(Tragopan Melanocephalus) in MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK, AZAD JAMMU and KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

ECOLOGY OF WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN (Tragopan melanocephalus) IN MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

SARA SHABBIR 06-arid-608

Department of Wildlife Management Faculty of Forestry, Range Management & Wildlife Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Pakistan 2016

ECOLOGY OF WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN (Tragopan melanocephalus) IN MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK, AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

SARA SHABBIR (06-arid-608)

A thesis submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

Wildlife Management

Department of Wildlife Management Faculty of Forestry, Range Management & Wildlife Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Pakistan 2016

DEDICATED TO MY PARENTS

CONTENTS

Page

List of Tables viii

List of Figures ix

List of Abbreviations xi

List of Appendices xiii

Acknowledgements xiv

ABSTRACT 1

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 4

1.1 INTRODUCTION 4

1.2 DISTRIBUTION 5

1.3 ECOLOGY 6

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY 8

1.5 STUDY AREA 8

1.5.1 Geographical Location 8

1.5.2 Climate 8

1.5.3 Topography 9

1.5.4 Flora 9

1.5.5 Fauna 9

1.5.6 Domestic Livestock 10

2. POPULATION OF WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN IN 12

MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK

2.1 INTRODUCTION 12

2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 13

2.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 15 2.3.1 Methodology 15

2.4 RESULTS 16

2.5 DISCUSSION 17

3. DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT USE OF WESTERN HORNED 22

TRAGOPAN IN MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK

3.1 INTRODUCTION 22

3.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 24

3.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 26

3.3.1 Methodology 26

3.3.2 Statistical Analysis 28

3.4 RESULTS 28

3.4.1 Seasonal Distribution and Habitat Use of Western Horned 28

Tragopan

3.5 DISCUSSION 29

4. DIET COMPOSITION OF WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN IN 40

MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK

4.1 INTRODUCTION 40

4.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 42

4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 44

4.3.1 Sample Size 44

4.3.2 Sampling Procedure 45

4.3.3 Reference Plants Collection 46

4.3.4 Preparation of Plant Sample Slides 46

4.3.5 Preparation of Fecal Sample Slides 46

4.3.6 Analysis 47

4.3.7 Statistical Analysis 48

4.4 RESULTS 48 4.4.1 Diet Composition 48

4.4.1.1 Machiara 48

4.4.1.2 Serli Sacha 49

4.4.2 Seasonal Variation in Diet 51

4.4.2.1 Machiara 51

4.4.2.2 Serli Sacha 54

4.5 DISCUSSION 54

5. FACTORS AFFECTING WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN 62

HABITAT AND POPULATION

5.1 INTRODUCTION 62

5.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 65

5.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 67

5.4 RESULTS 68

5.4.1 Age Classes of Respondents 68

5.4.2 Occupation of Respondents 68

5.4.3 Population Trend of Western Horned Tragopan 69

5.4.4 Major Threats to Western Horned Tragopan Population and Its 69

Habitat

5.4.5 Hunting Methods 73

5.4.6 Trade Life Stage 73

5.4.7 Predators of Western Horned Tragopan 73

5.5 DISCUSSION 74

6. GENERAL DISCUSSION 81

SUMMARY 88

SUGGESTED CONSERVATION MEASURES 90

LITERATURE CITED 92

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Page

2.1 Characteristics of study sites and number of calling sites 19

in Machiara National Park

2.2 Population density estimation of Western horned tragopan 21

in Machiara National Park during 2012-2013

3.1 Details of tracks walked for direct or indirect evidence of 32

Western horned tragopan occurrence in Machiara National

Park, Pakistan

3.2 Visual sightings and indirect evidences of Western horned 33

tragopan in Machiara National Park during 2012-2013

3.3 Habitat Analysis of Machiara site, Machiara National 34

Park

3.4 Habitat Analysis of Tragopan in Serli Sacha, Machiara 35

National Park

4.1 Composition of major, minor and trace food items in 53

droppings of Western horned tragopan

4.2 Food importance Index of diet components in fecal 57

samples of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National

Park

5.1 Threats to Western horned tragopan population in 76

Machiara National Park

5.2 Test statistics showing results of Chi-Square in Machiara 76

and Serli Sacha LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Page

1.1 Map of Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 11

Pakistan

2.1 Map of the study area showing study sites of Western horned 20

tragopan

3.1 Plant species recorded in the habitat of Western tragopan in 36

Machiara National Park

3.2 Plant species recorded in winter habitat of Western tragopan in 37

Machiara National Park

3.3 Plant species recorded in summer habitat of Tragopan in 38

Machiara National Park

4.1 Diet composition of Western horned tragopan during Summer 50

and Winter season in Machiara

4.2 Diet composition of Western horned tragopan during Summer 52

and Winter season in Serli Sacha

4.3 Proportion of diet components in the diet of Western horned 55

tragopan during summer and winter in Machiara

4.4 Contribution of different plant life-forms in diet of Western 55

tragopan at Machiara

4.5 Food importance index of diet components found in diet of 56

Western horned tragopan during summer and winter at Machiara

4.6 Food importance index of diet components found in diet of 56

Western horned tragopan during summer and winter at Serli Sacha

4.7 Food item categories in Machiara during summer and winter 58

season

4.8 Food item categories in Serli Sacha during summer and winter 58

season

5.1 Age classes of respondents based on questionnaire survey in 71

Machiara National Park

5.2 Occupation of respondents to questionnaire survey in Machiara 71

National Park

5.3 Population trend of Western horned tragopan in Machiara 72

National Park

5.4 Threats faced by Western horned tragopan in study area of 75

Machiara and Serli Sacha

5.5 Hunting methods used for Western horned tragopan in Machiara 78

National Park

5.6 Trade life stages of Western horned tragopan in Machiara 78

National Park

5.7 Predators of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park 79

List of Abbrevations

Kilometer Km

Kilogram Kg

Gram g

Meter m

Centi meter cm

Milimeter mm

Hacter ha

North N

East E

Machiara National Park MNP

Azad Jammu & Kashmir AJ & K

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KPK

Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir GOAJK

Great Himalayan National Park GHNP

World Wide Fund for Nature WWF

Convention on International trade of Endangered Species CITES

Vantage Points V

Relative Density RD

Relative Frequency RF

Relative Cover RC

Importance Value IV

Machiara Track MT

Serli Sacha Track ST

Food Importance Index FII Analysis of Variance ANOVA

Degree of freedom df

International Union for Consevation of Nature IUCN

Non-timber Forest Products NTFP

LIST OF APPENDECES

Appendix No Page

1. Vegetation Survey Performa 113

2. Data Sheet for Call Count of Western horned tragopan 114

3. Interview Performa for Western horned tragopan 115

4. Indirect signs and Habitat of Western horned tragopan 116

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

All praise and glory to Allah Almighty, Who is exalted and sublime,Who is

Benevolent and Merciful. I am grateful to Him for His never ending favors and vast bounties and to His Holy Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H), who is a beacon of light and acme of knowledge.

I feel great pleasure in expressing my sincerest thanks to ever affectionatesupervisor Prof. Dr. Maqsood Anwar, Dean FFRM&W and

Chairman, Department of Wildlife Management, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid

Agriculture University Rawalpindi, for his skillful supervision, sincere support and inspiring guidance throughout this study.

It is a great privilege for me to record my heartiest and sincerest thanks to member Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Assistant Professor, Department of Wildlife

Management, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, for his scholastic guidance throughout the course of study and research work.

I have honor to offer my deep sense of gratitude to member Prof. Dr.

Mirza Azhar Beg, Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture

University Rawalpindi, for his generous support and guidance.

I wish to pay my thanks to my lab fellows, friends and fellows especially

Nasra Ashraf, Misbah Sarwar, Sangam Khalil, Huma Qureshi, Huma Qamar,

Ayesha Qamar, Saleha Abbasi whose assistance, cooperation and healthy suggestions will never be forgotten during this work. My special thanks go to my family for their support and encouragement.

Sara Shabbir 1

ABSTRACT

Tragopan spp. belongs to Order Galliformes and Family Phasianidae.

Pheasants own a central position in the food web and are important bio-indicators.

Tragopan genera have five species; Satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyr), Western horned tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), Temminck’s tragopan (Tragopan temmincki), Cabot’s tragopan (Tragopan caboti) and Blyth’s tragopan (Tragopan blythi). Tragopan melanocephalus is a medium sized, brightly plumaged, dimorphic pheasant distributed in northeastern areas of Pakistan, India and China.

IUCN listed Western horned tragopan as a vulnerable species in Pakistan. In

Pakistan, Western horned tragopan is found in Palas and Kaghan valleys of Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province and Neelum valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

(AJ&K).

Present study was conducted in Machiara National Park (MNP) of AJ&K to determine distribution of Western horned tragopan, population density, diet composition, habitat use and anthropogenic and natural factors that impose negative impacts on its population and habitat. Reconnaissance survey was conducted in the study area to identify potential habitats and distribution of

Western horned tragopan. Information was gathered related to occurrence of

Western horned tragopan from park workers and local people in the study area.

Based on information from reconnaissance survey, Machiara and Serli Sacha were recognized as distribution sites of Western horned tragopan in the park. Quadrate method was used for vegetation sampling in the study area. Importance value index was calculated using cover and frequency of plant species. In Machiara, 34 plant

1 2

species were identified in vegetation sampling while 17 plant species were recorded at Serli Sacha. Shrubs dominated the flora of study sites followed by trees, herbs and grasses.

Call count method was used to assess Western horned tragopan population in study area and data was further used to calculate population density. A total of

11 calling sites at two localities were covered revealing overall population density index of 1.26/ Km2 at Machiara and 0.79/ Km2 at Serli Sacha. Micro-histological analysis of Western horned tragopan faecal droppings was carried out to identify diet composition. Eighty faecal samples were collected from study area during summer and winter seasons. Slides from faecal samples were prepared and compared with reference slides of plants collected from study area. Chi square test revealed that consumption of plants was significantly different between the two seasons at Machiara (P < 0.05). In Machiara, Western tragopan utilized 11 plant species during summer whereas in winter 12 plant species were consumed.

Likewise, at Serli Sacha site faecal samples analysis showed that 14 plant species were consumed during summer season and 13 plant species in winter. Seasonal differences in Western horned tragopan’s diet were associated with changing proportions of plant species consumption.

Questionnaire survey was conducted from park staff and local respondents to gather information related to major threats to Western tragopan population in the study area. Major threats in Machiara site included; hunting (40%), predation

(20%), anthropogenic activities (18%), livestock pressure (14%), trade (12%), fuel 3

wood collection (6%), agriculture (6%) and disease (4%). In Serli Sacha site major threats to Western horned tragopan population were livestock pressure (20%), human interference (18%), trade (14%), hunting (14%), predation (12%), disease in wild (10%), fuel wood collection (8%) and agriculture (4%). Machiara National

Park management should initiate awareness program with local people to reduce threats affecting population of Western horned tragopan.

Chapter 1

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Pheasants belong to order Galliformes and family Phasianidae which contains most of the species often referred to as ‘game birds’ (Delacour, 1977).

Most of gallinaceous birds of the world such as peacock and chicken are members of Phasianidae family. Genus Tragopan consists of five species including Satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyr), Western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), Blyth’s tragopan (Tragopan blythi), Cabot’s tragopan (Tragopan caboti), Temminck’s tragopan (Tragopan temmincki) (Ramesh et al., 1999). Tragopan spp. plays an important role in the ecosystem. They occupy central position in food web, are bio- indicators of human exploitation and sensitivity to habitat degradation (Awan et al.,

2015; Fuller and Garson, 2000). Four species of tragopan are found in India while only Western horned tragopan is found in Pakistan and China (Ramesh et al., 1999;

Delacour, 1977). Tragopan melanocephalus is endemic to Western Himalaya’s moist forest. Due to bright red neck, vibrant lappet and bizarre courtship behaviors,

Western horned tragopan is most beloved among Tragopan species (Ali et al.,

2015; Miller, 2010).

Western horned tragopan is brilliantly plumaged, ground dwelling bird that shows high sexual dimorphism (Birdlife International, 2015). Male pheasant’s color varies between dark gray and black with frequent white spots bordered by black and crimson patches on the neck and back (Ali et al., 2015). Female pheasant is smaller in size than males; body length of female is about 60 - 65 cm while male

vary in length from 65-75 cm (Ashraf et al., 2004). Female of Western tragopan pheasant has black patches and central white streaks on feathers (Zaman, 2008).

However, there is no clear demarcation between young females and males (Zaman,

2008). Male pheasants have naked throat (lappets) and use to attract females during breeding season (Ramesh et al., 1999). Males weigh from 1.9 Kg to 2.3 Kg, while females from 1 Kg to 1.7 Kg (Zaman, 2008; Ali and Ripley, 1998). Male pheasant wing length is 255 mm – 290 mm and in females it is 225 mm - 250 mm (Delacour,

1977). Fresh egg weight is 61.3 g with 63 mm×42 mm dimension (Mirza, 1977).

1.2 DISTRIBUTION

Tragopan species are widely distributed in northeastern areas of Pakistan and India (Ali et al., 2015). Pheasants show wide range for habitat preference. Its whole distribution range is 650 Km long and 100 Km-150 Km wide in Kohistan

(Palas valley), Kashmir (Kishtwar and Chamba), Kaghan and Neelum valley, Sutlej

River east area and Himachal Pradesh. In Pakistan, this pheasant is distributed in small patches and fragmented populations are found in Palas valley and adjoining areas of Kaghan and Kohistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province) and Neelum valley (Machiara, Pir Chinasi, Pir Hasimar and Salkhala) in Azad Jammu &

Kashmir (Whale, 1996; Awan et al., 2010; Ali et al., 2015). In KPK, this pheasant occupies Shogran, Behari and Basri area of Kaghan valley, Sari forest rest house area and Qadir Gali (Grimmet and Robson, 1986; Ghafoor and Nawaz, 1999).

