Habitat Suitability Modelling for Koklass Pheasant Using Geospatial Technology in Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary (H.P.) India

Abstract

Pheasants are at the brink of destruction due to various anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, encroachment of their habitat area and excessive hunting. Koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha) species is facing tremendous pressures due to poaching and destruction of habitat. This species is classified as least concern species with decreasing population trend according to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and also classified under endangered species according to Red Data Book of Zoological Survey of India. There is need to understand and manage habitats of species in order to prevent extinction of endangered species. Wildlife habitat suitability analysis using GIS have been found to be successful in many studies. In the present study, habitat suitability model for Koklass Pheasant of Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary, HP, India was developed using geospatial technology which predicts suitable habitat zone. Different thematic maps such as land use/cover, forest type, drainage, roads and sighting locations of Koklass Pheasant are overlaid using Weighted overlay analysis model. The Habitat Suitability model shows different habitat potential zones of this Pheasant which are 5.9%, 24.9%, 45.4% and 23.7% for least, moderate, moderately high and most suitable respectively. The least and moderate suitable zones could be due to various anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, road construction activities, grazing by domestic cattles, noise pollution and encroachment of land for agricultural purpose. Habitat suitability analysis of Koklass Pheasant can be considered as the initial phase towards the conservation approach of this species.