Cheer Pheasant

Category: Environment & Biodiversity | GS Paper III

SEO Title: Cheer Pheasant: Himalayan Habitat, IUCN Status and Wildlife Conservation in India

UPSC Notes

The Cheer Pheasant is a ground-dwelling bird associated with the western Himalayan region. It is threatened by habitat degradation and disturbance.

  • Distribution: Parts of the Himalayas in India, Nepal and Pakistan.

  • Habitat: Open grassy slopes, scrub, short shrubs and areas near pine forests.

  • Altitude: Commonly associated with elevations of approximately 1,500–3,000 metres.

  • Behaviour: Primarily terrestrial and adapted to foraging on the ground.

  • Breeding: Nests on the ground, often on steep slopes.

  • Conservation initiative: A breeding centre was established at Chail in Himachal Pradesh to support conservation and potential reintroduction.

    IUCN

Key Pointers

  • Habitat: Western Himalayas.

  • Family: Phasianidae.

  • Threats: Habitat loss, grazing pressure and hunting.

  • The IUCN source describes it as a threatened pheasant; check the current Red List assessment before publishing an exact category.