Roberts (1991) and Malik and Shah (1980) reported that Galiyat (Muree) was occupied by Western horned tragopan. Small population of pheasant was reported in Hunza (Roberts, 1991) though this species has survived there with its distant 6

occurrence (Nawaz et al., 2001; Islam and Crawford, 1987; Mirza et al., 1978).

Tragopan apparently shows broad distribution range in Machiara National Park,

Salkhalla Wildlife Sanctuary in Karen forests and Kutton in Azad Jammu &

Kashmir (Roberts, 1990; Islam, 1991; Chaudhry, 1993; Qureshi et al., 1999) slopes between Jagran and Bichala (Kaghan valley) and Kel in Neelum valley hosts this bird (Mirza, 1971).

1.3 ECOLOGY

Western tragopan occurs at 2,743 m-3,352 m elevation in summer and move down to about 2,150 m during winter. In winter this bird prefers to occupy forest even when ground is covered with snow and in summer they occupy areas where good shrub cover is available (Roberts, 1991; Ramesh et al., 1999; Nawaz et al., 2001). Western tragopan is restricted in winter to lower margin of the forest and in midday roosts in trees (Roberts, 1991; Ramesh et al., 1999). They normally occupy the moist humus rich slopes, precipitous sides of mountains and ground with less vegetation (Delacour, 1977; Mirza et al., 1978). They are found in large flocks during winter and males give territorial calls during spring (Ramesh et al.,

1999). In Great Himalayan National Park, Western tragopan prefers to stay alone except during breeding season. Study reported single birds 41 times and only four times in pairs (Ramesh et al., 1999).

Western tragopan males are identified by its bright colors and calling sound during the breeding season (Roberts, 1991). It is monogamous and incubation period is 28 days (Ali and Ripley, 1998). The nesting season is from the end of 7

May to beginning of June depending upon locality and nest is scrape on the ground

(Beebe, 1936; Roberts, 1991). The display is of two types, first is without erection of the throat bib or horns and other with a full frontal display and all plumage of cock bird fluffed out, slowly raise and lower its half spread wings, shaking the head and neck occasionally. During this period, the horns and throat lappet expand and contract several times. It then shakes its plumage and the wattles contract rapidly as it assumes normal feeding (Roberts, 1991; Delacour, 1977).

Western horned tragopan usually can not be found easily. The largest number of this bird was estimated 325 pairs in field survey of Palas valley (Bean et al., 1994; Whale, 1995; Awan et al., 2010). Nearly, all pheasant species are exploited in their natural habitat by local communities and visiting hunters (Zaman,

2008). Many factors such as fuel wood cutting, timber collection, livestock grazing and plants collection for medicinal use contribute to habitat destruction of Western tragopan pheasant (Gaston et al., 1983; Gaston and Garson, 1992; Pandey, 1993).

In Neelam and Kaghan valleys, hunting of this bird for meat and decorative plumage is being carried out (Islam, 1987; Chauhan and Sharma, 1991). Western horned tragopan status in Pakistan is vulnerable (IUCN, 2013).

Western horned tragopan is also found in Machaira National Park in Azad

Jammu & Kashmir, but detailed information about its ecological features was lacking. Present study was, therefore, conducted for providing baseline data on its distribution pattern, population density, habitat use, food habits, threats in the park and conservation measures for this bird in Machaira National Park.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

1. To estimate distribution range and population of Western horned tragopan

in Machaira National Park.

2. To determine habitat status and use by Western horned tragopan in the

study area.

3. To analyze diet composition of Western horned tragopan in the study area.

4. To identify factors that affect habitat and population of this pheasant in the

study area.

1.5 STUDY AREA

1.5.1 Geographical Location

o Present study was conducted in Machiara National Park which lies at 34 -

o 31’ N latitude and 73 -37’ E longitude, covering an area of 13,532 ha, between

2,000 m-4,700 m elevation (Qamar et al., 2008) (Figure. 1.1). Neelum valley lies on eastern side of the National Park. Machiara National Park is found in Great

Himalayas and was established in 1996; before this it had status of wildlife sanctuary in 1984 and game reserve in 1982 (GOAJK., 2005; Qamar, 1996).

1.5.2. Climate

Machiara National Park is categorized with deep snow covered mountain areas. Here average annual rainfall is 1526.7 mm. Maximum rainfall occurs during month of July with a mean of 327.6 mm (GOAJK., 2005; WWF, 2008). Machiara

National Park is characterized by harsh winters and heavy snow (WWF., 2008).

Summers are extremely pleasant and cool (GOAJK., 2005). 9

1.5.3. Topography

Machiara National Park’s area has high ridges, deep valleys and very steep slopes. Landslides are common due to poor vegetation cover and high rainfall.

Fresh water springs and perennial streams with cold clear water are found in the study area (GOAJK., 2005).

1.5.4. Flora

Machiara National Park’s natural vegetation includes Himalayan mixed forest, alpine forest, moist temperate, dry temperate, dry coniferous and broadleaf forest region (Awan et al., 2006; Qamar et al., 2008). Alpine scrub rangeland and moist temperate forest are found in this area (Dar et al., 2012; Qamar et al., 2008).

Major vegetation includes Aesculus indica, Cedrus deodara, Juglans regia, Pinus wallichiana and Prunus pardus (Baig, 2004; Ahmed, 1997). Barmi (Taxus wallichiana) is a globally threatened species which is on CITES list which is found in MNP (Baig, 2004).

1.5.5. Fauna

As many as 100 bird species (migratory and resident) and 42 mammal species have been reported in MNP (Hassan, 2004; Baig, 2004). Machiara National

Park’s area is habitat of important wildlife species such as Musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Snow leopard (Uncia uncia), Grey goral (Naemorhedus goral),

Cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii), Western horned tragopon (Tragopan melanocephalus), Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) and Himalayan griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis) (WWF., 2008). 10

1.5.6. Domestic Livestock

Human population of 29,680 individuals was reported by Dar et al., (2009) in three Union Councils i.e. Bheri, Machiara and Serli Sacha of MNP. Because of severe environmental conditions, local inhabitants are forced to use grazing areas for their livestock in the Park. Sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, horses, donkeys and mules are common livestock owned by local inhabitants (GOAJK., 2005). About

50% of the population depends on agro-pastoral, having 37,233 livestock heads to accomplish their needs and to generate income (GOAJK., 2005). Buffalos and cows are retained as dairy animals, while sheep and goats are kept for meat and wool. Mules, donkeys and horses are used for transportation purpose (Dar et al.,

2009).

Figure 1.1: Map of Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan 12

Chapter 2

POPULATION OF WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN IN MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK

2.1 INTRODUCTION

North-western Himalayas has been categorized as habitat of Western horned tragopan (Ramesh et al., 1999). It is found in Palas and Kaghan valleys in

KPK, Neelum valley in AJ & K, Chamba and Kishtwar, Kulu valley Himachal

Pradesh and East & west of Sutlej River (Birdlife International, 2001). In Pakistan, central distribution of Western horned tragopan is in Palas valley and adjacent areas of Kohistan and Kaghan valleys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Grimmet and

Robson, 1986).

Western horned tragopan inhabits moist deciduous and coniferous temperate forests characterized by dense shrub-layer in Great Himalayan National

Park (Ramesh et al., 1999). Western tragopan is found lavishly on the moist humus rich slopes or on the ground with less vegetation or undisturbed plateaus (Delacour,

1977). Its presence on precipitous mountain sides with a shrub layer indicated high natural and anthropogenic disturbances (Mirza et al., 1978). It prefers to stay in places having no disturbance and is confined to extreme steep terrain (Nawaz et al.,

2001).

In Pakistan, during winter Tragopan moves down to around 2,150 m elevation, however, remains within the forest even when ground is covered with snow. In summer, they usually inhabit between 2,743 m-3,352 m elevation, mostly

12 13

where good shrub cover is available (Roberts, 1991). In Palas valley, this bird was encountered between 1850 m–2500 m elevation with relatively higher presence between 2200 m to 2299 m (Liley et al., 1995). Western tragopan was found in summer within the habitat having brown oak, deodar and spruce with an elevation range between 2500 m to 3600 m. Winter habitat consisted of northern aspect of mid altitudinal coniferous forest at an elevation of 2000 m to 2800 m (Islam, 1983).

Western tragopan is primarily a solitary bird except during breeding season

(Ramesh et al., 1999). The male can be easily identified by its bright colors and from its call during breeding season. The male starts calling usually at dawn in early spring (Roberts, 1991). Western tragopan is vulnerable in Pakistan as per

IUCN Red List (2013). Present study determined population density of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park.

2.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

In Pakistan, seven male and nine female Tragopan pheasants were found in an area of 46 Km2 in Manur, Nuri, Chittapar and Malakandi forests in Kaghan valley, while a total of 145 birds were estimated from Hazara Kohistan (Shah,

1980). Mirza (1981) reported the occurrence of tragopan in Indus Kohistan. Duke and Walton (1988a) recorded 27-30 calling male tragopans in three valleys in Indus

Kohistan (18-19 Dubair, 4-5 Pattan and 8 Keyal) (Chaudhry, 1992).

A survey indicated that about four hundred individuals were surviving in forests of Kabkot, Khowari, Khajil and Unsar tributaries of the Palas valley (Duke, 14

1989a; b) which later on increased up to 500 individuals (Duke, 1993) and then 650 individuals (325-330 pairs) (Bean et al., 1994). Its population showed decline in

Kubkot Forest where 100 - 150 individuals were observed in 1999 (Nawaz et al.,

2000).

Neelum valley in Azad Jammu & Kashmir has been considered to be a stronghold of Western tragopan. Mirza et al., (1978) recorded 12 calling males and flushed two males and four females in Salkhala Game Reserve (30 Km2) and nine calling males and flushed seven males and four females in Kuttan (25 Km2). He sighted seven males and six females within about one seventh of the area of

Machiara (50 Km2). Estimated density in each locality was demonstrated as less than one individual/ Km2 where thirteen individuals were encountered through 7.8

Km2 patch in MNP at Quercus forest with in total areas of 52 Km2 (Mirza et al.,

1978).

Islam (1982) estimated population of tragopan in seven areas of Neelum valley, a most well known site for holding large population of Western tragopan. It was encountered in three localities of Neelum valley, 14 individuals in 8.8 Km2 were recorded in Machiara National Park, 5 individuals in 3.2 Km2 at Kutton and

10 individuals in 14.5 Km2 at Salkhalla (Islam, 1982). There were estimated 100 individuals in Machiara National Park and 85 individuals in Salkhalla Game

Reserve (Roberts, 1991; Islam and Crawford, 1987).

In India, studies showed that range of tragopan had diminished considerably 15

and its population had disappeared completely from several mountain areas

(Sharma, 1993; Gaston et al., 1981). This species occurred at various sites of

Himachal Pradesh but disappeared from its outer Himalayan range such as Choor

Kufri, Dharmsala and Hatau (Chauhan and Sharma, 1991). Forty three individuals were recorded in survey conducted in contiguous forest around Sara, Schakund,

Punchungula and Specka (Javed et al., 1999).

2.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.3.1 Methodology

Western tragopan population density was estimated through call count census (Gaston, 1980). Reconnaissance survey was conducted in the study area to identify potential habitat of Western horned tragopan. Information about its occurrence was gathered from park employees and local people based on which study sites were selected in the potential habitat of tragopan. Study sites were selected based on accessibility to the area and where bird can be heard over as wide an area as possible. The localities along with eight study sites, their altitude and coordinates and distribution of 11 calling sites are given in Table 2.1 and Fig. 2.1.

Direction and approximate range of each call was noted to avoid overlapping.

Direction was recorded by using compass. Dawn calls were counted during breeding season from March to June when calling is frequent. The position of a census point was marked on the map of the area so that it could be easily located for subsequent census. Weather conditions and topographical features such as slope, aspect, and altitude were also recorded to control the variability arising out of these factors. 16

2.4 RESULTS

A total of 11 calling sites at two localities were covered, revealing overall population density of 1.26/ Km2 at Machiara and 0.79/ Km2 at Serli Sacha (Table

2.1). The difference in population within Machiara and Serli Sacha was not statistically significant (t=1.13, P=0.30, df = 6).

Machiara locality had five study sites and seven calling sites, where average number of calls of adult male tragopan was eight. Hence, estimated population of adult at this locality was 16 birds (Table 2.3). Serli Sacha had three study sites and four calling sites, where three calls were heard. Hence, estimated population was 6 adult birds, making total population of 22 adult birds at both localities (Table 2.3).

Habitat of tragopan in the study area was characterized by steep slopes, rocky and difficult terrain covered by thick vegetation. During winter season, birds were encountered at southern aspects which receive long hours of sunlight. During summer season, birds were observed in dense cover of Abies pingdrow, Pinus wallichiana and Quercus dilatata.

Raveri and Mali were the hotspot for Western horned tragopan, indicating higher population density of 2.38 and 1.59 birds/ Km2, respectively, showing healthy population in Machiara locality. Higher population density of Western tragopan in this locality was probably because of more suitable habitat containing dense vegetation. Dominant plant species in these areas were Abies pindrow, Ajuga bracteosa, Aesculus indica, Cedrus deodara, Geranium wallichianum, Indigofera 17

heterantha, Pinus wallichiana, Quercus incana and Taxus wallichiana. Relatively low disturbance caused by humans and their livestock in Machiara locality as compared to Serli Sacha could be another factor of higher population density in this locality. This can be explained based on the fact that in Serli Sacha local people own more livestock and grazing is severe in and around Tragopan’s habitat.

Estimate of call counts were expressed as

ER = n/ P

Where n = Number of calling sites/stations (from where the birds were calling) and P = Unit effort, i.e. sampling plots (Ramesh et al., 1999).

