DOCSLIB.ORG

Alectoris Graeca -- (Meisner, 1804)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Alectoris Graeca -- (Meisner, 1804) Alectoris graeca -- (Meisner, 1804) ANIMALIA -- CHORDATA -- AVES -- GALLIFORMES -- PHASIANIDAE Common names: Rock Partridge; European Red List Assessment European Red List Status NT -- Near Threatened, (IUCN version 3.1) Assessment Information Year published: 2015 Date assessed: 2015-03-31 Assessor(s): BirdLife International Reviewer(s): Symes, A. Compiler(s): Ashpole, J., Burfield, I., Ieronymidou, C., Pople, R., Wheatley, H. & Wright, L. Assessment Rationale European regional assessment: Near Threatened (NT) EU27 regional assessment: Vulnerable (VU) This European endemic partridge is undergoing moderately rapid population declines in Europe, where it is classified as Near Threatened. Within the EU27 the small population is declining more rapidly and it is therefore listed as Vulnerable. Occurrence Countries/Territories of Occurrence Introduced: Belgium; Spain Native: Albania; Austria; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; France; Germany; Greece; Italy; Liechtenstein; Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of; Montenegro; Romania; Serbia; Slovenia; Switzerland Vagrant: Turkey Population The European population is estimated at 41,800-73,400 pairs, which equates to 83,500-147,000 mature individuals. The population in the EU27 is estimated at 21,300-39,300 pairs, which equates to 42,600-78,700 mature individuals. For details of national estimates, see Supplementary PDF. Trend The species is suspected to be declining moderately rapidly, particularly in the Balkans, based on a balanced assessment of the reported data and the available evidence (e.g. Griffin 2011, A. Bernard-Laurent in litt. 2012). The species is declining owing to habitat degradation caused by agricultural intensification and urbanization. It is also declining owing to over-hunting in some areas (del Hoyo et al. 1994). This is reflected in its classification as Threatened or Near Threatened in a number of recently published national Red Data Books (covering c. 70% of the species's global population) in which the species has been classified on the basis of population declines thought to approach or exceed 30% over 11.7 years (three generations). In the EU27 the population size is estimated to be decreasing by 30-49% in the same period. For details of national estimates, see Supplementary PDF. Habitats and Ecology This species utilises a variety of habitats and different altitudes, up to 3000 m in the Alps and almost down to sea level in Sicily and Greece. Generally they prefer open, mountain habitats with grassy patches, low scrub or scattered conifers (Griffin 2011). Winter flocks begin to break up from February and territories are established March to April with eggs laid from mid-May to June in the Alps and late-April to June in Greece. It is normally monogamous, forming long-term pair-bonds although some instances of successive bigamy and some exchange of partners have been reported. The nest site, believed to be chosen by the male, is a scrape excavated by the female. Clutches are normally eight to fourteen eggs. It is predominantly vegetarian, eating seeds, fruits and green material, but also some terrestrial invertebrates. Chicks, and females in spring, consume relatively high proportions of invertebrates, mainly adult and larval insects. Foraging continues day- round in winter, but is concentrated in the early morning and late afternoon in summer. This species is sedentary however, altitudinal movements are reported in mountain breeding areas, initially moving higher immediately post-breeding, then lower as winter advances. Birds may remain at breeding altitude of 1,900– 2,700 m in winter, if snowfall is not too heavy (McGowan and Kirwan 2014). Habitats & Altitude Habitat (level 1 - level 2) Importance Occurrence Forest - Temperate suitable resident Shrubland - Mediterranean-type Shrubby Vegetation suitable resident Altitude max. 3000 m Occasional altitudinal limits Threats Studies in different parts of the species's range (summarised in Griffin 2011) indicate that it is affected by a wide variety of threats, including habitat loss and degradation (Bernard-Laurent and de Franceschi 1994), abandonment of traditional agro-pastoral activities (Budinski et al. 2010, Rippa et al. 2011), reduced connectivity between metapopulations (Cattadori et al. 2003), disturbance, poaching, unsustainable hunting, extreme climatic events (Bernard-Laurent and Leonard 2000), hybridisation with released captive-bred Chukar (Alectoris chukar) and Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) (Barilani et al. 2007, Randi 2008), and the transfer of pathogens and parasites from these species (Manios et al. 2002, Rosà et al. 2011). Additional threats include the increase of tourism in mountain areas, predominantly in the French and Austrian Alps (A. Bernard-Laurent in litt. 2012). Threats & Impacts Threat (level 1) Threat (level 2) Impact and Stresses Agriculture & Agro-industry Timing Scope Severity Impact aquaculture farming Ongoing Majority (50-90%) Slow, Significant Medium Impact Declines Stresses Ecosystem