State of Pheasants and Partridges in Pipar, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

The Galliformes of Pipar have been surveyed seven times between 1979 and 1998. The nearby area of Santel was surveyed using comparable methods in 2001. In continuance of the longterm monitoring at Pipar and to provide a second count at Santel, dawn call counts were conducted in both areas, using the same survey points as previous surveys, between 29th April and 9th May 2005. The aim of those surveys was to collect information on the status of pheasants and partridges and to look for any changes over time. In both areas, galliform numbers were higher in 2005 than in previous surveys, for most species. For each species there was no evidence of decline since the first counts were conducted nearly 30 years ago. Both areas provide good habitat for Galliformes and disturbance is not a serious issue. However, more research is required in Santel as our knowledge of its biodiversity remains much poorer than at Pipar.