Spatiotemporal variation in population size and relative abundance of Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) in scrub forest

Most species of pheasants (Galliformes: Phasianidae) occur in Asia. In Pakistan, pheasants occur from 245-3050 m in altitude, and one of these, the Kalij pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) is a large-bodied, brightly-colored habitat quality indicator species. The present study was designed to determine spatiotemporal variation, population size, and the relative abundance of Kalij pheasants in Haripur, Pakistan. The line transects and point count methods were used to collect direct (physical observations) and indirect signs (feathers and calls) to avoid double counting. Twenty field surveys were conducted along 16 transects with an area of 0.811 km2 in 4 study sites to quantify habitat utilization of Kalij pheasant. Kalij pheasant activities were observed at the start of dawn (0600 hours to 0730 hours) and ended by 1630 hours to 1800 hours dusk period with only a few sightings during the middle of the day. Study sites were selected based on confirmation of presence signs. Twenty-seven individuals with direct (16) and indirect (feather = 5, calls = 6) signs were encountered while walking along line transects. Twelve signs were counted (sightings = 3, Calls = 9) within the radius of 11-50 m in the point count method. Results showed that the Kalij pheasant occupied scrub forest with dense vegetation between 500-1100m away. The mean encounter rate of the Kalij pheasant was 0.82/km, which was higher from July to September. The sex ratio (1.17) is biased toward males in the overall population of Kalij pheasants. The estimated mean density of the Kalij pheasant in Haripur was 6.97 animals/km2, and the total abundance was 142 individuals. New potential sites may be identified and declared as protected areas, and awareness and support of the local community are recommended for the protection and management of the Kalij pheasant.