Expansion of distribution ranges and current population status of Cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Northern Pakistan (AJ&K)

We studied the distribution and population status of the Cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K). Study was mainly conducted in four localities Jhelum Valley (JV), Machiara National Park (MNP), Haveli and Nar Sher Ali Khan (NSAK) from 2016-2020, for five breeding seas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBrazilian journal of biology Vol. 84; p. e280449
Main Authors Abbasi, S, Ahmad, B, Minhas, R A, Khan, L A, Ali, S, Khan, M B
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Brazil Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 2024
Subjects
Animal Distribution
Animals
BIOLOGY
Cheer pheasant
conservation
ecology
Female
Galliformes
Galliformes - classification
Male
Pakistan
Population Density
Population Dynamics
Seasons
threatened species
Pakistan
Cheer pheasant
ecology
conservation
ecologia
threatened species
faisão Cheer
Galliformes
espécies ameaçadas
conservação
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Summary:We studied the distribution and population status of the Cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K). Study was mainly conducted in four localities Jhelum Valley (JV), Machiara National Park (MNP), Haveli and Nar Sher Ali Khan (NSAK) from 2016-2020, for five breeding seasons. Population status of Cheer pheasant was determined by the call counts method. In total 105 breeding pairs (210 birds) were estimated highest (134) being recorded from Jhelum valley followed by MNP, Haveli and Nar Sher Ali Khan While applying correction factor 158 birds were recorded. Extensive surveys were carried out in an area of 19.23 km2. Our results indicate an expansion in distribution ranges of Cheer pheasant and population has established in several new sites. Highest Mean population density of 6.11pair/km2 was recorded in Qazi Nag area of Jhelum Valley. The mean population density of Cheer pheasant was slightly higher in the month of May. Furthermore, 58% of the calling birds were detected at elevations ranging from 2300-2600m, while 17% were found at elevations between 1900-2200m. Expansion in distribution ranges of Cheer might be due to reason that bird might have been underestimated in the past or conservation measures and community awareness programs taken by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, AJ&K.
ISSN:1519-6984
1678-4375
1678-4375
DOI:10.1590/1519-6984.280449