conversion; Ecosystem degradation Biological resource Hunting & trapping Timing Scope Severity Impact use terrestrial animals Ongoing Majority (50-90%) Slow, Significant Medium Impact (intentional use - Declines species is the target) Stresses Species mortality Climate change & Habitat shifting & Timing Scope Severity Impact severe weather alteration Future Unknown Unknown Unknown Stresses Ecosystem conversion Climate change & Storms & flooding Timing Scope Severity Impact severe weather Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Low Impact Declines Stresses Reduced reproductive success Invasive and other Chukar (Alectoris Timing Scope Severity Impact problematic chukar) Ongoing Minority (<50%) Unknown Unknown species, genes & diseases Stresses Hybridisation Invasive and other Red-legged Timing Scope Severity Impact problematic Partridge (Alectoris Ongoing Minority (<50%) Unknown Unknown species, genes & rufa) diseases Stresses Hybridisation Residential & Tourism & Timing Scope Severity Impact commercial recreation areas Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Low Impact development Declines Stresses Species disturbance Conservation Conservation Actions Underway EU Birds Directive Annex I and II. The species is classified as Threatened or Near Threatened in Red Data Books in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy and Switzerland. Conservation Actions Proposed Conduct surveys to determine population size and trends across the species's range. Improve knowledge on the effects of hunting on the species. Implement measures to reduce abandonment of traditional agro-pastoral activities. Safeguard the species's habitat. Improve legislation and enforcement to reduce unsustainable hunting and poaching. Investigate hybridisation with captive-bred A. chukar and A. rufa and pathogen and parasite transfer from these species. Bibliography Barilani, M., Bernard-Laurent, A., Mucci, N., Tabarroni, C., Kark, S., Garrido, J.A.P., Randi, E. 2007. Hybridisation with introduced chukars (Alectoris chukar) threatens the gene pool integrity of native Rock (A. graeca) and Red-legged (A. rufa) Partridge populations. Biological Conservation 137(1): 57-69. Bernard-Laurent A. and Leonard Y. 2000. Vulnerability of an alpine population of rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis) to climatic events: evaluation with deterministic and stochastic models. Game and Wildlife Science 17(2): 63-79. Bernard-Laurent, A. and de Franceschi, P.F. 1994. Status, trends, and limiting factors of Rock Partridge ( Alectoris graeca saxatilis) populations. Game and Wildlife 11: 267-307. Budinski, I., Culina, A., Mikuliñ, K. and Jurinoviñ, L. 2010. Bird species that have significantly changed breeding range on Croatian coastal area: comparison of 30 years old data and recent knowledge. Bird Census News 23: 49-58. Cattadori, I.M., Ranci-Ortigosa, G., Gatto, M. and Hudson, P.J. 2003. Is the rock partridge Alectoris graeca saxatilis threatened in the Dolomitic Alps? Animal Conservation 6: 71-81. Griffin, C. 2011. Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca population assessment. Methodology for Bird Species Recovery Planning in the European Union. Final Report to the European Commission. FACE and BirdLife International for the European Commission, Cambridge, UK. Manios, N., Papazahariadou, M., Frydas, S., Papageorgiou, N., Tsachalidis, E. and Gergopoulou, J. 2002. Tetrathyridium as a mortality factor of rock partridge (Alectoris graeca graeca) in Central Greece. European Journal of Wildlife Research 48: 378-382. McGowan, P.J.K. and Kirwan, G.M. 2014. Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. and de Juana, E. (eds.) 2014. Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from http://www.hbw.com/node/53379 on 19 January 2015). Randi, E. 2008. Detecting hybridization between wild species and their domesticated relatives. Molecular Ecology 17: 285-293. Rippa, D., Maselli, V., Soppelsa, O. and Fulgione, D. 2011. The impact of agro‐pastoral abandonment on the Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca in the Apennines. Ibis 153(4): 721-734. Rosà, R., Bolzoni, L., Rosso, F., Pugliese, A., Hudson P.J. and Rizzoli, A. 2011. Effect of Ascaridia compar infection on rock partridge population dynamics: empirical and theoretical investigations. Oikos 120(10): 1557–1567. Map (see overleaf) .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Population Density and Trends in Central Greece VA Bontzorlos, CG
