Forest fires in Uttarakhand pose threat to rare Himalayan fauna, say experts

Cheer pheasant and other rare bird species face endangerment due to destruction of breeding habitats

Forest fires that occur annually in Uttarakhand not only cause significant damage to the region's precious forest resources like trees, plants, bushes, herbs and thick layer of soil but also threaten rare Himalayan fauna -- wild animals, reptiles, mammals, birds, butterflies, common flies honey bees and soil-enriching bacteria.