Monal count rises to 176 at Kullu national park

• The population of the Himalayan monal, the former state bird, has risen to 176 at the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO world heritage site, in Kullu district, revealed a survey conducted by the park authorities for 2022-23.
  • Last year, the strength of the bird was 168, while it was merely 90 in 2015-16.
• The Himalayan monal is continuously under threat from poachers because of its colourful crest, which people use to decorate their caps.
  • However, the use of the crest of the bird on the cap is prohibited under law.

About Himalayan Monal

• Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) is widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeast India.
• It is the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as the danphe or danfe.
• It is the state bird of Uttarakhand.
• IUCN status- Least Concern; CITES- Appendix 1