Forest Minister stressed upon the need to preserve rare species

Shimla: Dr. John Corder, Vice President of World Pheasant Association called on J.P. Nadda, Forest Minister here today.
Detailed discussions were held regarding Pheasant conservation projects being implemented in Himachal Pradesh besides the strategies to be adopted for effective implementation of such projects.
Stressing upon the need to preserve rare species, J.P. Nadda informed Dr. John Corder that Western Tragopan has only ever been bred in captivity at Sarahan which places the State in a unique position for the future of this species. He said that the first successful planned breeding took place in the State and nine birds were bred. He said that this feat had been recognized throughout the conservation world, as it could lead to a reintroduction programme for this highly endangered species.
The Minister said that four young birds were being raised at Sarahan this year despite poor weather conditions with the support of Central Zoo Authority and added that a project was underway to construct a new aviaries to allow birds to breed more successfully.
Dr. Corder briefed Nadda about progress with the breeding of the endangered Cheer Pheasant. He said that if the present successes continued, it might be possible to commence a reintroduction programme for this species in the near future. He said that the Red Jungle Fowl species was wide spread through Asia, but had become hybridized with domestic poultry and added that only Himachal’s wild population remained as pure representative of this species.
Nadda and Dr. Corder also discussed about various other issues related to conservation of rare species, which would lead to rapid and continued development of these projects.