Taxidermy Himalayan Monals
Log #5577
Latin: Lophophorus impejanus
Size: Approx. 94.5cm x 93.5cm x 31.5cm
Description: Spectacular Victorian taxidermy Monals, by Rowland Ward. Typed label states that the case was donated to Eton School. This label refers to 'Ward and Co' which dates the case to between 1875-1898 which were the firms early years before trading under 'Rowland Ward Ltd'.
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.