2.5 DISCUSSION

The highest population density of Western horned tragopan (2.38 birds/

Km2 was found in Machiara locality. In an earlier study, Mirza et al. (1978) sighted seven males and six females within about one seventh of the area of Machiara (50

Km2). The results further elaborate that habitat for Western tragopan was covered with thick vegetation. Likewise, Mirza et al. (1978) found thick vegetation and steep slopes as preferred habitat of tragopan. Ali et al. (2015) findings depicted 12 calling males and flushed two males and four females in Salkhala Game Reserve

(30 Km2) and nine calling males and flushed seven males and four females in

Kuttan (25 Km2). Estimated population density in these localities was less than one

2 individual per Km . The result of census applied the MNP indicated that 13 individuals encountered through 7.8 Km2 patch of Quercus forest (Mirza et al.,

1978). The present study revealed higher population density (1.26) in comparison 18

with Mirza et al. (1978) which is probably due to better protection measures after declaring it a National Park.

Estimated population density at Machiara (1.26 birds/ Km2) and Serli Sacha

(0.79 birds/ Km2) was close to the findings of Gaston et al. (1983) who estimated

0.8-1.6 birds/ Km2 in Machiara and 1.3 birds/ Km2 in Salkhalla game Reserve.

Population density of the current study was also similar to Islam (1982) who estimated population of Western tragopan in seven sites in Neelum valley. Islam

(1982) observed 14 individuals in 8.8 Km2 in Machiara National Park (1.59 birds/Km2) five individuals in 3.2 Km2 at Kutton and 10 individuals in 14.5 Km2 at

Salkhalla. Shah (1980) reported the sighting of 16 birds (7 males, 9 females) in an area of 46 Km2 in Manur, Nuri, Chittapar and Malakandi forests in Kaghan valley.

Duke (1989b) findings showed estimated population density of four tributaries of mid-Palas as 22.6 birds/ Km2. The largest population of tragopan in world is found in Palas valley which contains the most important moist temperate forest of Western Himalayas (Zaman, 2008).

Table 2.1 Characteristics of study sites, number of calling sites and population density in Machiara National Park

Locality Study site Altitude Coordinates No. of Population (m) calling density(calling sites sites/ area 2 surveyed(Km) 1-Machiara Raveri 2819 N34 ˚34.707' E 73 ˚33.664' 2 1.26 Mali 3169 N34o32.066' E73o38.483' 2 Kuthiali 3072 N34o32. 075' E73o36. 999' 1 Moryan 2522 N34o 31.872' E73o 36.493' 1 Charyal 2812 N 34 º31.673' E073 º38.880' 1 2-Serli Chita 2993 N34o31.617' E73o39.657' 2 0.79 Sacha Kushkar Sehr 3134 N34o 31.793' E73o38.653' 1 Daper 3295 N34o31.329' E73o39.337' 1

Figure 2.1: Map of the study area showing study sites of Western horned tragopan

Table 2.2 Population density estimation of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park during 2012-2013

Locality Study site No. of Average No. of Estimated Area Estimated calling calls at vantage Number of selected population sites points (V) Adults density

Machiara Raveri 2 3 6 2.512 2.38 Mali 2 2 4 2.512 1.59

Kuthiali 1 1 2 2.512 0.79 Moryan 1 1 2 2.512 0.79 Charyal 1 1 2 2.512 0.79 Sub-total 16

Serli Chita 2 1 2 2.512 0.79 Sacha Kushkar Sehr 1 1 2 2.512 0.79 Daper 1 1 2 2.512 0.79 Sub-total 6 Total 22

Chapter 3

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT USE OF WESTERN HORNED

TRAGOPAN IN MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Habitat characterization is an essential component in ecological investigation of a particular organism. Such ecological knowledge on the preference of relative habitat of a species is worthwhile for conservation and management of that species. The ecological studies related to habitat preference by pheasants are a few and existing data hoarded by hunters lack scientific explanation.

Habitat selection by Himalayan pheasants is greatly affected by prevailing climate and seasons. Heavy snow and harsh climate in winter force these birds to move to lower elevation areas. Consequently, inter and intra specific competition for resources has to be faced because of coexistence with other species (Ramesh et al., 1999).

Out of five Tragopan species in the world, four are found in India, one in

Pakistan and China each (Delacour, 1977). Western horned tragopan also found in

Pakistan is rarest of all living pheasants. This threatened species is endemic to

North-western Himalayas with a narrow range from Hazara in North Pakistan through Jammu & Kashmir to Garhwal in India (Ramesh et al., 1999). Its entire distribution range is 50 Km-100 Km wide and 700 Km long. Its populations are

22 23

distributed in five regions including Palas and Kaghan valleys (Kohistan), Neelum valley (AJ&K) in Pakistan; Chamba and Kishtwar (Himachal Pradesh and

Kashmir), East of Sutlej River up to eastern limit in Garhwal, a Beas catchment in the Kulu valley of Himachal Pradesh in India (Birdlife International, 2001).

In Pakistan, Palas and Kaghan valleys (Kohistan) and Neelum valley

(AJ&K) are principle existence areas of Western horned tragopan (Grimmet and

Robson, 1986). This pheasant occupies Kaghan valley at Behari and Basri

(Newlands, 1974), Shogran, Nila forest, Nuri reserve forests, especially Mashbil,

Mirshahi valley and Qadir Gali, Malakandi, Manure (Malik and Shah, 1980), Sari forest rest house area (Grimmet and Robson, 1986) and Galis are occupied by

Western horned tragopan (Roberts, 1991). This species was found historically in the west through Hazara Kohistan and Indus Kohistan to Swat and north to Gilgit

(Mirza, 1980; Grimmet and Robson, 1986). A small population of this bird was reported from Hunza (Roberts, 1991) although the species survived there with the distant existence (Nawaz et al., 2001).

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan contains wide range of Western tragopan in Machiara National Park (Roberts, 1991) through Salkhalla and Kutton

Wildlife Sanctuary to Karen forests (Islam and Crawford, 1987; Mirza et al., 1978).

It was restricted between Jehlum and Kunhar River (Roberts, 1991). Tragopan was found to occupy Pir Hasimar, Pir Chinasi, Kazinag Game Reserve of Jhelum valley and Leepa (Chaudhry, 1993; Islam, 1991), Phala and Haji Pir Game Reserve

(Qureshi et al., 1999; Chaudhary, 1993). Other locations with tragopan’s population are Kamal ban (Chaudhary, 1993), Pir Hari Mor, Reshnar Bor, Moji 24

Rukh (Islam, 1991), Chejwa, Jura forest, Dawarian, Fel, Kel and Sharda in Neelum valley and sloppy ranges between Bichala and Jagran (Kaghan valley) (Mirza,

1971).

In Pakistan, during the winter Western horned tragopan move down to about 2,150 m elevation but keep within forest even during snow fall. In summer, they occur at 2,743 m-3,352 m elevation within shrub cover (Roberts, 1991). In

Great Himalayan National Park, Western tragopan inhabits open moist deciduous and coniferous temperate areas with dense understory and shrub-layer (Ramesh et al., 1999). The species has separate wintering and breeding grounds. It breeds at

2400 m-3600 m elevation in summer and in winter moves at 1300 m elevation (Ali and Ripley, 1998).

Western tragopan is generally found in moist humus rich slopes (Delacour,

1977). It also occurs on precipitous mountain sides with a dense shrub layer (Mirza et al., 1978). Further information about habitat choice of this bird revealed its preference to extreme steep terrain (Nawaz et al., 2001). This bird is restricted generally to lower margin of forest in winter (Roberts, 1991) and in mid day roosts in trees (Ramesh et al., 1999). The present study provided a detailed account of habitat use of Western horned tragopan across winter and summer seasons in

Machiara National Park.

3.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

In Pakistan, Western horned tragopan usually occupies mixed coniferous forest in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Brown oak (Quercus semecarpifolia), blue pine 25

(Pinus wallichiana) in coniferous forest while Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara) and Quercus semecarpifolia in Indus Kohistan are dominant vegetation of Western tragopan’s habitat. Inhabited areas of Western tragopan also have thick ground cover of Skimmea laureola, Vibernum spp. and Barberis spp. (Roberts, 1991).

A large population of Western tragopan in the Palas valley inhabits woodlands and thick shrub cover with high percentage of herbs or ground flora associated with shaded areas (Baker et al., 1996) having mosaic, broad leaved trees and mixed conifer (Bean et al., 1994). In breeding season, birds occupy Birch,

Sliver Fir and Spruce followed by ground cover of Indigofera, Skimmia and ferns

(Nawaz et al., 2001). During non-breeding period, it occupies forest dominated by

Quercus floribunda or Quercus baloot of mixed conifer forest with open scrubby habitat (Whale, 1997; Bean et al., 1994). Gullies are best shelter either snow covered grassy (Whale, 1997) or with sunlit (Liley et al., 1995).

In Palas valley, this bird was found between 1850 m-2500 m elevation,

However, the highest encounter rate was between 2200 m-2299 m elevation (Liley et al., 1995). According to Islam (1983), Western tragopan is found in summer with characteristic habitat of deodar, spruce and brown oak between 2500 m and 3600 m elevation. The characteristic winter habitat possessed northern aspect at 2000 m to

2800 m elevation with mid altitudinal dense coniferous/mixed forest in Pakistan.

Western horned tragopan occupies steep slopes of transition zone within dense forest of moist and dry temperate climatic zone of Pakistan (Islam and

Crawford, 1987) followed by coniferous, deciduous and mixed coniferous- 26

deciduous forest having blue pine (Pinus wallichiana), fir (Abies pindrow) and yew

(Taxus wallichiana) with walnut (Juglan regia), cherry (Prunus pardus), horse chest nut (Aesculus induca), birch (Betula utilis) and maple (Acer caesium) of deciduous forest while Skimmia laureola, Vibernum nervosum and Pteridium spp. were thick understory in Machiara National Park and Salkhala Game Reserve. At

Machiara, 54% of sightings were in oak plant association while 30% in coniferous plant associations. At Salkhala, 63% of birds were found in maple plant association. At both sites, Western tragopan selected shrub, short coniferous and deciduous vegetation while avoided taller plants. Maintenance of dense shorter life- forms vegetation was presented as an important consideration in conservation of this endangered pheasant (Islam and Crawford, 1987; Islam, 1983).

In India, Western tragopan frequently inhabit well developed under story of ringal bamboo (Drepanostachyum falcatum)with forest covering of Abies pindrow,

Picea smithiana and Quercus semecarpifoila (Ali and Ripley, 1998). Among trees, this bird generally occupied thick forest of spruce, Kharsu oak, yew, fir and rhododendron patches with cover of Rosa, ringal bamboo (Drepanostachyum falcatum), Barberis, Vibernum and shrubs at Dali (Narang, 1993). A habitat analysis of the species visualized 50% residency in Quercus semecarpifolia stands

(Javed et al., 1999).

3.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.3.1 Methodology

Seasonal distribution of Western horned tragopan at two localities i.e.

Machiara and Serli Sacha was determined during summer (May-October) and 27

winter (November-April) through call hearing and indirect signs (feathers, faecal droppings, foot prints). To quantify habitat utilization of the Tragopan, six existing tracks (four in Machiara and two in Serli Sacha) were used as it was bit difficult to place transects randomly in whole area due to topographic features of MNP (Table

3.1). Ten calling sites (seven in Machiara and three in Serli Sacha) were identified for collecting data in addition to observations of signs of Western tragopan

(feathers, feacal droppings, foot prints) along selected tracks situated along mountain paths (Table 3.2). Each calling site covered the area that could be inspected visually. Each track and calling site was visited at least once a month.

Feathers, faecal droppings and foot prints of tragopan were searched along the tracks (Table 3.2) (Appendix 4). Date, time and habitat characteristics were recorded where signs were found.

Habitat of Western horned tragopan was assessed by systematic sampling.

Characteristics six tracks are presented in Table 3.1. Thirty sampling points were placed at intervals of 100 m along each track (Vinod and Sathyakumar, 1999). At each sampling point, cover and frequency of plant species falling in the quadrates

(for trees 10 m × 10 m; for shrubs 4 m × 4 m for shrubs; for grasses 1 m × 1 m) were measured. In each track 30 quadrates were taken (total 210) (Schemnitz,

1980).

Finally, seasonal Importance Value (IV) of plant species was calculated by summing relative density, relative frequency and relative cover of each plant species documented during surveys (Kent and Coker, 1992). 28

Relative Density (RD) = Total No of individual of a species × 100

Total No of individual of all species

Relative frequency (RF) = Frequency value of one species × 100

Total frequency of all species

Relative cover = Canopy cover of a species × 100

Total canopy cover of all species

3.2.1 Statistical Analysis

T- test was applied to determine significance of difference in vegetation.

3.4 RESULTS

3.4.1 Seasonal Distribution and Habitat Use of Western Horned Tragopan

Western horned tragopan was found distributed at two localities of MNP i.e.

Machiara and Serli Sacha. A total of 51 plant species was recorded in Western horned tragopan habitat in MNP; 34 in Machiara and 17 in Serli Sacha (Table 3.3,

Table 3.4). At both sites, shrubs dominated the flora (38.23% in Machiara, 41.17% in Serli Sacha), followed by herbs (29.41% in Machiara, 23.52% in Serli Sacha), trees (20.58% in Machiara, 23.52% in Serli Sacha) and grasses (11.76% in

Machiara and Serli Sacha) (Fig.3.1). Winter habitat of tragopan at Machiara site consisted of eight tree species, eleven shrub species, eight herb species and four grass species (Fig. 3.2). Dominant trees were Pinus wallichiana (IV =108.85),

Indigofera heterantha (IV =99.27) was dominat shrub while Persicaria nepalensis

(IV= 97.80) was dominant herb. Dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV

=127.65). Winter habitat of tragopan at Serli Sacha contained four species of trees, 29

eight shrubs, five herbs and two species of grasses. Dominant tree was Abies pindrow (IV =108.42), Prunus padus (IV =96.01) was dominant shrub, Geranium wallichianum (IV =85.16) was dominant herb and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV =168.71) (Fig. 3.2). Summer habitat of tragopan at Machiara consisted of nine trees, seven shrubs, nine herbs and two grass species. Dominant tree was

Abies pindrow (IV = 101.75), dominant shrub species was Indigofera heterantha

(IV = 69.35), dominant herb species was Persicaria nepalensis (IV = 83.4), and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV = 243.72). During this season, habitat of tragopan at Serli Sacha consisted of four tree species, seven shrub species, five herb species and two grass species. Dominant tree species was Pinus wallichiana

(IV =101.52), dominant shrub species was Prunus padus (IV =98.73), dominant herb species was Geranium wallichianum (IV =98.93), and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV =171.83) (Fig. 3.3).

