Environment News

Cheer Pheasant Conservation in Himachal Pradesh

October 29 , 2026 14 hrs 0 min 12 0

Himachal Pradesh recorded a 100% survival rate among reintroduced Cheer Pheasants in 2024–25, compared with 11.11% in 2019–20.
During Wildlife Week in October 2026, 12 captive-bred Cheer Pheasants were soft-released at Moi Jubbar near Koti in Shimla district, becoming the programme’s third release site after Seri and Shilli-Mehli.
Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii), locally called Chir Tittar, is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Khadiyun Cheer Pheasant Breeding Centre is located at Chail in Solan district.
Habitat degradation due to forest fires, grazing and fodder collection threatens the species