    Animal Biodiversity and Conservation 35.2 (2012) 371 Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca graeca) population density and trends in central Greece V. A. Bontzorlos, C. G. Vlachos, D. E. Bakaloudis, E. N. Chatzinikos, E. A. Dedousopoulou, D. K. Kiousis & C. Thomaides Bontzorlos, V. A., Vlachos, C. G., Bakaloudis, D. E., Chatzinikos, E. N., Dedousopoulou, E. A., Kiousis, D. K. & Thomaides, C., 2012. Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca graeca) population density and trends in central Greece. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 35.2: 371–380, Doi: https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2012.35.0371 Abstract Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca graeca) population density and trends in central Greece.— The rock par- tridge is an emblematic species of the Greek avifauna and one of the most important game species in the country. The present study, which combined long term in–situ counts with distance sampling methodology in central Greece, indicated that the species’ population in Greece is the highest within its European distribution, in contrast to all prior considerations. Inter–annual trends suggested a stable rock partridge population both within hunting areas and wildlife refuges, whereas during summer, the species presented significantly higher densities in altitudes of more than 1,000 m, most probably due to the effect of predation at lower zones. The similarity of population structure between wildlife refuges and hunting zones along with the stable population trends demonstrate that rock partridge harvest in the country is sustainable. Key words: Rock partridge, Alectoris graeca graeca, Greece, Population trends, ANOVA models, Constrained ordination, Sustainable harvest. Resumen Densidad de población y tendencias de la perdiz griega oriental (Alectoris graeca graeca) en Grecia central.— La perdiz griega es una especie emblemática de la avifauna griega y una de las especies cinegéticas más importantes del país.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Genetics and Management of the Chukar Partridge Alectoris Chukar in Cyprus and the Middle East PANICOS PANAYIDES, MONICA GUERRINI & FILIPPO BARBANERA
    Conservation genetics and management of the Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar in Cyprus and the Middle East PANICOS PANAYIDES, MONICA GUERRINI & FILIPPO BARBANERA The Chukar Partridge Alectoris chukar (Phasianidae) is a popular game bird whose range extends from the Balkans to eastern Asia. The Chukar is threatened by human-mediated hybridization either with congeneric species (Red-Legged A. rufa and Rock A. graeca Partridges) from Europe or exotic conspecifics (from eastern Asia), mainly through introductions. We investigated Chukar populations of the Middle East (Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Armenia, Georgia, Iran and Turkmenistan: n = 89 specimens) in order to obtain useful genetic information for the management of this species. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Control Region using Mediterranean (Greece: n = 27) and eastern Asian (China: n = 18) populations as intraspecific outgroups. The Cypriot Chukars (wild and farmed birds) showed high diversity and only native genotypes; signatures of both demographic and spatial expansion were found. Our dataset suggests that Cyprus holds the most ancient A. chukar haplotype of the Middle East. We found A. rufa mtDNA lineage in Lebanese Chukars as well as A. chukar haplotypes of Chinese origin in Greek and Turkish Chukars. Given the very real risk of genetic pollution, we conclude that present management of game species such as the Chukar cannot avoid anymore the use of molecular tools. We recommend that Chukars must not be translocated from elsewhere to Cyprus. INTRODUCTION The distribution range of the most widespread species of Alectoris partridge, the Chukar (A. chukar, Phasianidae, Plate 1), is claimed to extend from the Balkans to eastern Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Rock Partridge Alectoris Graeca a Good Candidate for an Umbrella Species in Rocky Mountains in Italy
    Avocetta 33: 211-216 (2009) Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca a good candidate for an umbrella species in rocky mountains in Italy Daniela Rippa1-2-3, MaRia FiloMena CalienDo3, luCilla FusCo1, anna TeResa ZaCCaRa2, MoniCa ValoRe1-2, DoMeniCo Fulgione4 1 Istituto di Gestione della Fauna - Via Mezzocannone 8, I-80134 Napoli ([email protected]) 2 A.S.O.I.M. Onlus - Via Campana 268, 80017 Pozzuoli (NA) 3 Department of Biological Science Sect. of Zoology, University “Federico II” of Naples - Via Mezzocannone 8, I-80134 Napoli 4 Department of Functional and Structural Biology, University “Federico II” of Naples - Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli Abstract – The umbrella concept is often applied in conservation management but as yet has rarely been tested empirically. Alectoris graeca is endemic in Europe, occurring only in the Balkans, the Alps and the Apennine Italian mountains. This species could be consid- ered a good example of an umbrella species, that is one whose presence can imply broader biodiversity interest. Its European breeding population is relatively small and has undergone a large decline since about 1950 having suffered from habitat fragmentation and loss. The current approach for maintaining viable populations supports management of the species’ habitat. We suggest that this conservation approach for the single species can also favor some other sympatric bird species and biodiversity in general. During 2004-2006, Rock Partridge and its companion bird community were censused in nine study areas from Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (Southern Italy). The study area consisted of dry and open rocky mountain with grassy patches and low scrubs from 1000 to 1900 m a.s.l.
