Identification:
Physical Description:
- Forehead feathers are black. A pale white band extends from above the eye, down the sides of the neck, transitioning to a reddish-yellow color.
- The upper throat is white, the lower throat reddish-yellow, followed by a distinct black band extending from behind the ear down to form a bib on the chest.
- The belly has a pale reddish-yellow tinge.
- The flanks have alternating black and white horizontal stripes.
- The beak is black with a red base.
- The eyes are brown with red bare skin around them.
- Legs are pale purple or pink.
Biology and Ecology:
The Rufous-necked Partridge breeds from mid-spring to late summer. Its diet consists of earthworms, hard-shelled insects, and soft, fleshy fruits and small seeds found in the forest. They can be found in small flocks of 3-5 individuals on hillsides and in bamboo, nứa, vầu, and lồ ô forests. They are also found in mixed forests of bamboo and dense timber trees, at an altitude of 200-600m. They forage on the ground during the day and roost in trees at night.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Previously found in the former Biên Hòa province (Phú Riềng). Currently found in Cát Tiên National Park (Đồng Nai and Lâm Đồng provinces), and the Bù Gia Mập forest region (Bình Phước province).
Global: Cambodia.
Value:
This species is a rare endemic with a limited distribution. It is scientifically valuable and has ornamental value. It is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity in Vietnam and globally.
Conservation Status:
The Rufous-necked Partridge inhabits areas heavily impacted by human activities, such as logging, deforestation for cultivation, and hunting.
However, since the establishment of Cát Tiên National Park in 1998, these impacts have been reduced, and the bird has received better protection, although hunting still occurs. Furthermore, this species has a limited distribution within Cát Tiên district (Lâm Đồng province) and Tân Phú district (Đồng Nai province), covering an area of approximately 40,000 km2, with a small population size.
Classification:
EN B1+2b, c, d, e C1+2a.
Conservation Measures:
Listed in the Vietnam Red Book (1992, 2000), the IUCN Red List (1996, 2000), and the Red Data Book of Asian Birds (2001), categorized as EN (Endangered). Conservation efforts must focus on protecting the habitat and environment and strictly prohibiting hunting.