Srinagar: The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has declared Kalij Pheasant as the new UT (Union Territory) bird of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
An order in this regard has been issued by Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment signed by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
News Agency KNO quoted Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Environment and Ecology Mr. Sanjeev Verma and confirmed that Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) has been adopted as UT bird.
The specie is widely found particularly in Mansar, Surinsar, Jasrota and Bhaderwah areas of Jammu division.
Before the semi-autonomous status was lost and Bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir - the Black necked crane was the state animal of the erstwhile state.
(In Photo/ Black Necked Crane)
“J&K had to adopt new bird as UT bird because black-necked cranes are only found in Ladakh,” Mr Sanjeev said.
After the reorganization Act, Ladakh was given Black-Necked crane as its UT bird.
However, the authority said there will be no change in UT animal, “Hangul would continue to remain as UT animal of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
(KNO)