Himalayan Quail
Ophrysia superciliosa
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayan_quail
Overview
The Himalayan quail or mountain quail, is a medium-sized quail belonging to the pheasant family. It was last reported in 1876 and is feared extinct. This species was known from only two locations in the western Himalayas in Uttarakhand, north-west India. The last verifiable record was in 1876 near the hill station of Mussoorie.
The Himalayan Quail faces extinction primarily due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in the Himalayan foothills. Deforestation and conversion of grassland-scrub habitats to farmland have eliminated much of its preferred terrain. The species has not been reliably recorded since 1876, suggesting populations may have already collapsed due to these cumulative pressures across its limited range in northern India.
Habitat
The Himalayan Quail inhabits tall grasslands, scrublands, and forest edges in the Himalayan foothills between 1,650-2,400 meters elevation. It prefers areas with dense grass cover interspersed with rocky outcrops and scattered bushes, particularly in the Terai region and lower mountain slopes of Uttarakhand.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PHASIANIDAE
Threatened in India
Frequently asked questions
Why is Himalayan Quail classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Himalayan Quail live?
What are the main threats to Himalayan Quail?
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