The Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus)—popularly known as Jujurana or the “King of Birds”—is one of India’s most elusive and threatened pheasant species. Revered as the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, it occupies a special place in both the ecological and cultural landscape of the Western Himalayas. Once spread across parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the species now survives only in small, fragmented pockets, making its conservation a matter of urgent priority.

While captive breeding programmes, especially at Sarahan Pheasantry, have brought temporary stability to the species’ numbers, experts warn that this approach is only an interim insurance mechanism. Long-term survival hinges on restoring and protecting the bird’s natural habitats, a challenge that remains inadequately addressed.

What Is the Western Tragopan?

The Western Tragopan is one of the rarest pheasants in the world and a flagship species of the Western Himalayan ecosystem.

• Scientific Name: Tragopan melanocephalus
• Common Name: Western Tragopan / Jujurana
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Estimated Mature Individuals: 3,000–9,500 (single fragile sub-population)

Its vibrant appearance, ecological sensitivity, and limited distribution make it a globally important species for mountain biodiversity conservation.

Habitat and Distribution

The species is native to the moist temperate forests of the Western Himalayas, typically found at altitudes of 2,400–3,600 metres.

Preferred Habitat Features

• Dense ringal (dwarf) bamboo understorey
• Thick rhododendron and coniferous forests
• Moist, secluded mountain slopes
• Areas with minimal human disturbance

Key Strongholds

• Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Himachal Pradesh – holds the world’s largest known population
• Kazinag and Limber Wildlife Sanctuaries (J&K)
• Small pockets in Uttarakhand
• Parts of northern Pakistan

Behaviour and Ecology

• Diet: Leaves, shoots, seeds, berries, buds, insects, and other invertebrates
• Activity: Ground-dwelling, secretive, active during dawn and dusk
• Breeding Season: May–June
• Nesting: Concealed nests on the forest floor; 3–5 eggs laid per season

Sexual Dimorphism

• Male: Striking crimson breast, black velvet head, white-spotted plumage, and bright blue–orange facial wattles used during elaborate courtship displays
• Female: Smaller, brown, highly camouflaged to protect nests

Why the Species Matters

Ecological Importance

The Western Tragopan acts as an indicator species, reflecting the health of high-altitude Himalayan forests. Its presence signals intact, functioning ecosystems.

Cultural Significance

As the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, the Jujurana is deeply embedded in local folklore and identity.

Threats to Survival

Despite its flagship status, the Western Tragopan faces multiple pressures:

1. Habitat Loss & Fragmentation

• Road construction
• Hydropower development
• Lopping and logging
• Tourism-driven disturbance

2. Hunting Pressure

Historically hunted for its meat and ornamental value.

3. Anthropogenic Disturbances

• Livestock grazing
• Fuelwood collection
• Extraction of medicinal plants and minor forest produce
• Human encroachment into nesting areas

4. Climate Change

Shifting vegetation zones and temperature changes threaten its altitudinal habitat niche.

Captive Breeding: A Critical but Limited Solution

The Western Tragopan Captive Breeding Programme at Sarahan Pheasantry (Himachal Pradesh) has produced 40+ individuals, offering a safety net against sudden population crashes.

However, conservationists emphasize that:

“Captive breeding was always meant to complement, not replace, habitat protection. Overemphasis on captive rearing without restoring natural habitats undermines long-term conservation.”

Captive-bred individuals cannot survive in the wild unless suitable, secure, and connected habitats are available.

What Needs to Be Done

1. Strengthen Habitat Protection

• Expand protected areas in tragopan landscapes
• Restore degraded stretches of ringal bamboo and rhododendron
• Minimize tourism impacts

2. Reduce Anthropogenic Pressure

• Regulate grazing and fuelwood collection
• Promote community-based forest management
• Offer alternative livelihoods

3. Scientific Monitoring

• Long-term population tracking
• Genetic studies to maintain healthy diversity
• Climate vulnerability assessments

4. Controlled Reintroduction

Gradual release of captive-bred birds into secure wild habitats—only after ecological restoration.