Western Tragopan Conservation: UPSC Current Affairs

Description

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Picture Courtesy: DOWNTOEARTH

Context

The Western Tragopan, also known as Jujurana ("King of Birds") is facing a severe threat of extinction.

What is Western Tragopan?

Scientific Name: Tragopan melanocephalus

Global Population: Estimated at only 2,500–3,500 mature individuals.

Habitat: Temperate and subalpine forests of the western Himalayas at an altitude of 2,400 to 3,600 metres.

Geographic Range: Endemic to a narrow belt spanning Pakistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Legal Protection

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest protection in India).
Appendix I of CITES (bans international trade).

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Key Characteristics

Distinctive Pheasant Species: Rarest pheasant globally (2,500–3,500 individuals).
Striking Plumage: Males have dark feathers, white spots, crimson neck, blue throat, and orange fore-neck.
Horn-like Display: Males raise fleshy blue horns during breeding, hence the nickname "horned pheasant."
Secretive Behaviour: Quietly moves in pairs/small groups through dense mountain forests.
Breeding: Peaks in May–June; females lay 3–6 eggs in hidden nests.

Ecological and Cultural Significance

Indicator Species: The presence of the Western Tragopan signals a healthy and undisturbed moist temperate forest ecosystem.

Flagship Species: As a charismatic bird, its conservation helps protect its entire habitat and the numerous other species within it.

Endemic Heritage: It is found only in the western Himalayas, making it a unique and irreplaceable part of India's natural biodiversity.

Cultural Icon: Deeply revered in local communities, it is officially the State Bird of Himachal Pradesh.

Conservation Efforts in India

Ex-situ Conservation (Outside Natural Habitat): The Sarahan Pheasantry in Himachal Pradesh is India's leading captive breeding centre for the Western Tragopan.

It achieved the world's first successful captive hatching in 2005.
The centre maintains a healthy genetic pool, with over 46 individuals having 87% genetic diversity, which is crucial for future rewilding programs.

In-situ Conservation (Inside Natural Habitat): The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh serves supporting over 500 breeding pairs.

The species is granted the highest legal protection under national and international laws, making hunting and trade illegal.

Source: DOWNTOEARTH

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which Indian state has designated the Western Tragopan (Jujurana) as its State Bird?

A) Uttarakhand

B) Jammu & Kashmir

C) Himachal Pradesh

D) Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: C

Explanation: The Western Tragopan replaced the Himalayan Monal as the state bird of Himachal Pradesh in 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), also known locally as Jujurana or the "King of Birds," is a strikingly beautiful and elusive pheasant endemic to the western Himalayas. It is also the official State Bird of Himachal Pradesh.

Its presence directly indicates a healthy, undisturbed moist temperate forest ecosystem, particularly areas rich in ringal (dwarf) bamboo undergrowth. A decline in their population signals ecological degradation in these altitudes.

The bird is classified as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Under Indian law, it is afforded the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is listed in Appendix I of CITES.