Research Article | Published: 01 September 2008

Avian fauna of Chail Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya

M. L. Narang, Naim Akhtar and Manoj Kumar

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 31 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 323-327 | 2008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2008-97NB74 | Cite this article

Abstract

An assessment of avian fauna of Chail Wildlife Sanctuary was carried out during a three year study between 1996-1999. The Sanctuary which is famous for its Cheer Pheasant population is highly disturbed because of the presence of 121 villages with a population of nearly 10,000. Various anthropogenic activities like cattle grazing, collection of timber, firewood, cultivation and fodder extraction etc. have contributed in degrading the Sanctuary. Nevertheless, the Sanctuary harbours a total of 138 species of birds. The list includes three endangered species included in Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Majority of birds (66.66%) are resident birds followed by winter migrants (15.20%) and summer migrants (13.76%). Efforts are being made by the Wildlife department to improve the habitat by carrying out plantations and developing water holes. These efforts need to be augmented by management practices like controlling forest fires and initiating eco-development programmes to reduce people’s dependence on Sanctuary resources.

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How to cite

Narang, M.L., Akhtar, N. and Kumar, M., 2008. Avian fauna of Chail Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh, Western Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 31(3), pp.323-327. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2008-97NB74

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 September 2008

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