"Microhabitat Assessment and Community Conservation Awareness for Cheer Pheasant in Myagdi District, Nepal"
Date
2024-06
Authors
Chokhal, keshab
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Abstract
The Cheer Pheasant is endemic species to the foothills of the Western Himalayas. In January 2024, a survey was carried out across forty-three sites in the Myagdi district to study its microhabitat preferences and start a conservation awareness campaign. Data collection utilized direct observation methods, while the awareness program featured slide presentations. The survey findings revealed affirmative regression between the presence of Cheer Pheasants and the plentiful availability of herbs (0.019*, P<0.05), ground cover (0.051., P<0.05), and gravel (0.064., P<0.05). Conversely, it was negatively impacted by the number of trees (-0.164, P>0.05). Camera traps have employed to detect Cheer presence; although species was not captured, other wildlife species were successfully recorded.
Habitat disturbance was primarily caused by fire (68%) and road construction (20%), with poaching/snaring (6%) playing a minor role but increasing steadily across study sites. A community conservation awareness program was conducted at Jyoti Primary School, Sida Santi Secondary School, and Dipshika Secondary School, involving a total of 70 participants. Drawing competitions were held among intra-class and inter- class students to promote Cheer Pheasant conservation in the study areas. The collaboration between the head teacher and the school management committee facilitated the distribution of prizes for the winners of the drawing competition. Continuous conservation monitoring and raising awareness among local communities are crucial for the conservation of Cheer Pheasants in the Myagdi district.
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Keywords
Endemic, Regression, Gravel, Fire, Communities