Taxidermy Himalayan Monal and Snowcock
By Graham of York
By Graham of York
Latin: Lophophorus impejanus, Tetraogallus himalayensis
Size: Approx. 95cm x 83cm x 33cm
Description: An impressive Victorian case featuring two birds from the Himalayan mountains, the spectacular Monal pheasant and a snowcock. Mounted in a naturalistic setting in a box style case with original glass and taxidermists trade label verso. His label incorporates an illustration of a Kiwi, and states: 'David Graham, naturalists. Birds and animals mounted on an improved system. Artificial eyes made to order, Cabinets arranged and named.' All of Graham of Yorks cases are pre 1870 and some much earlier.
The Himalayan Monal is the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as the Danfe, and the state bird of Uttarakhand. The bird's natural range extends from eastern Afghanistan through the Himalayas in Pakistan and India. The species is threatened due to poaching and other anthropogenic factors, due to the male Monal being under hunting pressure in Himachal Pradesh, where the crest feather was used to decorate men's hats, until 1982, when hunting was banned in the state. The scientific name commemorates Lady Mary Impey, the wife of the British chief justice of Bengal, Sir Elijah Impey.