Comparison of vegetation in summer season among both study sites revealed a non-significance difference among density of trees (t=- 0.35; P=0.101 >

0.05), shrubs (t=-0.00; P=0.5 > 0.05), herbs (t=-1.533; P=0.076 > 0.05) and grasses

(t=-0.00; P=0.5 > 0.05). Similarly in winter season there was non-significance difference among shrubs (t=-0.73; P=0.23 > 0.05), herbs (t=-1.44; P=0.088 > 0.05) and grasses (t=-1.92; P=0.06 > 0.05), while significance difference among trees (t=

2.11; P=0.0301 < 0.05).

3.5 DISCUSSION

Western horned tragopan occupied almost similar elevation range at 30

Machiara and Serli Sacha i.e. between 2500 m–3600 m elevation in summer and

2000 m–2800 m elevation in winter. Fecal samples of tragopan were frequently observed on steep slopes and gullies. It could be speculated that tragopan avoidsshelter at snow covered ground with low sunlight (Liley et al., 1995) or grassy ground (Whale, 1997). In MNP, tragopan occupied mixed conifer forests with thick shrub cover.

Results of present study are in agreement with previous studies on distribution of Western horned tragopan such as in Great Himalayan National

Park where Tragopan was not recorded above tree line and they used mixed conifer forests with sufficient under growth (Ramesh et al., 1999). A large population of tragopan in Palas valley utilized woodlands, thick shrub cover with high percentage of herbs associated with gullies and shaded areas (Baker et al., 1996) having variety of mixed conifer and broad leaved trees (Bean et al., 1994).

Western tragopan exhibited altitudinal migration favoring low altitude forests in winter. During spring and autumn, it dispersed in wide range of habitats occupying mostly the mid elevation and low elevation habitats (Ramesh et al.,

1999). Present study showed similar results where Western horned tragopan migrated from high altitude to lower altitude forests in winter at 2000 m to 2800 m elevation. In MNP, Western horned tragopan was most commonly observed at higher elevations used more frequently in summer as compared to winter season at both study sites. Majority of tragopan population was found between 2900 m and

3500 m elevation during summer, suggesting their preferred elevation range in 31

MNP. This elevation range varies from Palas valley and other areas of its distribution range in Pakistan because in summer people and their livestock move on higher elevations, hence, to avoid this pressure, Western tragopan moves to further higher elevations in MNP. In Palas valley this bird was encountered between 1850 m and 2500 m but the highest encounter rate was found between

2200 m to 2299 m elevation (Liley et al., 1995).

In another study, during winter tragopan move down to about 2,150 m but keep within the forest even when the ground is covered with snow. In summer they occur mainly between 2,743 m and 3,352 m elevation, particularly where good shrub and bush cover is available (Roberts, 1991).

Islam (1983), reported the tragopan in summer season with general characteristic habitat of spruce, deodar and brown oak ranging from 2500 m–3600 m elevation while in winter with characteristic habitat of mid altitudinal dense coniferous or mixed forest at elevation of 2000 m–2800 m in Pakistan. The results of present study showed that Western horned tragopan did not use lower elevations in MNP in summer but elevation range in summer is 2600 m to 3600 m.

Present study showed that Western tragopan used moist temperate forest in

MNP. So, adequate protection and management of this habitat is required.

Concentrations of tragopan at lower altitude forests in winter indicate the need for protection of this species in these areas from hunting and other factors (Ramesh et al., 1999). Western horned tragopan mostly occupied steep forested slopes in MNP.

Islam and Crawford (1987) earlier reported that tragopan generally occupied steep 32

Table 3.1 Details of tracks walked for direct or indirect evidence of Western horned tragopan occurrence in Machiara National Park

Tracks Tracks location Coordinates Length Elevation Aspect (km) (m) MT-1 Taryan, 34˚ 30.426-34˚ 5 2050 – Northwest Chukolni, 32.079N 2286 Kalus Mali, 073˚31.702- Cheryal 073˚38.251E MT-2 Arbomlan, 34˚30.562- 4 2190 – Southeast Mali 34˚30.752N 2455 073˚33.351-073˚ 37.871E MT-3 Kalro, Kuthiali 34˚31.131- 3 2465 – South 34˚31.182N 2580 073˚24.481- 073˚43.526E MT-4 Raveri, 34˚31.197-34˚ 4 2671– South Moryan 32.076N 2900 073˚ 31.181-073˚ 38.842E MT-5 Lower Revri, 34˚31.436-34˚ 4 2680 – South Upper Revri, 32.549N 2865 Domail 073˚37.271- 073˚37.408E ST-1 Bujni Wali 34˚ 30.244-34˚ 4 2456 – Northeast Gali, Seher 30.466N 2945 073˚ 39.229-073˚ 40.493E ST-2 Panjor Gali, 34,28.763- 5 2025 – East Jabra, Dapper 34,30.841N 2195 073˚ 39.116-073˚ 41.281E Key: MT: Machiara track ST: Serli Sacha track

Table 3.2 Visual sightings and indirect evidences of Western horned tragopan occurrence in Machiara National Park

Locality Study site Evidence of Evidence of Evidence of Physically Faecal Feathers Foot prints sighted droppings 1-Machiara Raveri 4 3 2 2

Mali 3 2 1 Kuthiali 3 2 2 1 Moryan 3 2 Nil Charyal 2 2 Nil 2-Serli Chita 2 2 Nil Sacha Kushkar Sehr 3 2 Nil Dapper 2 Nil Nil

Table 3.3 Habitat Analysis of Tragopan in Machiara site, Machiara National Park

Plant spp. D/10m2 RD RF RC Imp. (Local name) Scientific name Value Index Trees Kail Pinus wallichiana 0.49 49.75 40.80 48.50 139.05 Fir/Rewar Abies pindrow 0.27 27.40 30.16 25.90 83.46 Ban khor Aesculus indica 0.11 11.15 11.78 11.64 34.57 Akhrote Juglans regia 0.03 3.24 5.88 4.50 13.62 Reen Quercus incana 0.03 2.84 2.50 1.93 7.27 Deodar Cedrus deodara 0.01 0.82 3.59 2.80 7.21 Tarkana Acer caesium 0.02 2.28 2.70 2.13 7.11 Bermi Taxus wallichiana 0.01 1.52 1.91 1.75 5.18 zucc. Shrubs Kainthi Indigofera 0.25 25.90 20.10 21.05 67.05 heterantha Guch Viburnum 0.20 20.40 17.27 15.37 53.04 nervosum Rech guch Viburnum 0.11 11.48 11.59 10.45 33.52 cotinifolium Chamkath Desmodium 0.09 9.84 13.30 10.10 33.24 elegans Bisa Salix alba 0.10 10.44 10.05 11.40 31.89 Kerli Sorbaria 0.09 9.15 7.80 7.50 24.45 tomentosa Peomar Plectranthes 0.07 7.70 6.87 7.09 21.66 rugosis Perth Prunus padus 0.04 4.30 3.85 5.80 13.95 Kala sumbal Berberis vulgaris 0.02 2.75 3.86 5.83 12.44 Baiker Justicia adhatoda 0.01 1.74 2.06 1.70 5.5 Chamba Jasminum humile 0.01 1.30 1.36 0.98 3.64 Linn Sumbal Berberis lyceum 0.003 0.39 0.65 1.50 2.54 Khutt Lonicera 0.01 0.50 0.60 0.47 1.57 quinquelocularis Herbs Masloon Persicaria 0.23 23.90 25.79 21.30 70.99 nepalensis Raton jog Geranium 0.22 22.79 26.59 19.85 69.23 wallichianum Ratti buti Ajuga bracteosa 0.15 15.85 10.76 17.10 43.71 Kala choh Artemisia 0.09 9.15 8.50 7.89 25.54 mauiensis 35

Chityal Rheum austral 0.06 6.33 9.30 7.25 22.88 Hola Rumex nepalensis 0.05 5.40 5.20 9.15 19.75 Safaid choh Artemisia 0.05 5.25 3.61 5.70 14.56 absinthium Batbhyva Bergenia ciliate 0.03 3.70 3.67 4.01 11.38 Mohri Aconitum 0.04 4.35 2.90 4.00 11.25 chasmanthum Gadhi kan Verbascum 0.03 3.25 3.10 3.81 10.16 Thapsus Grasses Booji Poa annua 0.50 50.10 57.37 55.80 163.27 Gogoo Cymbopogan 0.23 23.05 22.07 21.90 67.02 martini Kunji Dryopteris 0.15 15.75 10.90 11.47 38.12 stewartii Rech kunji Dryopteris dilatata 0.11 11.10 9.65 10.30 31.05

Table 3.4 Habitat Analysis of Tragopan in Serli Sacha site, Machiara National Park

Plant spp. Scientific name D/10m2 RD RF RC Imp. (Local Value name) Index Trees Kail Pinus 0.62 62.30 46.65 60.88 169.83 wallichiana Fir/Rewar Abies pindrow 0.30 30.25 41.40 30.72 102.37 Deodar Cedrus 0.05 5.33 10.41 5.95 21.69 deodara Bermi Taxus 0.01 1.40 1.51 1.65 4.56 wallichiana zucc. Shrubs Perth Prunus padus 0.35 35.10 31.25 35.67 102.02 Guch Viburnum 0.20 20.33 21.75 20.80 62.88 nervosum Besa Salix alba 0.17 17.21 15.50 17.75 50.46 Kala Berberis 0.09 9.15 10.35 9.77 29.27 sumbal vulgaris Rech guch Viburnum 0.05 5.43 7.75 5.90 19.08 cotinifolium Peomar Plectranthes 0.05 5.35 7.71 5.95 19.01 rugosis Kainthi Indigofera 0.07 7.40 5.61 3.89 16.90 heterantha 36

Herbs Raton jog Geranium 0.27 27.20 29.61 32.97 89.84 wallichianum Masloon Persicaria 0.29 29.45 25.16 27.79 82.40 nepalensis Batbhyva Bergenia 0.25 25.26 21.80 20.71 67.77 ciliate Chityal Rheum austral 0.17 17.35 22.59 17.81 57.75 Grasses Booji Poa annua 0.55 55.10 50.57 55.23 160.90 Kunji Dryopteris 0.44 44.28 48.55 44.52 137.35 stewartii

Figure 3.1: Plant species recorded in the habitat of Western tragopan in Machiara National Park

Figure 3.2: Plant species recorded in winter habitat of Western tragopan in Machiara National Park

Figure 3.3: Plant species recorded in summer habitat of tragopan in Machiara

National Park

forested slope of transition zone within dense forest of moist and dry temperate climatic zone of Pakistan.

Western tragopan selected shorter life-forms (shrub, short deciduous, short coniferous) and avoided taller vegetation at both study areas. Maintenance of relatively dense woody vegetation of shorter life-forms is an important consideration in the conservation of this endangered pheasant (Islam, 1983; Islam and Crawford, 1987).

Western horned tragopan preferred steep slopes and undisturbed siteswith dense shrub layer. Similar results have been reported by earlier studies that Western tragopan was generally found on undisturbed plateaus or ground with less well vegetation or, its apparent existence on the precipitous mountain sides having dense shrub layer indicated as the function of high disturbance and hunting rates (Mirza et al., 1978). Another study revealed that it preferred to stay in those places where there was no disturbance but confined to extreme steep terrain (Nawaz et al., 2001).

This bird is generally restricted to lower margin of the forest in winter (Roberts,

1991).

Tragopan used south-facing slopes both in summer and winter, however, there are some differences in tragopan’s preference for aspect. This observation is similar to previous studies that reported their preference for south facing slopes irrespective of seasons, however, marginal differences were seen in the use of various aspect categories (Ramesh et al., 1999). Present study suggests that food availability and snow accumulation in winter were the primary drivers for Western tragopan using south-facing aspects. 40

Chapter 4

DIET COMPOSITION OF WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN IN

MACHIARA NATIONAL PARK

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Pheasants are among the best known species in different ecosystems and are generally considered as indicators of quality of environment (Fuller and Garson,

2000; Garson, 2007). The understanding of this important role is facilitated by information on their food habits. Food supply plays vital role in determining the dispersion pattern, breeding biology and social system of species through natural selection (Simmons, 1970). Studies related to food habits provide immediate and practical knowledge required for management of a species (Giles, 1984;

Korschgen, 1980).

Galliformes are terrestrial birds found in a variety of habitats and are ground feeders. These birds search for food by scratching the ground with their feet for fallen fruits, nuts, seeds, roots and invertebrates. A few studies have been reported in literature regarding food habit analysis of family phasianidae in wild

(Khaling, 1999; Moreby, 1993; Kaul, 1989 a; b).

There is variation in food habits among pheasants and food items eaten by different groups of pheasants also vary by season (Mcgowan, 1996). Pheasant get nutrients from different plant species. Adoption of an extensive diet is nutritionally- adaptive strategy (Korschgen, 1964). Generally, all types of food are included in

40 41

diet of pheasant indicating their omnivorous nature depending on availability of the food resources and habitats (Hill, 1985; Rimlinger et al., 2000).

Diet of Western horned tragopan has been reported to include newly sprouted leaves, flowers, seeds, berries, roots, acorns and insects (Ramesh et al., 1999). Roberts

(1991) reported berries of Skimmia laureola and Viburnum nervosum, acorns of Quercus semecarpifolia, leaves and buds of various plants as major food of Western horned tragopan in Machiara.

