The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) is a, monotypic species and the sole representative of the genus Catreus, found mainly in the western Himalayas with a patchy distribution from northern Pakistan through India to central Nepal.
The Cheer Pheasant is found primarily inhabiting steep, craggy hillsides, highlands, and scrublands. Its altitudinal range varies from 1,500 to 3,000 meters, with a patchy distribution due to specialized habitat needs. Its distribution in Nepal is from the far western region extends to the Kaligandaki valley in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) is a large, long-tailed bird with sexual dimorphism in size and plumage intensity. Male Cheer Pheasants can grow up to 118 cm and are distinguished by their long, barred tail with 18 feathers, a prominent blackish-brown crest, and striking red facial skin. Their plumage features a mix of grey, brown, buffy white, and pale rusty tones with fine black barring. Females are smaller, ranging from 61 to 76 cm, and display similar but less vivid coloration and markings.
The Cheer Pheasant is a monogamous species that begins breeding in its first year, typically on steep cliffs during summer, laying 10–24 eggs per season with both parents involved in chick rearing. Known for their loud vocalizations and strong digging behaviour, they are sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding season and require large enclosures or cages.
Saving the Cheer Pheasant is important because its declining population reflects broader environmental issues like habitat degradation and human disturbance in the Himalayas. As a vulnerable species, its survival depends on the protection of its unique mountainous habitat, which also benefits many other flora and fauna. Additionally, the Cheer Pheasant holds ecological, scientific, and educational value, making it essential to preserve for future generations.
The Cheer Pheasant is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating that it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to factors such as habitat loss, small and fragmented populations, and hunting pressure. It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, which includes species that are the most endangered and prohibits international trade except in exceptional circumstances. The Cheer Pheasant is listed as a protected bird under Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973.
– Similar in appearance to Koklas Pheasant and female Kalij Pheasant, but can be distinguished by their pale neck and buffish-washed belly.
– Its long tail has 18 feathers, with the central ones being especially long.
A defining feature of our research is the use of cross-cutting technologies—innovative tools that enhance data collection, analysis, and impact across multiple disciplines. We employ technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to generate high-resolution 3D models of forest structure, allowing us to assess habitat quality, detect subtle changes in land cover, and inform reforestation efforts with precision.
We engage local communities and youth as “Guardians of the Cheer Pheasant,” blending their traditional knowledge with practical conservation tools. Through SMART patrolling, they help monitor threats and track wildlife, while skills like wildlife photography and awareness outreach allow them to share their work and inspire others. This approach not only builds local capacity but also creates a strong, community-led effort to protect the Cheer Pheasant and its fragile habitat.
We raise awareness about the Cheer Pheasant’s ecological importance and its vulnerable status through a variety of community-based initiatives. These include local workshops and school programs that engage both adults and children, cultural storytelling and art that connect conservation to local traditions, and educational materials in local languages to ensure accessibility and understanding. By using familiar formats and languages, these efforts help build lasting support for the species among those who share its landscape.
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