    [Show full text]
  • Alectoris Chukar
    PEST RISK ASSESSMENT Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar (Photo: courtesy of Olaf Oliviero Riemer. Image from Wikimedia Commons under a Creative Commons Attribution License, Version 3.) March 2011 This publication should be cited as: Latitude 42 (2011) Pest Risk Assessment: Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar). Latitude 42 Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd. Hobart, Tasmania. About this Pest Risk Assessment This pest risk assessment is developed in accordance with the Policy and Procedures for the Import, Movement and Keeping of Vertebrate Wildlife in Tasmania (DPIPWE 2011). The policy and procedures set out conditions and restrictions for the importation of controlled animals pursuant to s32 of the Nature Conservation Act 2002. For more information about this Pest Risk Assessment, please contact: Wildlife Management Branch Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Address: GPO Box 44, Hobart, TAS. 7001, Australia. Phone: 1300 386 550 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au Disclaimer The information provided in this Pest Risk Assessment is provided in good faith. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information in this Pest Risk Assessment and/or reliance on its availability at any time. Pest Risk Assessment: Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar 2/20 1. Summary The chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) is native to the mountainous regions of Asia, Western Europe and the Middle East (Robinson 2007, Wikipedia 2009). Its natural range includes Turkey, the Mediterranean islands, Iran and east through Russia and China and south into Pakistan and Nepal (Cowell 2008).
    [Show full text]
  • FULL ACCOUNT FOR: Alectoris Chukar Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) 2021. Species Profile Alectoris Chukar. Available
    FULL ACCOUNT FOR: Alectoris chukar Alectoris chukar System: Terrestrial Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Animalia Chordata Aves Galliformes Phasianidae Common name iwashako (Japanese), chucor (English), coturnice orientale (Italian), perdrix choukar (French), chukar (English), chukarhuhn (German), orebice cukar (Czech), berghöna (Swedish), perdiz chucar (Spanish), vuoripyy (Finnish), aziatische steenpatrijs (Dutch), perdiz- chukar (Portuguese), kuropta cukar (Slovak), chukor (English), Indian chukor (English), chukar partridge (English), chukor partridge (English), rock partridge (English), chukarhøne (Danish), góropatwa azjatycka (Polish), berghæna (Icelandic), berghøne (Norwegian) Synonym Alectoris kakelik Tetrao kakelik Similar species Summary Alectoris chukar has a wide distribution, stretching from the Aegean Sea through to Central and Eastern Asia. There does however seem to be two genetic clades within the species, those from the Mediterranean through to Central Asia and those from Eastern Asia. This is important as individuals used in the introduction into North America and Hawaii were from individuals from Eastern Asia; whereas individuals causing hybrization problems in Europe come from the Mediterranean and Central Asian clade. This hybridization is causing major problems to the genetic purity of the native Alectoris rufa in the Iberian Peninsula, and strict measures in regards to potential hybridization, and the importation and introduction of farm-reared individuals needs to be introduced. view this species on IUCN Red List Notes Alectoris chukar has a wide distribution, stretching from the Aegean Sea through to Central and Eastern Asia (Barbanera et al, 2009b). There does however seem to be two genetic clades within the species, those from the Mediterranean through to Central Asia and those from Eastern Asia (Barbanera et al, 2009b).
