The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
ISSN 2307-8235 (online)
IUCN 2008: T22679147A92804550
Scope: Global
Language: English
Tragopan melanocephalus, Western Tragopan
Assessment by: BirdLife International
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: BirdLife International. 2016. Tragopan melanocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species 2016: e.T22679147A92804550. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.20163.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
Copyright: © 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written
permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged.
Reproduction of this publication for resale, reposting or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written
permission from the copyright holder. For further details see Terms of Use.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species Programme, the IUCN
Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership. The IUCN Red List Partners are: Arizona State
University; BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; Conservation International; NatureServe;
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; and Zoological Society of London.
If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown in this document, please provide us with
feedback so that we can correct or extend the information provided.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™
Taxonomy
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Galliformes
Phasianidae
Taxon Name: Tragopan melanocephalus (Gray, 1829)
Common Name(s):
• English:
• Spanish:
Western Tragopan, Black-headed Tragopan, Western Horned-pheasant
Tragopán de Cabeza Negra, Tragopán Dorsigrís, Tragopán Occidental
Taxonomic Source(s):
del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A. and Fishpool, L.D.C. 2014. HBW and BirdLife
International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International,
Barcelona, Spain and Cambridge, UK.
Identification Information:
Male 68-73 cm, female 60 cm. Typical tragopan, with orange to red collar, red facial skin and whitespotted, black belly. Similar spp. Confusion could arise with Satyr Tragopan T. satyra in the south-east of
its range, although recent surveys suggest that the two species only occur sympatrically in one area of
Uttarakhand where they occur in a single catchment. Male differs from that species primarily by red
facial skin and mostly black base-colour of lower breast to vent, female has a noticeably duller and
greyer base-colour to upperparts and, in particular, underparts. Voice Territorial call, nasal, wailing
khuwaah, repeated 7-15 times during the breeding season. Abrupt waa waa waa when agitated.
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria:
Vulnerable C2a(i) ver 3.1
Year Published:
2016
Date Assessed:
October 1, 2016
Justification:
This species is classified as Vulnerable because its small and sparsely distributed population is declining
and becoming increasingly fragmented in the face of continuing forest loss and degradation throughout
its restricted range. Recent estimates suggest the population size may be smaller than previously
thought, in light of which the species may warrant uplisting to Endangered.
Previously Published Red List Assessments
2013 – Vulnerable (VU) – http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T22679147A48007891.en
2012 – Vulnerable (VU)
2008 – Vulnerable (VU)
2004 – Vulnerable (VU)
2000 – Vulnerable (VU)
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
1
1996 – Vulnerable (VU)
1994 – Vulnerable (VU)
1988 – Threatened (T)
Geographic Range
Range Description:
Tragopan melanocephalus has a disjunct distribution in the western Himalayas (A. Rahmani in litt.
2012), occurring from Indus-Kohistan district, north Pakistan, east through Kashmir and Himachal
Pradesh to Uttarakhand, north-west India (BirdLife International 2001). Although historically described
as scarce and local, a mid-1980s population estimate of 1,600-4,800 birds was revised in the mid-1990s
to c.5,000 birds following the discovery of several significant populations in north Pakistan, the largest of
which (tentatively estimated at 325 pairs) is in Palas Valley. Recent reports of additional populations in
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan) and Himachal Pradesh (India) as well as new data confirming its
occurrence in Uttarakhand suggest that the population may require further upward revision in the
future (K. Ramesh in litt. 2007). However, there is also recent evidence suggesting that call count
methodologies overestimate true population densities as many calls may refer to unpaired males and
hence simply doubling the number of calling birds is unlikely to accurately reflect the size of a breeding
population. Along with declines since the 1990s, this may mean the population size is significantly lower
than 5,000 individuals. The prevalence of threats also implies that the population is now lower than this,
and it has been suggested that there are now only 2,500-3,500 individuals remaining in the wild (S.
Pandey per A. Rahmani in litt. 2012); however, surveys should be carried out to confirm this.
Country Occurrence:
Native: India; Pakistan
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
2
Distribution Map
Tragopan melanocephalus
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
3
Population
A population estimate of at least 5,000 individuals is derived from Gaston et al. (1981b) and McGowan
and Garson (1995). This is roughly equivalent to 3,300 mature individuals. Recent reports of additional
populations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and Himachal Pradesh may lead to an increase in the
estimated global population size in the future, although conversely it has been suggested that the world
population in the wild has been reduced to 2,500-3,500 individuals (S. Pandey per A. Rahmani in litt.
