Threats to Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus murghi) in Deva Vatala National Park, District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to document threats to Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus murghi). Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan from May 2010 to June 2011. Methodology: The data on threats to Red Junglefowl were collected by using a combination of methods which included semi-structured interviews, participatory observations and group discussions with local community. Results: Major threats faced by Red Junglefowl in the study area were egg picking (88%) followed by hunting (16.40%), disturbance (12%), chick capturing (9.60%) and habitat degradation (9.20%). Majority of local people (44.80%) believed that they see Red Junglefowl less frequently as compared to past whereas, (32.40%) believe that its sighting has been increased during past few years while (22.80%) had no idea about increase or decrease of sightings. Shepherds were major group responsible for causing threats to Red Junglefowl (70.40%) followed by hunters (20.40%) and farmers (9.20%). According to our findings (89.20%) people liked Red Junglefowl whereas, (19.60%) people neither like or dislike it while a little proportion of people (1.60%) dislike Red Junglefowl. Majority of people (54.40%) thought that Red Junglefowl should be conserved whereas, (36%) believed that it should not be conserved while (9.60%) did not supported either conservation or exploitation. Conclusion: Red Junglefowl is facing many threats in the study area among them egg picking followed by hunting are major threats.