Population status and habitat use of White-crested Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos hamiltoni (J.E. Gray, 1829) in the Limber Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

Understanding the population status and habitat use of a species is fundamental for initiating conservation action. The present study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 to assess the population status and habitat use of White-crested Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos hamiltoni in the Limber Wildlife Sanctuary. Line transects/trails (n = 7) were established across all the habitat types. A total of 45 direct sightings of the bird were recorded in the study area. The highest abundance was recorded in autumn (2.25 ± 0.53 birds/km) and the lowest in spring (0.22 ± 0.53 birds/km). Flock size ranged from one individual to nine individuals. Of the different habitat types identified, most sightings occurred in coniferous forests with high understory (n = 16). The agricultural terracings (n = 6) and grassy slopes (n = 2) exhibited the fewest sightings. Recognizing and mapping these habitats are fundamental initial measures for conserving the species within the landscape.