Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii synonym Catreus wallichi) belongs to Galliformes Order and Phasianidae Family. The bird is native to Nepal, India and Pakistan. It is a local resident in the western Nepal (1445-3050 m altitude); locally frequent in and around Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and scarce elsewhere. Cheer Pheasant is reported from Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, lower Kali Gandaki valley of Annapurna Conservation Area; Rara National Park; Kaphalpani , Dhaukudi, Kasanidada and Kulau VDC of Baitadi District; Tisimi dada and Kanachaur VDC of Doti District; Jumla Bazaar and Dhapa VDC of Jumla district; Dhanaikot VDC of Mugu district; Basti, Balata, Kuntibandali and Bhairabsthan VDC of Achham District; Dolpa district; Yalbang area in Humla district; and Kshetti area of Api Nampa Conservation Area. The global population is estimated to number 3000-4,000 individuals. The estimated maximum population of Cheer Pheasant in Nepal is 1000 individuals. It is listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List category. Nepal Bird Red Data Book categorizes it as an endangered species. The legal status of this globally threatened species in Nepal is Protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and Appendix I in CITES law.
For More Information:- Inskipp et al. 2016.