Most of the birds predominantly depend on fruits to fulfill their nutrition. Birds play a prominent role in dissemination of plant seeds. Birds feeding on fruits, by consuming the pulpy fruits distribute the seeds of food plant species (Balasubramanian and

Maheswaran, 2003). Seed dispersal is also associated with birds as a mechanism of endozoochory where undigested seeds are defecated at different sites. Western horned tragopan also comes in endozoochory category.

Direct observation of prey items, identification of prey remains and pellet analysis are the principal methods to study diets of birds (Marti, 1988). Direct observation, although better, is not often adopted due to time and logistical constraints. The validity of using prey remains and collection of pellets as a means of determining diet has been assessed by several authors (Real, 1996, Manosa,

1994, Mersmann et al., 1992, Simmons et al., 1991, Collopy, 1983). On the other hand, with a view to conservation measures, collection of gut contents for analysis must be avoided. Therefore, pellet analysis method was adopted in the present study.

Analysis of crop contents is available for pheasants because samples of bird crops 42

can be collected from hunters and food items remain in their natural forms. There have been some reports of crop content analyses of birds (Ogasawara, 1968), but study sites were very restricted and sample size was also small. Some researchers experimentally analyzed the food preference of pheasants by providing them various food items in a cage

(Tochigi Prefectural Citizens’ Park Management Office, 1978). These types of studies are suited where pre-existing knowledge of food preference is available for particular species; in case of Western horned tragopan, this pre-existing knowledge is lacking.

After faecal analysis, identification of animal prey remains is difficult in avian species. It was suggested that the identification of insects to the family level is sufficient in case of birds as a limited number of invertebrate families will occur in the diet (Moreby,

1993). The principle of faecal analysis method is passage of undigested diet materials that resist the physiological process of digestion, through the gastro intestinal tract and its comparison with reference plants and animal parts. Sometimes the intact seeds may pass out through gastro intestinal tract in most of the avian species.

The present study was carried out in Machiara National Park to determine food of

Western horned tragopan and compare seasonal difference in their diet.

4.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Western horned tragopan is omnivorous in its eating habit. These birds feed mostly on the ground, being active in foraging in the early morning and late afternoon. Hume and

Marshall (1981) described the diet of Western tragopan as leaves of shrubs and trees, and in small proportion the roots, grubs, flowers, acorns, seeds, berries and insects (Xiangtao and Xiaoyi, 1989). Bhandary et al., (1986) in Pipar (Central Nepal) found the moss and grass leaves as a main autumn diet of the Western horned tragopan. 43

Roberts (1991) found distinctive differences among the faecal droppings of

Western tragopan in March and late May in Machiara. Droppings were distinctive being always blackish and of a liquid consistency in March with sharp contrast to more normal fibrous tubular extrusions in May. The same semi-liquid black caecal dropping of tragopan were also located in Duber valley, Indus Kohistan (Roberts, 1991). Diet of Western horned tragopan comprised mainly of buds and young leaves of different plants but also partially berries of Skimmia laureola and Viburnum nervosum along acorns of Quercus semecarpifolia in Machaira (Roberts, 1991).

Twenty three different food items were identified in droppings of Satyr tragopan in the Eastern Himalayas. The plant material was found to be the major portion of food (Khaling, 1998). Arundinaria maling (bamboo species) was identified as a dominant plant species in their diet. Arundinella nepalensis was another bamboo species same study. Other than these were Ariseama flavum,

Cotoneaster acuminata, Pilia spp. and Rubus biflorus.

Kawaji and Yokoyama (2009) analyzed food components of Syrmaticus soemmerringii (copper pheasant) through crop analysis method Japan. Most of the food items were vegetable matter along leaves followed by seeds and fruits, stems, flowers and roots. Fifty-two plant species were identified from the leaves. Fifteen kinds of ferns including Cyrtomium fortune and Polystichum tripteron were also found. Among the fruits and seeds, Phryma leptostachya was most frequently found, followed by Zanthoxylum ailanthoides.

Feeding behavior of Ring-necked pheasant revealed that 83% of food comprised of plant material (Zhengje, 1989). Jianqiang and Yue (1989) studied

Brown-eared pheasant feeding ecology and reported 62 plants and animal species as its diet components (Lelliot and Yonzon, 1980).

Dutton and Bolen (2000) determined food consumed by Phasianus colchicus (ring necked pheasant) in North core banks in North Carolina. Myrica cerifera fruits, Hydrocotyle bonariensis vegetative parts, Strophostyles helvola and

Cakile edentula seeds were found to be major food components in diet of birds by gizzard analysis (Baohua et al., 2010).

4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

4.3.1 Sample Size

A total of 80 faecal droppings were collected from Machiara National Park.

Among these, 50 were collected from Machiara (summer=30; winter=20) while 30 from Serli Sacha (summer=17; winter=13) based on their abundance and availability at two sites. Each faecal dropping was treated as one sample.

4.3.2 Sampling Procedure

Green (1984) and Hill (1985) described the use of faecal analysis in the study of game bird feeding ecology. It is a good method for determining the principle foods throughout the year (Moreby, 1993). Faecal analysis is an acceptable method for dietary studies in birds (Bhandary et al., 1985) and is considered best method for determining diet of Galliformes (Dalke, 1937). Hence, 45

droppings can be used satisfactorily as a source of food-habits information for pheasants.

Fecal dropping collection was made through random search along the selected forest trails in the study area. As described by Hussain (2002) and

Sathyakumar and Kaul (2007), Lophophorus impejanus (Himalayan monal),

Tragopan satyra (Satyr tragopan), Lophura leucomelana (Kaleej) and Pucrasia macrolopha (Koklass) occupy different altitudinal ranges, so doubt of mixing of droppings was ruled out. To avoid collection of the same materials during successive sampling, spots from where faecal droppings were once collected were cleared. Faecal dropping were collected during summer and winter season of 2012 and 2013. Thirty sampling plots were selected along two tracks in Serli Sacha while thirty sampling plots were selected along four tracks in Machiara. Sampling plots were designated in a systematic random manner. Starting from random points, plots of 100 m were designed parallel to track. Droppings were air dried, labeled, sealed in plastic zipper bags and stored in airtight containers. In a 10 m radius circular plot from where droppings were found, major ground vegetation species were collected for reference slides.

4.3.3 Reference Plants Collection

Thirty six potential plant species samples were collected from Western horned tragopan’s habitat for reference slides. Collection of plant samples was based on visual analysis and confirmation through park watchers and herders. The reference species included seven grasses, 10 herbs, 13 shrubs and eight trees. Plant samples were dried, ground and processed for microhistological analysis following

Sparks and Malechek (1968). 46

4.3.4 Preparation of Plant Sample Slides

Reference slide of each plant sample was prepared. Each sample was easily identified because of unique epidermal features. For preparation of slides, plant samples were preserved in 10% formalin. Epidermis of each plant species was then stripped off. It was then passed through 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100% grades of ethanol for dehydration (Holechek et al., 1982). Samples were then cleared in xylol and mounted in Canada balsam to make permanent slides. A total of 38 reference slides were prepared in this manner.

4.3.5 Preparation of Fecal Sample Slides

For preparing samples, collected droppings were combined season wise.

The samples were crushed gently by hand. Samples were ground and sieved to homogenize fragment size. Samples were cleared in 10% NaOH solution. With 3-4 changes of NaOH solution, they were boiled for 3-4 minutes (Khaling, 1998). The left over solution was drained off and the settled material was poured into a petri plate. Ten sub samples were extracted using a dropper from this sample on 10 glass slides. The sub samples were air dried and mounted in glycerol (Bhandary et al.,

1986). These slides were observed interchangeably in 50X and 100X magnification

(Holechek and Valdez, 1985). The frequency of plant fragments was noted in the microscopic field view. Fragments which fell with the view were identified using reference slides. Although, the frequency of occurrence of fragments in the slide tends to underestimate common species and overestimate rare, it is still the most commonly used technique (Storr, 1961; Stewart, 1967). Each slide was then 47

divided into 20 frequencies to enumerate proportions of different food items in droppings. No attempt was made for identification of invertebrate part in faecal analysis.

4.3.6 Analysis

The occurrence of each food item was expressed as ‘Food Importance index

(FII)’ (Bhandary et al., 1986). FII was calculated through frequency and composition of food items in the samples (Hussain and Sultana, 2013):

Frequency (%) + Composition (%) Food Importance Index = 2

The frequency of each food item was calculated following Hussain and

Sultana (2013):

퐎퐜퐜퐮퐫퐚퐧퐜퐞 퐨퐟 퐚 퐩퐚퐫퐭퐢퐜퐮퐥퐚퐫 퐟퐨퐨퐝 퐢퐭퐞퐦 퐢퐧 퐬퐚퐦퐩퐥퐞 퐅퐫퐞퐪퐮퐞퐧퐜퐲 (%) = × ퟏퟎퟎ 퐓퐨퐭퐚퐥 퐧퐮퐦퐛퐞퐫 퐨퐟 퐟퐨퐨퐝 퐢퐭퐞퐦퐬

Percent composition was calculated following Hussain and Sultana (2013):

Ocurance of particular food item in sample Composition (%) = × 100 Total occurance of food items

Based on composition, each food item was categorized into three groups (Khaling,

1998):

1) Major food components forming >10% of total composition

2) Minor food components forming <10%, but >3%

3) Trace food components forming <3% of total composition

4.3.7 Statistical Analysis 48

One-way ANOVA and Chi-Square test was performed on food items for two seasons, at two sites for differences in Tragopan’s diet.

4.4 RESULTS

4.4.1 Diet Composition

4.4.1.1 Machiara

During summer, 11 plant species were identified in Tragopan diet along with lower plants (mosses), invertebrates and grit with a small proportion of unidentified food items. Frequency of food comprised mainly of plants (78.5%) followed by grit (15.00%), invertebrates (2.34%) and unidentified (4.13%) (Fig.

4.1). Major plant species identified were Berberis vulgaris, Ajuga bracteosa and

Pinus wallichiana which contributed about 55.6% of total food composition.

Artemisia spp. and Persicaria nepalensis contributed as minor food items with

9.89% contribution to diet composition. Trace elements of food included

Cymbopogon martini, Arundinella nepalensis, Skimmia laureola, Cotoneaster acuminate, Pilia spp. and Moss with percentage contribution of 13.03%. Grit was indicated as a major component (15.00%) while invertebrates were 2.34% of identified diet.

During winter season, food comprised mainly of plants (83.05%) followed by grit (12.04%), invertebrates (2.33%) and unidentified (2.56%). Out of 14 identified components, 12 were plant tissues. Cymbopogon martini was found to be major food component (14.94%). Pinus wallichiana, Geranium wallichiana,

Daphne papyracae, Cotoneaster acuminate, Poa annua, Valeriana wallichii,

Skimmia laureola, Arisaema flavum, Artemisia spp., Pilia spp. and moss were minor components of diet contributing 83% of the total composition. There was no 49

trace plant food item identified for winter season. Grit contributed 12.04%, invertebrates 2.34% and unidentified material 2.57% of food components. Food importance index (FII) of Western horned tragopan diet in two study sites during the summer season was non-significant (mean FII at Machiara (풙̅ = 4.49), at Serli

Sacha (풙̅ = 5.37, t = 0.436, P=0.66 > 0.05). Similarly, this difference was non- significant during winter season (풙̅Machiara = 6.13, 풙̅ Serli Sacha = 6.03, t = 0.056,

P=0.44> 0.05).

4.4.1.2 Serli Sacha

During summer season, food of Western horned tragopan comprised mainly of plants (78.04%) followed by grit (16.47%), invertebrates (1.35%) and unidentified (4.12%). A total of 14 food items were identified out of which 12 were plant tissues (Fig. 4.2). Berberis vulgaris, Ajuga bracteosa, Pinus wallichiana and

Geranium wallichiana were major food components (57.91%).

Minor food components were analyzed as Valeriana wallichii and moss

(7.36%). Cymbopogon martini, Persicaria nepalensis, Poa annua, Arundinella nepalensis, Skimmia laureola and Arisaema flavum were identified as trace food 50

Figure 4.1: Diet composition of Western horned tragopan during summer and winter season in Machiara

items with combined percent contribution of 12.78%. Invertebrates contributed

1.35% of diet, 16.48% was indicated as grit while 4.13% was unidentified food material.

Similarly, during winter season, food comprised mainly of plants (81.87%) followed by grit (13.76%), invertebrates (1.76%) and unidentified (2.59%). A total of 13 food items were identified out of which thirteen were plant tissues.

Cymbopogon martini and Poa annua were major food component (25.1%). Minor food components were analyzed as Pinus wallichiana, Persicaria nepalensis,

Artemisia spp., Arundi nellanepalensis, Cotoneaster acuminate, Pilia spp.,

Valeriana wallichii and moss.

All minor components contributed 55.01% among total diet items. Berberis vulgaris was among trace food items with a 1.75% contribution, 1.76% food components were represented by invertebrates while grit contributed 13.76%.

Unidentified material contributed 2.59% of diet (Fig. 4.9, 4.10; Table 4.1).

4.4.2 Seasonal Variation in Diet

4.4.2.1 Machiara

Seasonal differences in Western horned tragopan’s diet were associated with changing proportions of consumed plant species. During summer, grasses and herbs increased to high dietary levels of 26.03% and 22.00%, respectively in

Western tragopan’s diet. However, comparing the plant species individually indicated that Berberis vulgaris (FII=21.98) and Ajuga bracteosa (FII=15.15) among highly consumed species during summer by Western horned tragopan (Fig.

4.3, Table 4.2). 52

Figure 4.2: Diet composition of Western horned tragopan during summer and winter season in Serli Sacha

Table 4.1 Composition of major, minor and trace food items in droppings of Western horned tragopan

Machiara Serli Sacha

Summer Winter Summer Winter

Major 28.57 13.33 33.33 21.42

Minor 21.42 73.33 20.00 64.28

Trace 50.00 13.33 46.66 14.28

In winter season, herbs were most heavily consumed (36.08%) followed by grasses (27.51%). One species of grass i.e. Cymbopogon martini (FII=17.40) and herb Geranium wallichianum (FII=9.82) were heavily consumed species during winter season. Two plant species Artemisia spp. and Pinus wallichiana were found common in winter and summer season in their diet (Fig. 4.4). Chi square test showed that consumption of plants was significantly different between two seasons at Machiara (P< 0.05).

