Biodiv Sci ›› 2004, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (5): 523-527.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2004065

Special Issue: 青藏高原生物多样性与生态安全

• Editorial • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The distribution and conservation of Sclater′s monal in Yunnan, China

HAN Lian-Xian*, HUANG Shi-Lin, LUO Xu, YANG Hong-Jun   

  1. Biology Conservation Faculty, Southwest Forestry College, Kunming 650224
  • Received:2004-02-08 Revised:2004-06-14 Online:2004-09-20 Published:2004-09-20
  • Contact: HAN Lian-Xian

Abstract: Sclater′s monal (Lophophorus sclateri) is an endangered species in the Galliformes, with restricted distribution in Tibet and Yunnan. In Yunnan, the bird formerly has only been recorded at three sites. A survey on the distribution and habitat of this species was undertaken from October 1999 to August 2003, resulting in confirmation of the present occurrence of the species in eleven localities in seven counties in Yunnan, together with an additional possible three localities to be further confirmed. Sclater′s monals were most frequently observed in three types of habitats: alpine meadow, alpine-subalpine bamboo, and subalpine coniferous forestry. Threats to the survival of this pheasant arise from the low carrying capacity of the habitat, low growth rate of the population, human disturbance, and low public awareness. Based on this study, we recommend pilot programmes of captive breeding, regulation of poaching, and encouragement of basic biological research for effective protection.

Key words: marginal diversity, optimal allocation, conservation funds, Chinese pig breeds

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