The distinct determinants of distribution of kalij pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and common hill partridge Arborophila torqueola: vegetative and anthropogenic variables

Pheasants are a charismatic group of birds that have cultural, ecological, and conservation significance as they are mentioned in numerous folklores, they are indicators of healthy ecosystems and have restricted dispersal abilities in comparison to flying birds. They are also one of the least studied taxa probably due to their elusive nature and inaccessible habitat. Not much effort has been made to study the pheasant community ecology and the mechanisms that facilitate coexistence between species, especially in the North Eastern Himalayas. We attempted to study the habitat preferences of two pheasant species viz., kalij pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and common hill partridge Arborophila torqueola to investigate the probable habitat partitioning across different ecological dimensions (habitat and time). We modeled their habitat using environmental variables both macro and micro (site specific) in scale. We found outstanding differences in the influences of the habitat variables on these two species, only one habitat variable influenced the two species in the same manner. We conclude that temperate forest dominated by oak provides the most suitable habitat for these two pheasants. However, these forests are severely threatened by exploitation due to their productivity and resourcefulness. This study also marks the first attempt to study the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on hill partridge. This study suggests that kalij pheasant is more tolerant to human disturbances in comparison to hill partridge. Hill partridge seems to be threatened by all forms of human activities.