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Survey of threatened cheer pheasant Catreus Wallichii in Garhwal Himalaya

From October 2000 to December 2001, a survey on distribution of Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii was conducted in Pauri and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, India. Twenty-six sites in thirteen areas were identified to hold Cheer, between altitudes of 950-2,250 m in the chir pine and pine mixed forest. At all the sites, except Adwani Reserve Forest of Pauri Division, the density of Pheasant was found quite less (<2 birds/sq. km). Habitat destruction, due to fire, heavy grazing, fuel, and fodder collection was apparent at most sites. Hunting, collection of eggs and loss of brood due to fire were identified as main reasons for population decline.