- Photo Courtesy @Kunal Angrish

What are Pheasants?

You must be wondering what does the word 'Pheasant' exactly means. Pheasants actually are a group of large-sized, highly colourful birds that display sexual dimorphism. Owing to the large size they don't take to flying regularly and are usually seen feeding on ground for seeds and insects. Himachal Pradesh has seven different species of Pheasants of which Western Tragopan is the most elusive one. Infact the pheasantry is the only centre in the World where conservation breeding of the Western Tragopan is being carried out.

About Sarahan Western Tragopan Pheasantry

Western Tragopan, locally known as Jujurana, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh is a magnificently coloured pheasant that is endangered presently. For the conservation of the same, Forest Department of the state of Himachal Pradesh has set up a conservation facility where captive breeding of Western Tragopan is taken up.

- Photo Courtesy @Kunal Angrish

Location

The pheasantry is located near the famous village of Sarahan. It can be reached by taking a detour from NH05 at place called Jeori. From here Sarahan is about 12 km.

Activities Inside Pheasantry

Inside Pheasantry, Pheasants are kept in specially designed enclosures called Aviaries. Here the birds are looked after by a dedicated staff in terms of feeding, cleanliness, protection etc. They are fed two times in the day, at dawn and dusk with a diet that has been designed based on nutritional and habitual preferences. During the breeding season (Mid-April to Mid- August) they are paired on the basis of a genetic analysis so that new members can be added to the existing numbers under the expert vigilance and care of the staff.