Temminck’s Tragopan

The Temminck's Tragopan is a friendly and curious bird that displays aggressive behaviour only during its breeding season. The male of this species of the pheasant family unfurls its striking blue wattle and inflates a pair of 'horns' for a very colourful courtship display. It is found in high altitudes in the Eastern Himalayas, Southern Tibet and Burma.

A deep crimson velvet cushion punctuated by irregular, but symmetrical, light green-to-blue spots. A striking black and lime green pattern dominates its centre whereas the edges fade into a grey and yellow pattern that resembles boot laces. 

Anjali’s attention to the plight of birds was raised when she read of the wanton massacre of Amur Falcons in Nagaland (northeastern India) a couple of years ago. The birds migrate annually between Siberia and east Africa, but stop en-route in Nagaland. The Nagas had placed large nets to capture the birds on their stopover, and had killed around 100,000 within the space of one week.

And as her designs are inspired by bird and feather patterns, it was natural for her to tie up with a suitable bird charity. BirdLife International fitted the bill (no pun intended) perfectly as they fund programmes for the conservation of birds and their habitats worldwide.

An initial collection of six cushions are currently available for purchase. With the sale of each item a donation will be made to BirdLife International. The charity not only protects birds but supports those with a keen interest in birding as an activity. Helping to appreciate the delicate balance of nature could be instrumental in saving the wider environment.