Two species of Monals sighted together in Arunachal Pradesh

Why in News ?

Two species of monals were sighted together by local wildlife enthusiasts in upper Siang district of central Arunachal Pradesh. Monals is a colour pheasant.

About:

• One discovered species is While Himalayan monal also called as Lophophorus impejanus. It is widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeast India
• While, other is Sclater’s monal which is also called as Lophophorus sclateri. It is found in southern China and northern Myanmar. It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature). It was sighted near Komji Lipik at 2,850 metres.
• Birds were sighted on Mount Eko Dumbing at 4,173 metres above mean sea level.

Monal bird

Monal bird belongs to genus Lophophorus of pheasant family called Phasianidae. Male birds have colourful, iridescent plumage with plump physique. They prefer like roots, bulbs and insects as diet. Males are polygamous during mating. They mate with several females. Females only mate with selected male and enter into monogamous relationship. They are listed as vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting.