Likh
Sypheotides indicus
The lesser florican, also known as the likh or kharmore, is the smallest in the bustard family and the only member of the genus Sypheotides. It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent where it is found in tall grasslands and is best known for the leaping breeding displays made by the males during the monsoon season.
2
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_florican
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Otidiformes
Family
Otididae
Genus
Sypheotides
Likh belongs to the family Otididae, order Otidiformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The lesser florican, also known as the likh or kharmore, is the smallest in the bustard family and the only member of the genus Sypheotides. It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent where it is found in tall grasslands and is best known for the leaping breeding displays made by the males during the monsoon season. The male has a contrasting black and white breeding plumage and distinctive elongated head feathers that extend behind the neck. These bustards are found mainly in northwestern and central India during the summer but are found more widely distributed across India in winter. The species is highly endangered and has been extirpated in some parts of its range such as Pakistan. It is threatened both by hunting and habitat degradation. The only similar species is the Bengal florican...
The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) has experienced severe population declines primarily due to widespread conversion of grassland habitats to agriculture and urban development. Intensive farming practices, pesticide use, and the loss of traditional grazing systems have further degraded remaining suitable habitats, while hunting pressure in some regions continues to impact local populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The species was formerly more widespread across much of Indian Sub-continent, but not in Sri Lanka. It breeds mainly in the central and western parts of India. Historic records exist from the Makran coast of Balochistan province in Pakistan. The species is said to move in response to rainfall and their presence at locations can be erratic, with sudden large numbers in some seasons. About 500...
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) has experienced severe population declines primarily due to widespread conversion of grassland habitats to agriculture and urban development. Intensive farming practices, pesticide use, and the loss of traditional grazing systems have further degraded remaining suitable habitats, while hunting pressure in some regions continues to impact local populations.
Habitat loss and conversion to agriculture
Intensive farming and pesticide use
Urban and infrastructure development
Hunting and trapping
Loss of traditional grazing systems
Annual & perennial non-timber crops
Hunting & trapping terrestrial animals
Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases
Livestock farming & ranching
Mining & quarrying
Conservation Actions
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | CRCritically Endangered | CRCritically Endangered | Same |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Likh (Sypheotides indicus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/likh