Dhodial pheasantry

It was set up, over an area of four acres, in 1984, by the Department of Wildlife, NWFP. The object was to provide the people an opportunity to observe the different kinds of pheasants found in the country. Later, the area was increased to eight acres. The breeding of pheasants was also started for the purposes of re-introduction and re-stocking in different forests, and supply to other pheasantries in the province. Other birds were also included in the facility. The pheasantry houses 31 species of pheasants including 6 indigenous pheasants species i.e. kaleej pheasant, koklas pheasant, cheer pheasant, monal pheasant, western tragopan pheasant and blue peacock. The pheasantry plays an important role in promoting conservation education and awareness among visitors belonging to different walks of life. Because of its vicinity to Hazara University, it also provides an opportunity to students for study and research. Moreover guided trips and study visits are also conducted to the pheasantry. There is also an information center which is housed with stuffed specimens of pheasants and other important wildlife species. Awareness materials including brochures, charts, leaflets, stickers, booklets and fliers are available as take-away material for the visitors.

A veterinary doctor looks after the health of pheasants to ensure a viable environment in the pheasantry for growth of the pheasants. The pheasantry is a source to promote pheasants rearing by providing eggs, checks and adult birds such as ring necked pheasants, silver pheasants, reeve’s pheasants and golden pheasants on prescribed rates.