Habitat Preferences of Himalayan Monal (<i>Lophophorus impejanus</i>) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India

Umer Hameed Shansaz; Mustahson F. Fazili; Bilal A. Bhat; Jahangir Ahmad Dar; Hameem Mushtaq

doi:10.36808/if/2021/v147i10/158628

Habitat Preferences of Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India

Authors

Umer Hameed Shansaz Biodiversity Conservation Lab., Postgraduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir
Mustahson F. Fazili Biodiversity Conservation Lab., Postgraduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir
Bilal A. Bhat Biodiversity Conservation Lab., Postgraduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir
Jahangir Ahmad Dar Biodiversity Conservation Lab., Postgraduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir
Hameem Mushtaq Biodiversity Conservation Lab., Postgraduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2021/v147i10/158628

Keywords:

Himalayan Monal, Dachigam National Park, Ivlev's Index, Habitat Preference.

Abstract

Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) was observed during extensive surveys in Dachigam National Park (DNP) Jammu and Kashmir, India from June 2018 to May 2019. The pheasant was observed in the altitudinal range of 2300-3800m (7545-10498ft). Most of the sightings were observed in mixed vegetation followed by coniferous habitat. Among the total number of sightings (n=185), maximum number of sightings were observed in spring and minimum in autumn. Ivlev's Index was applied to compare the seasonal habitat preferences of the pheasant species. Mixed vegetation was preferred in spring, whereas in winter coniferous habitat was mostly utilized. Elevational aspect was high in the north (3100m asl). Seasonal habitat utilization showed significant differences in different habitat types (Ï‡Â²=91.601, P<0.05). This may be attributed to availability of food and suitable breeding habitat.

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