Stories
Himalayan Monal Alters Calls and Habitat Due to Human Activity
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CNBC TV18•07-10-2026, 16:18
Himalayan Monal Alters Calls and Habitat Due to Human Activity
- •Studies show that increasing human activity and climate change are negatively impacting the habitat and communication of the Himalayan monal.
- •Climate change and human encroachment are pushing the birds toward higher elevations, shrinking and fragmenting their alpine meadow habitats.
- •Research in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary found that monals living in noisy tourist areas produce higher-pitched and shorter calls compared to those in quieter regions.
- •Experts warn that these habitat changes and communication disruptions could lead to long-term population decline or local extinction for the species.
Key Questions Answered
Climate change and human encroachment are shrinking the Himalayan monal's alpine meadow habitat, forcing the birds to move toward higher elevations. This could fragment populations into smaller, disconnected pockets and increase the risk of long-term population decline or local extinction.
Monals living in noisy, tourist-heavy environments adjust their vocalizations by producing higher-pitched and shorter sounds compared to birds living in quieter areas.
The Himalayan monal has a limited habitat range and moves seasonally between lower montane zones and high-elevation alpine areas. Because of this sensitivity, researchers note that if the monal is affected by ecological changes, other bird species could face similar disturbances.
