The Chinese monal Lophophorus lhuysii
The scientific name of the Chinese monal, lhuysii, commemorates the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Edouard de Lhuys (1805—1881). The Chinese monal is endemic to mountainous areas of southwest China. These birds inhabit coniferous forests and alpine meadows with rhododendron scrub. They live in the north and northwest of Sichuan, at elevations of 3,300 to 4,500 meters above sea level. Males measure 76–80 cm in length, while females have a body length of 72–75 cm. The weight of the Chinese monal averages 3.18 kg. The male Chinese monal has a spectacular iridescent plumage. The head is green with a purplish, bushy crest, the nape of the neck is coppery-gold, and the back and tail are purplish-green. Females have grey and reddish feather colouration, a white back, and rufous tail. Using its large bill, the Chinese monal digs for food on the forest floor. These birds eat a variety of flowers, leaves, buds, and even insects and small animals. During the winter, large groups of monals have been recorded; some of these may be bachelor groups. In winter, groups roost in the branches of rhododendron shrubs. Pairs are thought to be monogamous and build nests in caves or narrow cliff crevices. The clutch of three to five eggs is only incubated by the female.
The Chinese monal is listed in the IUCN Red List as vulnerable species. Its population estimated at 10,000–20,000 individuals is slowly declining. The size of the species’ range is only 69,000 km². This territory has been widely exploited as a key timber-producing region of China. Another threat is presented by the large-scale collection of Fritillaria spp. (a known food source for this species) and other herbs for Chinese medicine. Hunting for food is also considered to be an important local threat.
