July 25, 2023: As many as 1,000 Golden Pheasants were believed to be roaming free in Britain at their heyday between the 1940s and the 1970s. And now they're almost extinct. Read to know.
The Golden Pheasant first came to Britain in the late 19th century and is currently listed as a naturalized species under category C1E of the British list, making it the only country in the Western Palearctic [a biogeographic region or subregion that comprises Europe, Asia to the north of the Himalayas, and Africa to the north of the Sahara] where it is countable.
However, numbers have been declining recently, and new research contends that the remaining birds do not constitute a healthy population.
Additionally, the authors of the research have recommended that the species be added to Category C6, a subcategory for "formerly naturalised species" that are either extinct or can no longer support themselves.
What are species categories?
The British List divides each species into one or more groups based on where it appears on the list.
In order to more effectively conserve naturalized species under national wildlife regulations, classification was altered in 1997. Category E was added to allow local and national recorders to keep track of escaped species, while Category D had its scope reduced. Category C was also expanded to allow species with various histories of commencement and naturalisation to be distinguished.
Category A
Species identified at least once since January 1, 1950, in an atmosphere that appeared to be natural.
Category B
species that have been identified at least once between January 1, 1800, and December 31, 1949, but have not been identified again.
Category C
Species that originate from human-mediated migration, include wanderers from self-sustaining populations outside of Britain that have originated as a result of translocations.
Category D
Species that would normally fall under Category A, however there is cause for concern as to whether or not they have ever existed naturally in the wild. Animals listed as belonging to Category D only do not make up the British List and are not included towards the total number of species.
As many as 1,000 Golden Pheasants were believed to be roaming free in Britain at their heyday between the 1940s and the 1970s. More than 100 might be observed at a single location in Breckland, the region's traditional stronghold.
In 2022–2023, the research team conducted a survey of the remaining Breckland population, focusing mostly on immatures that would indicate breeding.
Even though a 2 year male was located, there were only four in total—three males and a girl. It's likely that some or all of these weren't part of the 'original' Breckland population and instead were released.
The population was confirmed by camera trap footage to be around four birds, significantly less than the official British population estimate of 20–30 birds. The investigation came to the conclusion that Golden Pheasant should be moved to Category C6 and that no self-sustaining British populations still exist.
Researchers discussed the Golden Pheasant population in Poole Harbour, Dorset, which is the only location in Britain outside of Breckland where one can view them. The scientists came to the conclusion that these birds cannot be regarded as naturalized because of regular releases and additional food.
Given that Lady Amherst's Pheasant was classified as Category C6 in 2005, it appears likely that the research will serve as the foundation for a reconsideration of the Golden Pheasant's status on the British Ornithologists Union’s list.