Two Monal Species in Arunachal Pradesh

Local wildlife lovers saw two marmosets at the same time in the Siang district in central Arunachal Pradesh. Monals is a colorful pheasant.

Highlights:

One discovered species is While Himalayan monal also known as Lophophorus impedance. Widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeastern India

The other is Sclater’s monal, also known as Lophophorus slateri. Distributed in southern China and northern Myanmar. Monal is listed as a vulnerable species by (International Union for Conservation of Nature). It was found near Komji Lipik at a distance of 2,850 meters. Birds have been found on Mount Eko Dumbing, 4,173 meters above mean sea level.

Monal birds belong to the Lophophorus genus of the Pheasant family. The male bird has colorful iridescent feathers and a plump body. They prefer rhizomes, bulbs and insects as a diet. Males are polygamous when they mate. They mate with several females. The female only mates with selected males and enters a monogamous relationship.