards Kalij in Narmadeswor areas. Evaluation of Conservation threats from the information given by respondents suggests feeding of Kalij pheasant on crops were the most important threat whereas other threats were fire wood collection, disturbance by people in the roost, timber collection, poaching, egg collection and grazing.