Fauna
Plant

Chilgoza Pine

Pinus gerardiana

Also known as Chilghoza Pine, Neja, Gerard's Pine

Chilgoza pines thrive in the dry, high-altitude valleys of the western Himalayas, where their deep root systems help stabilize steep alpine slopes. These medium-sized conifers produce large resinous cones containing rich seeds that sustain native mountain wildlife throughout harsh winters. Heavy cone harvesting and livestock overgrazing across their restricted range present significant obstacles to natural forest regeneration.

ConiferAlpineEvergreen
Chilgoza Pine reference
Wikimedia Commons / Public domain · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Large-Spotted Nutcracker
  • Tufted Ground Squirrel
  • Pikas
ThreatsOverharvesting of cones, livestock overgrazing, habitat fragmentation
HabitatsDry alpine valleys, steep rocky slopes, high-altitude mountain woodlands
Life span150–300 years
Classification
  1. FamilyPinaceae
  2. SpeciesPinus gerardiana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild seeds and nuts have toxic look-alikes; never harvest or ingest wild plant parts without expert confirmation.
What to notice
Recognize by flaky pale gray bark, needles arranged in clusters of three, and broad woody cones.
Support conservation
Refrain from removing cones or disturbing saplings to allow natural forest recovery in fragile mountain habitats.
Responsible observation
  • Cone Spotting: Look high into the upper canopy during late autumn to spot large woody cones.
  • Trail Etiquette: Stick to designated paths to avoid eroding loose alpine soil around fragile roots.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…