2012), prompting the need for wider surveys.
Trend Justification
The species's population is likely to be in decline given the combined threats of trapping, hunting,
disturbance by humans and livestock, and habitat degradation (F. Buner in litt. 2012), but this decline
has not been quantified and is not thought to be particularly severe, thus the rate of decline is
suspected to be moderate.
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)
During the breeding season (April-June), it inhabits little-disturbed temperate coniferous and deciduous
forests, from 2,400-3,600 m. In winter, it makes very local altitudinal or lateral movements, to grassy or
shrubby gulleys with less snow cover, between 1,750 m and 3,000 m.
Systems: Terrestrial
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)
Threats to the species are thought to have intensified in recent years (A. Rahmani in litt. 2012). Habitat
degradation and fragmentation through subsistence farming, browsing of understorey shrubs by
livestock, tree-lopping for animal fodder and fuelwood-collection are the main threats. Disturbance by
grazers and particularly collectors of edible fungi and medicinal plants may seriously interfere with
nesting. Hunting and trapping for its meat (especially in winter) and its decorative plumage pose
additional threats, throughout Pakistan (R. Nawaz in litt. 2004), Himachal Pradesh and Chamba (India).
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix I. It is afforded legal protection in both India and Pakistan. It occurs in national parks in
both Pakistan and India, as well as in 10 wildlife sanctuaries. Discovery of the large Palas population
triggered a major conservation initiative in the region for which this bird is the flagship species. A
galliform monitoring and conservation project within the valley ended in 2010 (F. Buner in litt. 2012).
Surveys have been conducted recently across most of its presumed range in Pakistan, and in Himachal
Pradesh, where, in 2005, c.3,000 forest guards and officers were involved in a coordinated week long
state-wide survey (L. Mohan in litt. 2007). It is currently the subject of a conservation breeding
programme in Himachal Pradesh (J. Corder in litt. 2004), involving fewer than 10 pairs, which produce
fewer than three broods each year (F. Buner in litt. 2012), with the long-term possibility of future
releases of parent-reared offspring to augment/restock local wild populations (K. Ramesh in litt. 2007).
Awareness-raising activities, field officer training and population surveys were conducted recently in
Salkhala Game Reserve, Pakistan (Awan 2010). Surveys in Himachal Pradesh were initiated by the state
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
4
wildlife department in 2011, and state-wide surveys were started there in 2012 (F. Buner in litt. 2012).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to increase knowledge of its current distribution and abundance, especially in Pakistani
and Indian Kashmir, where very few data exist (F. Buner in litt. 2012). Initiate public awareness
campaigns in and around known sites, highlighting its flagship status for the conservation of moist
temperate forests and other pheasant species. Develop monitoring methods and then monitor key
populations regularly. Study the ecology of radio-tagged birds (A. Rahmani in litt. 2012). Improve
management in key protected areas. Extend the boundaries of Salkhala Game Reserve and implement a
monitoring programme (Awan 2010). Extend existing captive breeding programmes.
Credits
Assessor(s):
BirdLife International
Reviewer(s):
Butchart, S. & Symes, A.
Contributor(s):
Awan, M., Bashir, S., Buner, F., Corder, J., Kaul, R., Mohan, L., Nawaz, R., Rahmani,
A. & Ramesh, K.
Facilitators(s) and
Compiler(s):
Benstead, P., Bird, J., Davidson, P., Keane, A., Taylor, J.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
5
Bibliography
Anon. 2009. Conserving pheasants in Palas Valley, Pakistan. World Pheasant Association News: 16.
Awan, M. N. 2010. Status and conservation of Western Tragopan Pheasant in and around Salkhala Game
Reserve, District Neelum, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Final Progress Report Submitted to Oriental Bird Club.
UK.
BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. BirdLife
International, Cambridge, U.K.
Chauhan, A. S.; Dhiman, S. P.; Mohan, L. 2008. Breeding the Western Tragopan at Sarahan Pheasantry.
World Pheasant Association News: 14.
Chauhan, A. S.; Dhiman, S. P.; Mohan, L. 2008. Sarahan Pheasantry, Himachal Pradesh, India.
International Zoo News 55(4): 248.
