Cheer Pheasant
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| Catreus wallichi Hardwicke, 1827 |
The Cheer Pheasant, Catreus wallichi also known as Wallich's Pheasant is an endangered species of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is the only member in monotypic genus Catreus.
The Cheer Pheasant is found in the highlands and scrublands of the Himalayas and Afghanistan. These birds lack the color and brilliance of most pheasants, with buffy gray plumage and long gray crests. Its long tail is gray and brown. The female is slightly smaller in overall size.
The scientific name commemorates the Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich.
Due to ongoing habitat lost, small population size and hunted in some areas, the Cheer Pheasant is evaluated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix I of CITES. While an endangered species, there are attempts to reintroduce captive bred Cheer Pheasant in Pakistan.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Catreus wallichi. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is vulnerable, and the criteria used