4.4.2.2 Serli Sacha

During summer, herbs and shrubs had higher proportion in Western horned tragopan diet. Berberis vulgaris (FII=17.87), Ajuga bracteosa (FII=16.75) and

Geranium wallichianum (FII=12.54) were heavily consumed during summer season. While during winter, trees were most frequently consumed, followed by herbs Artemisia spp. (FII=5.18), Cymbopogon martini (FII=11.99), Cotoneaster acuminate (FII=9.86) and Arundi nellanepalensis (FII=0.73).

4.5 DISCUSSION

Food supply plays vital role in determining dispersion pattern, breeding biology and social system of a species (Simmons, 1970). Therefore, studies related to food habits provide immediate and practical knowledge required for managing of a species (Giles, 1984; Korschgen, 1984).

Terrestrial birds in various habitats, feed on the ground. These birds use to search for invertebrates, fallen nuts, fruits, seeds and roots by feet scratching

(Khaling, 1999; Moreby, 1993; Kaul, 1989 a; b). Pheasants are amongst the best 55

Figure 4.3: Proportion of diet components in the diet of Western horned tragopan during summer and winter in Machiara

40 35 30 25 20 Summer 15 Winter

Contribution (%)Contribution 10 5 0 Herbs Shrubs Trees Grasses Plant Life-form

Figure 4.4: Contribution of different plant life-forms in diet of Western tragopan at Machiara 56

Figure 4.5: Food importance index of diet components found in diet of Western horned tragopan during summer and winter in Machiara

Figure 4.6: Food importance index of diet components found in diet of Western horned tragopan during summer and winter at Serli Sacha

Table 4.2 Food Importance Index (FII) of diet components in fecal samples of Western horned tragopan during summer and winter seasons in Machiara National Park

Machiara Serli Sacha Food items Summer Winter Summer Winter FII Category FII Category FII Category FII Category Berberis vulgaris (S) 21.98±0.31 Major ------17.87±0.25 Major 2.01±0.1 Trace Ajuga bracteosa (H) 15.15±0.28 Major ------16.75±0.38 Major ------Geranium wallichianum (H) ------9.82±0.21 Minor 12.54±0.18 Major ------Cymbopogon martini (G) 2.1±0.24 Trace 17.40±0.20 Major 1.54±0.19 Trace 11.99±0.32 Major Pinus wallichiana (T) 10.29±0.18 Major 9.89±0.31 Minor 11.89±0.41 Major 9.73±0.18 Minor Persicaria nepalensis (H) 3.89±.24 Minor ------2.80±0.17 Trace 8.56±0.30 Minor Artemisia spp. (H) 4.55±0.17 Minor 4.98±0.19 Minor ------5.18±0.12 Minor Poa annua (G) ------8.37±0.20 Minor 2.99±0.29 Trace 16.80±0.15 Major Arundi nellanepalensis 1.98±0.30 Trace ------2.10±0.31 Trace 9.73±0.22 Minor (G) Cotoneaster acuminata 1.20±27 Trace 8.40±0.7 Minor ------9.86±0.20 Minor (S) Daphne papyracea (S) ------8.75±0.34 Minor ------Pilea sp. (H) 1.65±0.27 Trace 4.81±0.19 Minor ------6.08±0.18 Minor

Figure 4.7: Food item categories in Machiara during summer and winter season

Figure 4.8: Food item categories in Serli Sacha during summer and winter season

known species with great variation in diet composition depending on groups and season (Garson, 2007; Fuller and Garson, 2000; Mcgowan, 1996).

The study indicated omnivorous nature of Western horned tragopan. Plants and invertebrates were identified as most frequent food items in its droppings. This finding is in consonance with earlier studies where newly sprouted leaves, flowers, seeds, berries, roots, acorns and insects were analyzed in diet of Western horned tragopan (Ramesh et al., 1999). Machiara also indicated berries of Skimmia laureola and Viburnum nervosum, acorns of Quercus semecarpifolia, leaves and buds of plants as major diet components of Western horned tragopan.

Fifty percent of the food components represented category of trace food items

(<3% contribution in diet) in summer at Machiara while 73.33% of dietary components represented ‘minor’ category (<10% - >3%) in winter. Similarly, 46.66% of diet components were belonging to trace category (<3%) in summer and 64.28% to minor category (<10% - >3%) in winter. This data indicated adoption of this species for different food items rather than a selective feeder on certain food components as proposed by

Korschgen (1964).

At Machiara, during summer, food comprised mainly of plants (78.5%) followed by grit (15.00%), invertebrates (2.34%) and unidentified (4.13%). The major food components were Berberis vulgaris, Ajuga bracteosa and Pinus wallichiana, contributing ~55.6% of total composition during summer season.

During winter season, food comprised plants (83.05%) followed by grit (12.04%), invertebrates (2.33%) and unidentified (2.56%). Cymbopogon martini was found to 60

be a major food component (14.94%) along Pinus wallichiana, Geranium wallichiana, Daphne papyracae, Cotoneaster acuminate, Poa annua, Valeriana wallichii, Skimmia laureola, Arisaema flavum, Artemisia spp., Pilia spp. and moss as minor components of diet.

At Serli Sacha, during the summer season, food of Western tragopan comprised mainly of plants (78.04%) followed by grit (16.47%), invertebrates

(1.35%) and unidentified (4.12%). Berberis vulgaris, Ajuga bracteosa, Pinus wallichiana and Geranium wallichiana were major food component (57.91%).

Similarly, during winter season, food comprised mainly of plants (81.87%) followed by grit (13.76%), invertebrates (1.76%) and unidentified (2.59%).

Cymbopogon martini and Poa annua were major food components (25.1%).

Comparing food importance index (FII) between two study sites during the summer season, mean FII observed at Machiara was not significant (풙̅ = 4.49) than at Serli

Sacha (풙̅ = 5.37, t = 0.436, P=0.66 > 0.05). Similarly, this difference was not significant during winter season (풙̅Machiara = 6.13, 풙̅ ; Serli Sacha = 6.03, t =

0.056, P =0.44> 0.05).

Greater contribution of plants than insects and other invertebrates in food of pheasants has been reported by earlier researchers. Hussain and Sultana (2013) while working on Lophophorus impejanus, Tragopan satyra, Pucrasia macrolopha and Lophura leucomelana indicated main contribution of plant matter in their diet than insects. 61

Twenty three food items were identified by Khaling (1999) from droppings of Satyr tragopan in Eastern Himalayas, India. Plant material contributed a major portion of diet fragments. Arundinaria maling was dominant plant species in the diet of Satyr tragopan. For high survival rates of pheasant chicks, a protein rich diet is necessary. This protein component of diet is obtained from insects (Hill, 1985).

Therefore a small proportion of diet is represented by insect/invertebrate category.

Chapter 5

FACTORS AFFECTING WESTERN HORNED TRAGOPAN

HABITAT AND POPULATION

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Pheasants have always been a source of attraction for humans because these are a rich source of protein and easy to hunt. They are also renowned for their beautiful feathers. Pheasants, therefore, have economic benefits and aesthetic importance to human population (IUCN, 1998; Shafiq and Saqib, 2011). In

Pakistan, population of Western horned tragopan is threatened by several anthropogenic factors in addition to natural disasters throughout its range. As a consequence, Western tragopan has been globally listed as vulnerable pheasant species (Ali et al., 2015). Numerous threats in natural habitat are generally faced by

Pheasant species including human interference and disturbance, habitat loss and degradation, predation, poaching, hybridization in released stock and diseases.

These threats are getting more serious with the passage of time and need to develop a comprehensive management strategy to initiate population monitoring, conservation and public awareness programs for pheasants in their habitat (IUCN,

1998; Shafiq and Saqib, 2011).

Distribution of Western tragopan is fragmented in Pakistan having its small populations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Awan, 2010).

Since its patchy populations are declining throughout its range, this species is enlisted as vulnerable (Birdlife International, 2015). Population decline of Western

62 63

Tragopan in Pakistan is attributed to habitat loss due to forest degradation, hunting and trapping (Ashraf et al., 2004).

The rich vegetation and associated biodiversity of Machiara National Park is characteristic of temperate Himalayan mixed-forest/alpine-scrub-rangeland ecosystem and provides habitat to globally threatened Western horned tragopan.

Dependence on non-timber forest products (NTFP) and unsustainable private and public utilization of sources is threatening the biodiversity of this park.

Consequently, habitat of key wildlife species here is being affected resulting in decline of their populations considerably. In addition, advancement of technology and increased availability of automatic weapons as well as high economic returns of pet trade are other reasons for hunting and poaching and, therefore, decreasing the population of wildlife species (Butt, 2006).

Fast increasing human population and consequent over-exploitation of natural resources leading to rapidly declining levels of biodiversity have further complicated this problem. The resource use and other human activities are observed to play a significant role in the survival of pheasants in Great Himalayan

National Park (Ramesh et al., 1999).

Habitat degradation and fragmentation through commercial timber extraction, browsing of understory shrubs by livestock, tree lopping for fodder and fuel wood collection are the main threats to Western horned tragopan population

(Gaston et al., 1983). Disturbance by grazers and particularly collectors of edible 64

fungi and medicinal plants may seriously interfere with nesting of animals (Gaston and Garson, 1992). Hunting and trapping for its meat and decorative plumage are additional threats for its distribution and survival (Islam, 1987).

Pheasants are mainly poached and hunted for their bright colored feathers to ornament the households. They are also trapped and shoot for food purpose as their meat is good source of protein. Though poaching is not at large scale, however, in practice mainly aiming at meat. In Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), forced by heavy snowfall, their altitudinal movement down to human habitation plays major role in the hunting of these species. The licensed firearm obtained for crop protection and traditional knowledge in trapping birds enable the people in these activities (Ramesh et al., 1999). Grazing in Great Himalayan National Park has relatively less impact on the pheasants, possibly because most of the grazing activities are done in alpine meadows, which is not a preferred habitat of pheasants

(Saberwal, 2001).

Keeping in view these factors, it is required to have a well-planned management strategy, which assures appropriate protection of pheasants and at the same time does not abate the interest of the people who are reliant on the park resources. Machiara National Park with its characteristic vegetation is a habitat for globally threatened Western horned tragopan. However, its population is constantly declining because of various anthropogenic factors. The present study provides comprehensive set of factors contributing to decline of Western tragopan in

Machiara National Park. 65

5.2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The patchy distribution of pheasants in Pakistan is constantly declining dueto numerous natural and anthropogenic factors. Factors including increase in human population, habitat disturbance, poaching and encroachment mainly contribute to their decline (Zaman, 2008). About one third of the total species of pheasants are listed in danger of extinction (IUCN, 2006). In the light of global extinction crisis and continuing increase in the number of globally threatened species, prioritizing conservation actions and funding are perhaps more important than ever (Thomas et al., 2004; Brooks et al., 2006).

The level of forest loss and humiliation in India during 1972-1982, showed closed forest decline by more than 100,000 km2 which had effected most the

Western Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, losing more than 30% of their closed forest in that decade. This forest fragmentation has greatly declined the amount of habitat available for pheasants such as Western tragopan (McGowan and Garson, 1995).

In Great Himalayan National Park an estimated 60% of the inhabitants are involved in mushroom collection. Pheasants being shy birds and having little ability to tolerate human intervention therefore dissert the nests. This human interference in natural population is playing significant role in reducing the breeding success of pheasants (Kumar and Singh, 1999).

People movement inside the park during breeding season of the pheasants 66

was found to be detrimental for the breeding pheasants in Great Himalayan

National Park. There were confirmations that people visit the park for collection of edible mushroom and lichen and are often directly involved in removing eggs from the nests and destroying the nests. Secondary information collected based on interviews with known local people confirmed this observation (Ramesh et al.,

1999).

The Western tragopan has a stronghold in Kohistan/Indus Kohistan but populations are declining in surrounding valleys (Duke, 1990, Bean et al., 1994;

Zaman, 2008). Disturbance and habitat fragmentation are apparent threats to the

Western tragopan. Poaching has been observed throughout the Hazara Division in

KPK, but without further detailed studies it is difficult to make any fruitage estimate (Zaman, 2008).

Birdlife International, World Pheasant Association, and KPK Wildlife

Department worked jointly in district Kohistan for the conservation of this endangered pheasant. Surveys were conducted generally by call counts in summer and flushing method in winter (Nawaz et al., 2000). Usually a trained dog was used to flush birds along a transect (Duke, 1990). Based on the results of the surveys,

Palas valley is the strong hold for the Western tragopan in Pakistan (Duke, 1990,

Bean et al., 1994; Zaman, 2008; Awan, 2009).

An estimated 88% of the population of AJ&K is rural. A considerable number of human population is directly dependent on forests for their livelihood.

Together with the common local practice of maximizing livestock numbers, 67

overgrazing of alpine pastures and the surrounding forests lead to widespread destruction of forest regeneration. This dependency on forest products for life sustainability affects wildlife habitat among which Western horned tragopan is a key species (Awan and Buner, 2014; Cochard and Dar, 2014).

5.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study to collect information about factors affecting Western horned tragopan’s population and its habitat in Machiara National Park was based on questionnaire survey (Appendix 3). Primary data sources were field observations, formal and informal interviews with Wildlife staff, local people, hunters and focus group discussions. Questionnaires were given to the literate people to fill the information and illiterate people were interviewed. In total, 100 questionnaires were filled from respondents belonging to different segments of society in and around Machiara National Park.

Questionnaire consisted of two parts; first part was designed to collect information about age structure and occupation of respondents living within and around Machiara National Park. During the survey, respondents were divided into six age groups (15-25, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, 55-65, 65-75 years), having different occupations.

