Status, distribution, and threats of Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) in Sagarmatha National Park

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the population status, distribution, and threats of Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus) in Sagarmatha National Park from February to June 2022. The study area was divided into five blocks- Namche, Furte, Syangboche, Mislung, and Kyangjuma. Population was estimated by using the line transect method. Bird survey was conducted two times in each transect during the study period. Similarly, bird distribution was determined by direct evidences such as bird sightings, ground scratching marks of the birds, their feathers and fecal matter, and indirect evidences such as information from the locals and park staff. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used in the feature digitization of slope, aspect, and elevation to show the bird distribution. A semi-structured questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the threats. Altogether, 67 Himalayan Monal birds consisting of 48 male and 19 female individuals were recorded. The pheasants were distributed in all the blocks, preferably in the pure pine forests with different aspects and slopes within 3250 m and 4021 m altitude above the mean sea level. The overall population density was found to be 4.69 birds/km2. The highest density (7.26 birds/km2 ) was recorded in the Namche Block, followed by the Furte Block (7.05 birds/km2 ). Habitat degradation, free-ranging dogs, and human disturbance were the major threats to Himalayan Monal.