Western Tragopan

Western Tragopan Latest News

India’s western tragopan population is steadied by captive breeding but human disturbance and habitat fragmentation continue to endanger its future.

About Western Tragopan

• It is also known as the western horned tragopan, is amongst the rarest of all living pheasants.
• Due to its beautiful plumage and large size, this bird is locally known as ‘jujurana’ or ‘king of birds’
• It is one of the rarest and most stunning pheasant species in the world.
• These birds are shy and ground-dwelling.
• They are usually active during dawn and dusk, moving quietly through dense undergrowth.
• It is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.
• Distribution: It is endemic to the northwest Himalaya, within a narrow range from Hazara in north Pakistan through Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, to the western part of Garhwal.
  • The upper part of Great Himalayan National Park’s (GHNP) forest zone holds the world’s largest known population of western tragopan.
• Habitat: It prefers a habitat of ringal (dwarf) bamboo beneath dense forest.
• Diet: It feeds mostly on leaves, shoots and seeds, but also consumes insects and other invertebrates.
• Breeding:  It breeds during May to June, laying 3–5 eggs in concealed nests on the forest floor.
• Threats: Habitat loss, hunting pressure and anthropogenic disturbances which includes livestock grazing, minor forest produce collection like medicinal herbs etc.
• Conservation status: IUCN: Vulnerable.

Source: TH

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