Pheasants and Finches

The imminent threat of climate change is most felt by species whose range is restricted to specific habitats. Pheasants like Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyr, Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos, Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus and finches like Dark-breasted Rosefinch Procarduelis nipalensis and Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola in the Himalayan range are classic examples.

Poaching and habitat fragmentation may have already pushed them outside their range and the effects of climate change in the Himalaya may only fast track their downslide. We are collating information on their little known status and distribution in the state of Sikkim through interviews, consultation meetings and awareness workshops with various stakeholders. Latest BNHS field surveys have thrown up new sampling areas.