Second part of questionnaire was about population trend, major threats, hunting methods and potential predators of Western tragopan in the study area

(Appendix 3). Data was statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS 21 software to test the null hypothesis that all threats e.g., predation, agricultural practices, hunting, 68

habitat degradation, livestock pressure, fuel wood collection, land clearing and human population expansion contributed equally in Western tragopan population reduction and habitat degradation. Conservation measures were suggested on the basis of results obtained.

Chi square test was used, in which null hypothesis was that population of

Western tragopan is affected equally by different threats in the Machiara National

Park, while alternative hypothesis was that population of Western tragopan is not equally affected by different threats.

5.4 RESULTS

5.4.1 Age Classes of Respondents

In Machiara, 24% respondents belonged to age group of 15-25 years, 12% of 25-35, 14% of 35-45, 18 % of 45-55, 14% of 55-65 and 18 % of 65-75 years. In

Serli Sacha, 20 % respondents belonged to age group of 15-25 years, 16% of 25-35,

14% of 35-45, 10 % of 45-55, 22% of 55-65 and 18 % of 65-75 years (Fig. 5.1).

5.4.2 Occupation of Respondents

In general, respondents were engaged in agriculture, livestock rearing, hotel business, government jobs, shop keeping and a few were students. In Machiara locality, 16% respondents were associated with agriculture, 18% shopkeepers, 12% livestock owners, 8% hunters, 16% Government employees (8 % were employed in

Fisheries and Wildlife Department), 12% hotel owners and 10% were students. In

Serli Sacha, 12% were associated with agriculture, 14% shopkeepers, 22% livestock owners, 6% hunters, 16% Government employees (8 % in Fisheries and 69

Wildlife Department), 10% hotel owners and 12% were students (Fig. 5.2).

5.4.3 Population Trend of Western Horned Tragopan

In Machiara study site 42% respondents were of the view that population of

Western horned tragopan is increasing as a result of conservation measures by wildlife department, 32% said that population is declining and 16% said that population is stable in park areas due to controlled hunting while 10% showed no concern or were not aware about Western horned tragopan population trend. In

Serli Sacha, 34% respondents said that population is increasing, according to 40% population is decreasing, 18 % people said that population is stable in the park due to control on hunting and 8% people were unaware (Fig. 5.3).

5.4.4 Major Threats to Western horned tragopan Population and its Habitat

Major threats to population of Western horned tragopan in both Machiara and Serli Sacha as identified by respondents were; habitat destruction, agricultural practices, poaching, trade, predation, and livestock grazing pressure. Threats in

Machiara included; 20% by hunting and poaching, 20% by predation, 18% by human interference to nesting sites, 14 % by livestock pressure, 12% by trade, 6% by fuel wood collection, 6% by agriculture and 4% by disease in wild (Fig. 5.4).

Similarly, these threats in Serli Sacha were; 20 % by livestock pressure, 18% by human interference to natural nesting places, 14% by trade, 14% by hunting and poaching, 12% by predation, 10% by disease in wild, 08% by fuel wood collection and 04% by agriculture. Chi square test was applied on the data to find out whether all threats viz. hunting and poaching, predation, habitat destruction, livestock pressure, trade, fuel wood collection, agricultural practices, disease in wild and 70

population expansion factor contributed equally or not in both Machiara and Serli

Sacha.

Level of significance was 0.05 % with 8 degrees of freedom. The Chi- square actually adds up all the differences between actual values of a parameter and the expected values for that if there is no difference. A greater difference between the two produces a larger value for Chi-square. The larger the value of Chi-square, the greater the probability of significant difference. In the present study, actual values recorded in Machiara for various categories of threats included; habitat destruction (8), agricultural practices (3), hunting and poaching (9), trade (7), predation (9), disease in wild (2), livestock pressure (7), fuel wood collection (4), population expansion (1).

Similarly, actual values of threat in Serli Sacha were; habitat destruction

(9), agricultural practices (2), hunting and poaching (7), trade (6), predation (6), disease in wild (5), livestock pressure (10), fuel wood collection (3) and population expansion (2) (Table 5.1). Value of Chi-square for different threats in Machiara and

Serli Sacha indicated that all threats are significantly different from each other and did not contribute equally. Pearson Chi square value (ᵡ2=0.910) is greater than 0.05, so, we accept our null hypothesis that threats and location are independent of each other and there is no significant difference between threats with respect to area.

Different threats affect differently on Western horned tragopan population in the study area (Table 5.2).

Figure 5.1: Age classes of respondents based on questionnaire survey in Machiara National Park

Figure 5.2: Occupation of respondents to questionnaire survey in Machiara National Park

Figure 5.3: Population trend of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park

5.4.5 Hunting Methods

Different hunting methods used for Western horned tragopan in the study area as reported by the respondents included; trapping by setting traps in potential feeding sites, shooting, hunting with trained dogs and use of nets. In Machiara site, major hunting methods being used as reported by respondents were: 32% trapping,

30% netting, 24% shooting and 14% with help of trained dogs. Similarly in Serli

Sacha, hunting methods as told by respondents were: 28% trapping, 32% netting,

28% shooting and 12% with help of trained dogs (Fig.5.5).

5.4.6 Trade Life Stages

Trade of Western horned tragopan is common in both sites i.e., Machiara and Serli Sacha particularly during and after breeding season of the species. In

Machiara, trade of the species mostly occurred during sub-adult and adult phases.

As per people’s opinion, trade occurs 16% at egg stage, 20% at chick stage, 34% at sub adult and 30% at adult stage. In Serli Sacha, trade was common at egg stage by

12%, 28% by chick stage, 32% by sub- adult and 28% by adult stage (Fig. 5.6).

5.4.7 Predators of Western Horned Tragopan

Predators of Western horned tragopan reported by respondents during study period included; Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula), Himalayan Black

Bear (Ursus thibetanus), Asiatic Jackal, (Canis aureus), Common Leopard

(Panthera pardus), Himalayan Weasel (Mustela sibirica), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus),

Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), Masked Palm Civet (Paguma larvata), Golden Eagle

(Aquila chrysaetos) and Snake (Echis carinatus) (Fig. 5.7). 74

After discussion with local people and wildlife staff, it came out that different predators affect Western horned tragopan population during different seasons of the year. Snakes prey upon them during breeding season as they feed on their eggs while predation by Jackal and Jungle cat was common after breeding season. In Machiara, peoples opinion about predation was: 12% by Yellow- throated Marten, 8% by Himalayan Black Bear, 12% by Jackal, 10% by Common

Leopard, 6% by Golden Eagle, 14% by Himalayan Weasel, 8% by Jungle Cat, 10% by Snake, 8% by Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) and 12% by Masked Palm Civet.

In Serli Sacha, predation by different predators was: 8% by Yellow-throated

Marten, 14% by Himalayan Black Bear, 8% by Jackal, 10% by Common Leopard,

4% by Himalayan Weasel, 12% by Jungle Cat, 10% by Snake, 8% by Grey Wolf and 10% by Masked Palm Civet (Paguma larvata) (Fig. 5.7).

5.5 DISCUSSION

Questionnaire based study in Machiara National Park revealed threats to Western tragopan including poaching, predation, habitat destruction, livestock pressure, trade, fuel wood collection, agricultural practices and other anthropogenic activities. In Machiara site, top listed threat was poaching along with predation, each contributing 18% among total threat weightage while in Serli Sacha the highest threatening factor was livestock pressure contributing 20% to total threats.

The results are in accordance with the previous studies which reported patchy distribution of bird in Machiara (Awan, 2010) and its decline due to habitat loss by forest degradation, hunting and trapping (Ashraf et al., 2004). 75

Figure 5.4: Threats faced by Western horned tragopan in study area of Machiara and Serli Sacha 76

Table 5.1 Threats to Western horned tragopan population in Machiara National Park

Location Machiara Serli Sacha

Sr. # Threat categories Reported (N) %age Reported (N) %age 1 Habitat destruction 8 16 9 18 2 Agriculture 3 6 2 4 Hunting and 3 9 18 7 14 poaching pressure 4 Trade 7 14 6 12 5 Predation 9 18 6 12 6 Disease in wild 2 4 5 10 7 Livestock pressure 7 14 10 20 Fuel wood 8 4 8 3 6 collection Population 9 1 2 2 4 expansion Total 50 100 50 100

Table 5.2 Test statistics showing results of Chi-Square in Machiara and Serli Sacha

N Pearson Chi-Square Df Asymp.Sig.

Threats 100 3.361 8 0.91

Nearly all pheasant species are exploited to some degree in their native ranges (Simiyu, 1998). In Machiara, eggs and meat of Western tragopan are taken as protein rich food. People prefer to hunt pheasants probably because they are large and mainly terrestrial birds so easy to shoot or trap. Aside from the material benefits to be derived from pheasants, they have been engaged into human cultural festivals over the decades. Several species feature importantly in the social customs, art, religion, and folklore of different ethnic groups in the world (Fuller and Garson, 2000). In Machiara, people are also attracted to Western horned tragopan because of their beautiful, shining, colored feathers which they use to decorate households. During the current study, some people were found hunting the birds just for the sake of their interest in hunting. Due to small protection and management staff and difficult terrain in the park, this illegal hunting mostly goes unchecked, leading to decrease in Western tragopan population in Machiara. In

North America about 9.5 million birds are harvested by game hunters (Aebischer,

1997) while in UK, more than 20 million pheasants are reared for 'sport' annually

(Druce, 2015). Aesthetic and economic importance of Western horned tragopan makes it important bird species to be exploited. With the advancement of technology and increased availability of automatic weapons as well as high economic returns from the pet trade are reasons for hunting and poaching, leading to decrease in population of wildlife species (Butt, 2006).

Over-exploitation of Western tragopan is also reported earlier by Shafiq and Saqib (2011) in Kaghan Valley of Pakistan. Hunting reports of Western horned tragopan in various regions of Kashmir e.g., Pir-Chinasi area, Neelum valley and

Salkhala Game Reserve is also reported by Awan et al. (2015). 78

Figure 5.5: Hunting methods used for Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park

Figure 5.6: Trade life stages of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park

20 Machiara Serli Sacha 15

Occurance(%) 5

Predators of Western horned tragopan

Figure 5.7: Predators of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park

Hunting affects the target animal that is killed and impact other animals as well, particularly dependent young ones. The young of shot females are left to fend for themselves. Orphaned young birds suffer and die from predation, dehydration or starvation. Maternal deprivation also results in changes in physiology and behavior of individuals. For minimizing the impact on dependent youngs, hunting during breeding seasons must be avoided.

The second largest threat to Western horned tragopan in Machiara is predation of birds by wild species. Various predators of Western trgopan recorded in the region are, Himalayan Black bear, Jackal, Leopard, Golden eagle, Wild cat,

Wolf and Palm civet. Ramesh et al. (1999) also pointed out predation of this bird by dogs as a major threat to survival of species. The highest risk factor to Western horned tragopan in Serli Sacha is livestock grazing pressure (20%) followed by habitat degradation (18%). The livestock pressure is probably because of high proportion of human population in this area that is directly dependent on animal rearing. In a study, it was estimated that about 88% of the population of Azad

Jammu and Kashmir is rural. A considerable number of human population is directly dependent on forests for their livelihood (Shafiqe, 2008; Awan and Buner,

2014). Around 55,000 farmers live around Machiara National Park who use park areas for grazing their livestock (Cochard and Dar, 2014). This grazing pressure results in degradation of natural vegetation that contributes to habitat loss, leading to reduction of bird population as this pheasant species are dependent on heavily wooded habitat and roosts in trees during the night (Fuller and Garson, 2000;

Shafiq and Saqib, 2011). 81

Chapter 6

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Western horned tragopan is a shy and most beautiful among all Tragopan species because of its brilliant red neck, colorful throat lappet, and bizarre courtship behaviors. It is endemic to Western Himalayas, usually roost on trees and feed in early morning. Western horned tragopan is a medium-sized, ground dwelling bird and show high sexual dimorphism (Birdlife International, 2015). In Pakistan,

Western Tragopan is distributed in Palas valley, Kaghan valley (KPK) and Neelam valley in AJ&K. Machiara National Park hosts good population of tragopan which lies in the Great Himalayan chain that branches off from Nanga Parbat (Qamar,

1996). It falls into Western Himalayan Eco-region which is one of the global 200 eco-regions where two distinct forest types can be recognized: evergreen broadleaved forest and deciduous broad-leaved forest (WWF, 2008). This pheasant inhabits comparatively open moist deciduous and coniferous temperate forest areas having dense under story and shrub-layer (Ramesh et al., 1999). In winter this bird prefers to occupy forest even when the ground is covered with snow and in summer they occupy area where good shrub and bush cover is available (Roberts, 1991;

Ramesh et al., 1999). This bird usually occurs between 2,743 m and 3,352 m elevation (Ramesh et al., 1999). The habitat of Western tragopon in Pakistan has been characterized by steep slopes, rocky and difficult terrain covered by thick vegetation (Ali et al., 2015). During the winter season, birds were encountered at southern aspects which receive long hours of sunlight. During the summer season, birds were observed in dense cover of Quercus delitata, Abies pingdrow and Pinus wallichiana (Roberts, 1991).

81 82

Present study was conducted with the objectives to assess distribution range, population density, diet composition and major threats to Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park. Based on reconnaissance survey, two study siteswere selected; Serli Sacha and Machiara where Western horned tragopan was currently found. Eleven calling sites were identified in both localities; seven in

Machiara and four in Serli Sacha. Results of the study revealed that in Machiara study site, population density of Western tragopan population was 1.26 birds /

Km2while population density in Serli Sacha was 0.79 birds / Km2. A similar finding about Western tragopan were reported in two earlier studies in other sites of

Neelum valley where 14 individuals in 8.8 Km2 were recorded in Machiara

National Park, population density is 1.59 birds / Km2 and 5 individuals in 3.2 Km2 at Kutton, population density 1.56 birds / Km2 (Islam, 1982; Nawaz et al.,2001).

