Two species of monals were sighted together by local wildlife enthusiasts in upper Siang district of central Arunachal Pradesh. Monals is a colour pheasant.
Highlights
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One discovered species is While Himalayan monal also called as Lophophorus impejanus. It is widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeast India
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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.
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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.
Siang District
It is 21st district of Arunachal Pradesh which was created by bifurcating West Siang and East Siang districts. It was inaugurated on November 27, 2015 by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. It derives the name from river Siang which flows through this district. Siang is believed to be originated from Angsi glacier on northern side of Himalayas. District is predominantly inhabited by Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.