Under threat

The Cheer Pheasant found in the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir and Uttaranchal is one of the most endangered in the world, with only a handful left in the wild and less than 10 in zoos. One reason attributed to its decline is the collection by humans of its vegetarian food supplies. "Many species of pheasants are far more threatened than people realise," says Philip McGowan of the World Pheasant Association, "and unless action is taken soon, some will disappear."