The result of census in the MNP indicated that 13 individuals were encountered through 7.8 Km2 patch of Quercus forest. Population density is 1.66 birds/ Km2

(Mirza et al., 1978). Present study revealed higher population density MNP as compared to Mirza et al., (1978) and Gaston et al. (1983), which is probably due to better protection of this area after declaring it a National Park. In Machiara locality, population density of Western tragopan was estimated from 0.8-1.6 birds/ Km2 and

1.3 birds/ Km2 in Salkhalla (Gaston et al., 1983).

Habitat characterization is an essential component in the ecological study of any organism (Odum, 1975).The present study provided detailed account on habitat use of Western horned tragopan across seasons. Western horned tragopan occupied elevation range at both sites i.e. Machiara and Serli Sacha i.e. between

2500 m and 3600 m elevation in summer and 2000 m to 2800 m in winter. Present 83

study’s results revealed that direct signs of tragopan (feacal droppings, feathers and foot prints) were observed while walking on selected study tracks situated along existing mountain paths. Western tragopan is normally found more abundantly on moist humus rich slopes (Delacour, 1977), with its further sighting on undisturbed plateaus or ground with less vegetation (Mirza et al., 1978; Islam and Crawford,

1987).

A total of 34 plant species were recorded in Western tragopan habitat at

MNP; 34 in Machiara and 17 in Serli Sacha.The most dominant plant species of at these sites included; Pinus wallichiana, Abies pindrow, Quercus incana, Aesculus indica, Taxus wallichiana zucc., Cedrus deodara, Indigofera heterantha, Geranium wallichianum and Ajuga bracteosa. Faecal samples were observed frequently at steep slopes and gullies. Consequently, it could be speculated that tragopan avoids the areas with human and livestock disturbance. Similar findings were of

Ramesh at al. (1999), who found that in Great Himalayan National Park, tragopan was not recorded above tree line and they used the mixed conifer forests with sufficient under growth, and in spring they mostly occupied sub-alpine Oak

Forest. Likewise, Islam (1983) reported that tragopan’s summer season habitat ranged from 2500 m–3600 m elevation and winter habitat at the elevation of 2000 m–2800 m with mid altitudinal dense coniferous or mixed forest in Pakistan. It preferred to stay in those places where there was no disturbance but confined to extreme steep terrain (Nawaz et al., 2001). This bird is generally restricted to lower margin of the forest in winter (Roberts, 1991). South facing slopes were preferred by Western tragopan both in summer and winter, though there are some differences in tragopan’s preference for aspect. Earlier Ramesh et al. (1999) reported that 84

Western tragopan preferred south facing slopes irrespective of seasons; however marginal differences were seen in the use of various aspect categories. Present study suggested that food availability and snow accumulation in winter were probably the primary drivers for tragopan using south-facing aspects.

Galliformes are terrestrial birds, found in a variety of habitats and feeding on the ground. These birds search for food by scratching the ground with their feet for fallen fruits, nuts, seeds, roots and invertebrates. Direct observation of prey items, identification of prey remains and pellet analysis are the principal methods to study diets of birds (Marti, 1988). Green (1984) and Hill (1985) described the use of faecal analysis in the study of game bird feeding ecology. Faecal analysis is an acceptable method for dietary studies in birds (Bhandary et al., 1985). Diet of

Western horned tragopan was determined through analysis of droppings during summer and winter season. Summer season diet in Machiara site identified 11 plant species along with lower plants (mosses), invertebrates, grit and a small proportion of unidentified food items. Food of Western tragopan comprised 79% plants, 15% grit, 2.34% invertebrates and l 4.13% unidentified material. During winter season,

83.05% of Western tragopan food consisted of plant material, followed by grit

(12.04%), invertebrates (2.33%) and unidentified (2.56%). Out of 14 identified components, 12 were plant tissues and Cymbopogon martini was a major food component (14.94%). Consumed plant material by Western tragopan showed significant difference among two seasons at Machiara study site. Western tragopan fecal dropping analysis in Serli Sacha site showed food mostly comprised of plant material (78.04%) followed by grit (16.47%), invertebrates (1.35%) and unidentified matter (4.12%). A total of 14 food items were identified out of which 85

12 were plant tissues. Similar results have been reported earlier by Khaling (1999) where 23 food items were identified from the droppings of Satyr tragopan in

Eastern Himalayas, India where in winter Western tragopan consumed 81.87% plant material followed by grit (13.76%), invertebrates (1.76%) and unidentified matter (2.59%). A total of 13 food items were identified out of which 11 were plant tissues. In Serli Sacha, Western tragopan consumed trees in winter while in summer it consumed higher quantity of shrubs and herbs. Results of present study are similar to Mcgowan (1996) findings which revealed that pheasant consumed kinds of food which vary between groups and also seasons. There is considerable variation in diet composition among pheasants (Garson, 2007).

Pheasants have always been a source of attraction for humans because theseare a rich source of protein and easy to hunt. Distribution of Western tragopan is fragmented in Pakistan its population has shown considerable decline due to habitat damage and it is threatened by several anthropogenic factors throughout its range (Shafiq and Saqib, 2011). Pheasants are poached and hunted for their bright colored feathers to ornament the households (Fuller and Garson, 2000; Zaman,

2008). Resultantly, Western tragopan is enlisted as ‘vulnerable’ because of decline in its patchy populations (Birdlife International, 2015).

Questionnaire survey was conducted in Machiara National Park involving local peoples to assess the factors affecting its population in the study area. Major threats in Machiara included; 20% by hunting and poaching, 20% by predation,

18% by human interference to nesting sites, 14 % by livestock pressure,12% by trade, 6% by fuel wood collection, 6% by agriculture expansion and 4% by disease. 86

Saqib (2011), in which they reported over-exploitation of Western tragopan in

Kaghan Valley of Pakistan. The highest risk factor to Western horned tragopan in

Serli Sacha was livestock grazing pressure (20%) followed by habitat degradation

(18%). The livestock pressure is probably because of high proportion of human population in this area that is directly dependent on animal rearing. Awan and

Buner (2014) reported considerable decline in Western tragopan population because of directly dependence of local community on forests for their livelihood.

The reasons for the population decline are attributed to the habitat loss due to forest degradation, hunting and trapping (Ashraf et al., 2004).

SUMMARY

Western horned tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) belongs to Order

Galliformes and Family Phasianidae. It is a medium size, brightly plumaged pheasant in which sexes are highly dimorphic and distributed in northeastern areas of Pakistan, India and China. In Pakistan, Western horned tragopan is found in

Palas and Kaghan valleys of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa province, and Neelum valley in

Azad Jammu & Kashmir, showing broad distribution in wildlife reserves.

According to IUCN, Western horned tragopan listed as vulnerable species throughout its restricted range.

Present study on Western tragopan was carried out in Machiara National

Park (MNP) with the objectives to find out distribution range, population density, diet compositionand factors affecting its habitat and population in the study area.

In MNP, Western tragopan is mainly threatened from anthropogenic activities, poaching and livestock over-grazing resulting in small and fragmented populations of this bird. To identify potential habitat of Western tragopan in MNP, a reconnaissance survey of the park was conducted taking field observations as well as contacting local people and park employee. From collected information, it came out that Western horned tragopan was distributed in two sites / forest compartments of MNP i.e. Machiara and Serli Sacha. For further data collection, these two compartments were focused.

Western tragopan population distribution range was studied in selected study sites through direct observation of bird and fecal pellets analysis. Call count

87 88

census method was used to find preferred habitat of Western pheasant in study site.

Western pheasant population density was estimated through Call Count Census.

Calling sites were selected based on the accessibility where bird can be heard over as wide an area as possible.The direction and approximate range of each call was noted to avoid overlapping. Direction was recorded by using compass. Dawn calls were counted during March to June when calling was maximal. A total of 11 calling sites at two localities were covered, revealing overall population density of

1.26/ Km2 at Machiara and 0.79/ Km2 at Serli Sacha.

A total of 10 vantage points: 7 in Machiara and 3 in Serli Sacha were selected for data collection on Western horned tragopan. To quantify habitat utilization of tragopan, seven tracks (five in Machiara and two in Serli Sacha) were used. Quadrate method was used for vegetation analysis of Tragopan habitat and sampling was done along each selected tracks at 100 m interval. Plant species falling in each quadrate, frequency and cover of each species was noted. In each track 30 quadrates were taken (total 210). Size of quadrates was 10 m × 10 m for trees, 4 m × 4 m for shrubs and 1 m × 1 m for herbs. Seasonal Importance Value

(IV) of plant species was calculated by summing the relative density, relative frequency and relative cover of each plant species documented during surveys. A total of 51 plant species was recorded at MNP; 34 in Machiara and 17 in Serli

Sacha. Shrubs were dominant (38.23% in Machiara, 41.17% in Serli Sacha), in

Tragopan habitat followed by herbs (29.41% in Machiara, 23.52% in Serli Sacha), trees (20.58% in Machiara, 23.52% in Serli Sacha) and grasses (11.76% in

Machiara and Serli Sacha). In winter habitat, dominant tree species in Machiara were Pinus wallichiana (IV =108.85), dominant shrub Indigofera heterantha (IV 89

=99.27), dominant herb Persicaria nepalensis (IV= 97.80) and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV =127.65). In Serli Sacha, during winter season dominant tree species was Abies pindrow (IV =108.42), dominant shrub species was Prunus padus (IV =96.01), dominant herb species was Geranium wallichianum (IV =85.16), and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV

=168.71). During summer season, dominant tree species in Machiara was Abies pindrow (IV = 101.75) and Persicaria nepalensis (IV = 83.4), and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV = 243.72). In Serli Sacha in summer habitat of

Tragopan dominant tree species was Pinus wallichiana (IV =101.52) and dominant grass species was Poa annua (IV =171.83).

Diet composition of the bird was determined through micro-histological analysis of its fecal samples. Eighty fecal droppings of tragopan for both seasons of the year were collected from study area of MNP. Samples of 36 potential plant species of Western horned tragopan’s habitat were collected for reference slides during spring and summer seasons. In Machiara, summer season fecal pellets analysis showed that food mainly comprised of plants (78.5%) followed by grit

(15.00%), invertebrates (2.34%) and unidentified material (4.13%). During winter season, food comprised plant material (83.05%) followed by grit (12.04%), invertebrates (2.33%) and unidentified (2.56%). Out of fourteen identified food components, 12 were plant tissues. Cymbopogon martini was found to be a major food component (14.94%) of Western tragopan. In Serli Sacha, summer season fecal pellet analysis revealed that major food of Western horned tragopan comprised of plant material (78.04%) followed by grit (16.47%), invertebrates

(1.35%) and unidentified (4.12%). Similarly, during winter season, food comprised 90

mainly of plants (81.87%) followed by grit (13.76%), invertebrates (1.76%) and unidentified (2.59%).

Questionnaire survey was conducted to identify threats to Western tragopan in MNP. In total, 100 questionnaires were filled from respondents belonging to different social groups in and around Machiara National Park. During the survey, respondents were divided into six age groups (15-25, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, 55-65,

65-75 years), having different occupations such as agriculture, livestock rearing, hotel business, government jobs, shop keeping and a few were students. In

Machiara, major threats included poaching (20%), predation (20%), human interference to nesting sites (18%), livestock pressure (14%) and 12% due to trade.

Fuel wood collection, agriculture activities and disease contributed 6% each.

Likewise, in Serli Sacha site threats were i.e. livestock pressure contributes 20%, human interference to natural nesting places responsible for 18% damage. Trade activities and hunting contributes 14%, 12% by predation, 10% by disease in wild,

08% by fuel wood collection and 04% by agriculture.

SUGGESTED CONSERVATION MEASURES

 Anthropogenic activities such as poaching, vegetation removal and livestock

grazing need to be effectively controlled in MNP, especially in Western horned

tragopan habitat.

 Park management should declare Western tragopan occupied habitat as grazing

free zone and an urgent need to raise awareness among local community about

conservation of park resources.

 Plant species preferred for food by Western horned tragopan such as Berberis

vulgaris, Ajuga bracteosa, Geranium wallichianum, Cymbopogon martini, 91

Persicaria nepalensis, Poa annua, Cotoneaster acuminate and Daphne papyracea

should be conserved and enhanced in its habitat.

 Population monitoring studies of Western tragopan need to be initiated in the area

to comprehend population trend. Further studies on its seasonal movement and

related aspects are are suggested.

 Additional potential habitat currently unoccupied by Western tragopan in the park

should be explored and ptotected for expanding its distribution and population in

the park.

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Appendix -1 Vegetation Survey Performa Date: ______

Study site / location: ______Transect number: ______Quadrant number: ______Geographical coordinates: ______Altitude: ______Aspect: ______Slope: ______

Plant species Frequency Cover (%)

114

Appendix -2 Data Sheet for Call Count of Western horned tragopan

Vantage point number: Observer: Starting Time: Finishing Time: Weather: Topographical features

S. No. Vantage point No. No. of tragopan calling in each vantage point

Total

115

Appendix-3

Interview Performa for Western horned tragopan

Form No.____

Location:______Date:______

1. Have you seen Western horned tragopan in your area? A) Yes B) No

If yes, how often?

2. Have you noticed any decline or increase in its population?

If declined, what in your opinion are the factors?

3. What changes have you noticed in your area in previous years?

4. Do you know what major threats to Western tragopan in this area are?

i. Habitat destruction

ii. Hunting pressure

iii. Agricultural practices

5. What are different hunting practices in your area?

6. Do hunters trades is chicks in breeding season?

7. Do you know about its predators in your area?

8. Can you provide the name of specific area where they are seen regularly?

9. Do you have any idea how they can be conserved?

116

Appendix -4 Indirect Signs and Habitat of Western horned tragopan

Fecal droppings of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park

Feather of male Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park 117

Habitat of Western horned tragopan in Machiara National Park