Grey Peacock Pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum, as a probable candidate for Ecological Indicator in Tropical Montane Forest of Mizoram, Northeast India

Abstract

We investigate the habitat selection of Grey Peacock Pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum (Varihaw in Mizo) in Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary (LWS), north eastern site of Mizoram, north east India. After preliminary field investigation the northern periphery of LWS, primary forest (PF) and its adjacent area comprising the fallow land (FL) and secondary forest (SF) were selected for intensive study area. The intensive study area PF was 10 Km2 with evergreen broadleaved forest, deep gorges, and steep slopes. Transects were laid in the study area and are walked twice a month for 12 months. Different environmental variables, details of vegetations and sex, age and number of the birds were properly recorded. It was observed that P. bicalcaratum selects habitat with thick primary forest with dense canopy as well as good underground cover other than secondary forest. Thus, the presence of P. bicalcaratum served as an indicator of undisturbed thick canopy with dense shrubs forest. The detail habitat of P. bicalcaratum and its uses as ecological indicator are discussed.