Dimapur, February 24 (MExN): Out of five species of Tragopan found in the Himalayan region, Tragopan Blyth (Jerdon) is found only in Nagaland. This rare and endangered pheasant is also the State Bird.
According to the Department of forests, ecology, environment and wildlife, Nagaland the bird is hunted down indiscriminately and has become endangered species, almost on the verge of extinction as steps have been taken for its conservation, either by the Government or by local communities so far.
It is said that the Tragopan is hunted for its flesh and beautiful plumage/feathers. There is a lobby for the sale of male Tragopan for its plumage resulting in abrupt reduction in the male population. A pair of Tragopan is priced at Rs 15,000 to 20,000 in the black market. Some villagers who are expert in capturing are being engaged for this venture.
Due to human pressure, the habitats of these beautiful birds have been shrinking rapidly and in some pockets even fragmented. The range of the species becomes divided into many small, isolated fragments. Small relict bird populations still remain in fragments of the original biotope, but because of their small size they are susceptible to random genetic and demographic processes, and the possible consequences of inbreeding. “The risk of each of these mini-populations quickly dying out is thus great,” the department stated in its official website.
Population management in such cases is necessary: natural habitat management (in-situ) for isolated populations is possible, parallel with the management under Captive Breeding (ex-situ) to prevent further loss of genetic material in sub-population.
“These birds are endemic to Nagaland but have become endangered and therefore immediate remedial measures to save these birds from further depletion calls for ecological attention,” it is stated further.
The Tragopan pheasant is included under part –111 of Schedule- 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Tragopan Blyth belongs to the order – Galliformes, Family – Phasianidae & Species –Tragopan Blyth. Though no evidence of migration from the Himalayan is recorded, it presumed to be so. It is available particularly in higher elevation ranging from 1800 to 2500 metres above MSL. The bird is found in areas such as Japfu range, Dzuku valley in Kohima District, Pfutsero, Meluri in Phek District, foothills of Saramati, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Noklak in Tuensang District and Satoi range in Zunheboto District.
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