Completed Projects
1. Survey of Northeast India:-A series of wildlife surveys were initiated in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, Forest Department Sikkim and the Mizoram Forest Department producing pioneering first hand information on the status and distribution of wildlife (particularly galliformes) in these states. A survey, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, was conducted in Arunachal Pradesh to determine the distribution of a suspected new taxon of Sclater's monal.
2. Ecology of Satyr Tragopan in Singhalila National Park Darjeeling:-
In association with the West Bengal Forest Dept./Govt. College Darjeeling, a long term study was initiated to investigate the ecology of the threatened Satyr tragopan in Singhalila National Park, Darjeeling. The project resulted in a Ph.D thesis.
3. Sites Database:-
A computerised database has been produced giving information on the distribution of galliformes in India. This database has been used to project Indian species in the correct perspective in global bird conservation efforts i.e. the Galliformes Action Plans (IUCN) and Red Data Book (BirdLife International).
4. Ecology of Tragopans of North East India:-
Through intensive ecological studies, the study aimed to provide distribution patterns of the three species of Tragopans in N.E. India along with an account of their ecological requirements.
5. Kumaon Bio-diversity Project:-
This study was to document some parameters of bio-diversity distribution in remnant Oak patches of Kumaon Himalaya (galliformes as one) and assess threats to each site. The study was conducted by the Centre Wildlife & Ornithology Aligarh Muslim University with assistance from WPA.
6. Ecology of the Cheer pheasant:-
The fragmented and isolated populations of Cheer are susceptible to local extinctions. The study was aimed to monitor populations at documented sites and also to study the affect of local land use practices on cheer.
7. Western Tragopan ecology:-
The threatened Western Tragopan was studied in the State of Himachal Pradesh to produce information on its distribution, ecology & threats. The study was conducted in collaboration with Centre of Wildlife & Ornithology, Aligarh Muslim University.
8. Wintering Ecology of Himalayan Monal:-
The Himalayan monal is considered most vulnerable during winter when heavy snow and depleted food resources drives it to lower altitudes, closer to human habitations. To investigate the wintering ecology of Himalayan monal, a study was conducted in collaboration with Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
9. Re-discovery of Himalayan quail:-
The critically endangered/extinct Himalayan quail (Indian Mountain Quail) has been a subject of controversy and mystery in Indian Ornithology for the last 3-4 decades. We initiated investigations in an effort to provide information about the presence/absence of this enigmatic bird. Studies were launched in collaboration with WWF-India & Centre of Wildlife & Ornithology, Aligarh Muslim University.
10. Fabrication of Radio-transmitters:-
In line with technological advances in the study animal ecology, the use of radio transmitters is becoming increasing common and useful. Its use in India is still not common and one of the reasons is the prohibitive price required to import transmitters from abroad. A study was conducted to design and make radios locally.
11. Workshops:-
In association with Mizoram Forest Department and Himachal Forest Department, Workshops, on census techniques and captive breeding techniques respectively. These workshops have been useful in imparting the local Forest Department personnel, basic training in these techniques.
12. Allain-Duhangan Wildlife and Floristic Studies:-
This project aims to assess the important biological attributes of Allain-Duhangan catchments - site for construction of a hydro-electric power plant near Manali. First of the three surveys planned under the project has been conducted and the second one is underway. From initial reports, the upper parts of this area appear to possess animal and floral communities comparable with most parts of Himachal Pradesh State . This project is being done in association with GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development and funded by the ERM-India .
13. Survey of animal use extraction pattern in some areas of Indian Himalaya:-
The aim is to assess extraction of wild animals, which is a cause of concern. Field work is in progress in Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh , Sikkim , Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The project is funded by the British High Commission in New Delhi .
14. Effect of pesticide use on Blue Peafowl and Grey Francolin in Central India:-
This project, to assess the impact of pesticide use on the Blue Peafowl and Grey Francolin in parts of Central India has been initiated. The process of recruitment of staff is complete and field work is expected to begin in February. The project is funded by the Ministry of Environment & Forests , Govt. of India, the sanctioned amount is Rs 14, 95,000/- over three years. Researcher - Bhumesh Singh Bhadouria.
15. Ringing of Captive Pheasants:-
A collaborative project between WPA, WPA-India and the Central Zoo Authority, was initiated with the aim of improving record keeping in Indian zoos and other captive breeding facilities. Dedicated closed rings were distributed amongst the facilities maintaining captive stocks so that chicks produced are ringed, thereby providing the birds with unique numbers. The rings for this project were donated by WPA and were mailed to the relevant zoos. Travel costs were reimbursed by the Central Zoo Authority.
16. Red-breasted Hill-Partridge study in West Bengal hill forests:-
The Red-breasted Hill-Partridge or Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Arborophila mandellii Hume), one of the lesser known Galliform species found in the Eastern Himalayas and adjoining areas of South-East Tibet, has been categorized as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2010). A study funded by the CEPFand supported by ATREE was taken up by WPA-India to determine the status and distribution of the Red-breasted HillPartridge in the Singalila National Park and upper reaches of the Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal, India. Other objectives were to assess the key threats to the survival of the species and a gross assessment of the conservation status of its habitat. The study commenced from October 15, 2009 and could be successfully completed by the end of March, 2011.
17. Arunachal Project:-
In 2014, World Pheasant Association - India (WPA-I), initiated a study aimed at: (a) generating field data as well as secondary information on status, distribution and general biology of all pheasant species found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of the western Arunachal Pradesh, (b) utilizing the findings for awareness generation on the target species and (c) utilizing the findings to enhance and strengthen the overall biodiversity conservation of their habitat landscape. The study is being funded by the Duleep Mathai Nature Conservation Trust. The field work has been completed in 2018. During the course of study, three workshops have been conducted in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Ptadesh, Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT) and local NGOS on 'Training in Homestay Hospitality and Conservation Tourism Leadership'. The final deliverables are being prepared for submission.