Collar, N. J.; Butchart, S. H. M. 2013. Conservation breeding and avian diversity: chances and challenges.
International Zoo Yearbook 48(1): 7-28.
Gaston, A. J.; Garson, P. J.; Hunter, M. L. 1981. Present distribution and status of pheasants in Himachal
Pradesh, western Himalayas. World Pheasant Association Journal: 10-30.
IUCN. 2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-3. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org.
(Accessed: 07 December 2016).
Keane, A.M.; Garson, P.J.; McGowan, P.J. K. in press. Pheasants: status survey and conservation action
plan 2005-2009. IUCN and WPA, Gland, Switzerland.
McGowan, P. J. K.; Garson, P. J. 1995. Pheasants: status survey and conservation action plan 1995-1999.
International Union for Nature Conservation and Natural Resources and World Pheasant Association,
Gland, Switzerland.
Singh, S.; Tu, F. 2008. A preliminary survey for Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus in the
Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Indian Birds 4(2): 42-55.
Tu, F. 2008. Daranghati: a haven for Western Tragopan. World Pheasant Association News: 7.
Citation
BirdLife International. 2016. Tragopan melanocephalus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016:
e.T22679147A92804550. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
Disclaimer
To make use of this information, please check the Terms of Use.
External Resources
For Images and External Links to Additional Information, please see the Red List website.
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
6
Appendix
Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Habitat
Season
Suitability
Major
Importance?
1. Forest -> 1.4. Forest - Temperate
Resident
Suitable
Yes
Threats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Threat
Timing
Scope
Severity
Impact Score
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual &
perennial non-timber crops -> 2.1.2. Small-holder
farming
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Slow, significant
declines
Low impact: 5
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
Ongoing
Minority (50%)
Stresses:
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.3. Livestock farming
& ranching -> 2.3.2. Small-holder grazing, ranching or
farming
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.3. Livestock farming
& ranching -> 2.3.3. Agro-industry grazing, ranching
or farming
5. Biological resource use -> 5.1. Hunting & trapping
terrestrial animals -> 5.1.1. Intentional use (species is
the target)
5. Biological resource use -> 5.2. Gathering terrestrial
plants -> 5.2.2. Unintentional effects (species is not
the target)
5. Biological resource use -> 5.3. Logging & wood
harvesting -> 5.3.3. Unintentional effects:
(subsistence/small scale) [harvest]
Slow, significant
declines
Slow, significant
declines
Slow, significant
declines
Slow, significant
declines
Slow, significant
declines
Low impact: 5
Low impact: 5
Low impact: 5
Low impact: 5
Low impact: 5
Conservation Actions in Place
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
7
Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Research, Monitoring and Planning
Action Recovery plan: Yes
Systematic monitoring scheme: No
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
Conservation sites identified: Yes, over entire range
Occur in at least one PA: Yes
Invasive species control or prevention: No
In-Place Species Management
Successfully reintroduced or introduced beningly: No
Subject to ex-situ conservation: Yes
In-Place Education
Subject to recent education and awareness programmes: No
Included in international legislation: No
Subject to any international management/trade controls: Yes
Conservation Actions Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Conservation Actions Needed
1. Land/water protection -> 1.1. Site/area protection
2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management
3. Species management -> 3.4. Ex-situ conservation -> 3.4.1. Captive breeding/artificial propagation
4. Education & awareness -> 4.3. Awareness & communications
Research Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends
1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends
Additional Data Fields
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
8
Distribution
Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Yes
Extreme fluctuations in area of occupancy (AOO): No
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 106000
Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence (EOO): No
Number of Locations: 11-100
Continuing decline in number of locations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in the number of locations: No
Lower elevation limit (m): 1750
Upper elevation limit (m): 3600
Population
Number of mature individuals: 3300
Continuing decline of mature individuals: Yes
Extreme fluctuations: No
Population severely fragmented: Yes
No. of subpopulations: 2-100
Continuing decline in subpopulations: Unknown
Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: No
All individuals in one subpopulation: No
No. of individuals in largest subpopulation: 1-89
Habitats and Ecology
Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Yes
Generation Length (years): 5.2
Movement patterns: Altitudinal Migrant
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Tragopan melanocephalus – published in 2016.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22679147A92804550.en
9
The IUCN Red List Partnership
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership.
The IUCN Red List Partners are: Arizona State University; BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens
Conservation International; Conservation International; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew;
Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; and Zoological Society of London.
THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™