# Himalayan pheasants face mounting human pressure 2026-08-12T17:25:56+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet A study published last year in the northwestern Himalayas warns that the white-crested kalij pheasant, a relatively adaptable bird found in mixed forests near human settlements, is under mounting pressure from habitat degradation, hunting, livestock grazing and mushroom collection. Conducted in the Limber and Lachipora wildlife sanctuaries in Baramulla district, the research identifies these as the most severe threats, with forest fires considered low risk. Timber collection and deforestation are degrading its habitat, while mushroom gathering coincides with breeding and disturbs nesting females. Although the kalij is listed as 'least concern' on the IUCN Red List, scientists say its decline signals danger for rarer Himalayan pheasants. The endemic western tragopan, with only 200-300 birds left in Jammu and Kashmir, depends on undisturbed oak and conifer forests and is classified as vulnerable under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. ## Coverage - india.mongabay.com Tags: conservation, habitat degradation, Himalayas, hunting, pheasants, western tragopan Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/himalayan-pheasants-face-mounting-human-pressure/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/himalayan-pheasants-face-mounting-human-pressure/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.