Chinese monal  (Lophophorus lhuysii)

The Chinese monal has a small population that is slowly declining (2). Western Sichuan is the second most important timber-producing region in China and has been widely exploited as a result; furthermore, cleared forests are increasingly accessible to local people (4). One of the monal's major summer food sources are the bulbs of fritillary, which is an important herb in Chinese medicine; the collection of this species may locally threaten populations of this bird. Hunting for food is also considered to be an important local threat (4).

The Chinese monal is protected by law in China (2) and international trade is restricted by its listing on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3). Several reserves in the area that have been established to protect the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), also contain some populations of the Chinese monal (4). Valuable research has been carried out into the ecology and population densities of this species. Measures to limit the local effects of forestry management, herb collection and hunting will be needed in order to secure the future of this stunning mountain bird (4).