Population Status of Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Population Status of Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Naeem Iftikhar1, Qamar Zaman Qamar2, Usman Ali3, Muhammad Siddique Awan4, Syeda Shaista Bibi4, Riaz Aziz Minhas4*
ABSTRACT
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is one of the important areas that harbor the population of Cheer pheasant in Pakistan. Study was conducted from July 2010 to June 2011 to determine the potential of these sites as a possible focal point to start Cheer pheasant conservation activities in AJK. A total of 579 individuals was estimated from study sites. Highest population (n=434) was recorded at Qazi Nag Game Reserve, followed by Phalla Game Reserve (n=117) while minimum population (n=28) was noted at PirChinasi range area. An increasing trend in population was observed due to improvement in watch and ward, law enforcement and other conservation measures. Habitat deteriorating, agricultural activities, livestock grazing and seasonal grass cutting, fire and hunting were identified as major threats to the survival of this species in AJK. This study recommended the immediate formulation and implementation of Cheer pheasant conservation action plan along with declaration of its potential habitats as protected area to ensure the further survival of this important species.
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