    [Show full text]
  • The Native Partridges of Turkey
    The native partridges of Turkey ALPER YILMAZ * and CAFER TEPELI Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selcuk, 42031, Selçuklu, Konya, Turkey. *Correspondence author - [email protected] Paper presented at the 4 th International Galliformes Symposium, 2007, Chengdu, China. Abstract Turkey provides a wide range of natural habitat for numerous bird species. Partridges constitute an important part of the native birds of Turkey. There are five native partridge species in Turkey, which are chukar partridge, rock partridge, grey partridge, see-see partridge and Caspian snowcock. In recent years, intensive rearing and releasing of gamebirds has become popular in Turkey and rock partridges are an important component to this activity. Breeding units for the species are widespread in many parts of the country. There are also some breeding units for rock partridges that are supported by the National Ministry of the Forest. The units produce and release partridges to bolster the wild population, but also to provide birds for hunting and tourism. In this paper the geographical distribution, characteristics and contemporary state of the native partridges of Turkey is presented. Keywords Distribution, partridges, status, Turkey. Introduction Urfa (south east of Turkey) is thought to be over 2500 years old (FIG . 1) (T.C. Şanlı Urfa Turkey occupies a unique geographical location, Valiliği İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü, 2007). connecting Europe and Asia, and is a country with a rich and varied historical past. The country’s rich history, geography and nature are entwined and are a part of everyday life. The total number of bird species within Turkey is equal to the number within the whole of Europe due in part to the Anatolian region’s diversity of habitats, including lakes, swamps, mountains, woodlands, and its location on major bird immigration routes (Anonymous, 1986; Boyla, 1995; Somçağ, 2005).
    [Show full text]
  • EUROPEAN BIRDS of CONSERVATION CONCERN Populations, Trends and National Responsibilities
    EUROPEAN BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN Populations, trends and national responsibilities COMPILED BY ANNA STANEVA AND IAN BURFIELD WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM CONTENTS Introduction 4 86 ITALY References 9 89 KOSOVO ALBANIA 10 92 LATVIA ANDORRA 14 95 LIECHTENSTEIN ARMENIA 16 97 LITHUANIA AUSTRIA 19 100 LUXEMBOURG AZERBAIJAN 22 102 MACEDONIA BELARUS 26 105 MALTA BELGIUM 29 107 MOLDOVA BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 32 110 MONTENEGRO BULGARIA 35 113 NETHERLANDS CROATIA 39 116 NORWAY CYPRUS 42 119 POLAND CZECH REPUBLIC 45 122 PORTUGAL DENMARK 48 125 ROMANIA ESTONIA 51 128 RUSSIA BirdLife Europe and Central Asia is a partnership of 48 national conservation organisations and a leader in bird conservation. Our unique local to global FAROE ISLANDS DENMARK 54 132 SERBIA approach enables us to deliver high impact and long term conservation for the beneit of nature and people. BirdLife Europe and Central Asia is one of FINLAND 56 135 SLOVAKIA the six regional secretariats that compose BirdLife International. Based in Brus- sels, it supports the European and Central Asian Partnership and is present FRANCE 60 138 SLOVENIA in 47 countries including all EU Member States. With more than 4,100 staf in Europe, two million members and tens of thousands of skilled volunteers, GEORGIA 64 141 SPAIN BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, together with its national partners, owns or manages more than 6,000 nature sites totaling 320,000 hectares. GERMANY 67 145 SWEDEN GIBRALTAR UNITED KINGDOM 71 148 SWITZERLAND GREECE 72 151 TURKEY GREENLAND DENMARK 76 155 UKRAINE HUNGARY 78 159 UNITED KINGDOM ICELAND 81 162 European population sizes and trends STICHTING BIRDLIFE EUROPE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION.
    [Show full text]
  • Hunters' Contribution to the Conservation of Threatened Species
    Hunters’ contribution to the Conservation of Threatened Species Examples from Europe where hunting positively influences the conservation of threatened species Hunters’ contribution to the Conservation of Threatened Species Examples from Europe where hunting positively influences the conservation of threatened species This report has been collated in cooperation with the FACE members. We extend our gratitute towards everyone that has helped to complete this report. April, 2017 © FACE - Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU Author: R.J.A. Enzerink (Conservation intern FACE) Contact: Rue F. Pelletier 82, Brussels T: +32 (0) 2 416 1620 / +32 (0) 2 732 6900 E: [email protected] Contents Introduction: Hunting and Conservation in Europe ...................................................................................... 4 Ireland ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Red grouse (Lagopus lagopus hibernicus) ................................................................................................. 5 UK .................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) .................................................................. 5 Grey partridge (Perdix perdix) ..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Species Og Birds of the Phasianidae and Numididae Families (Aves: Galliormes) from the Vivarium of the NMENH 53
    Sergiu PANĂ – Species og birds of the Phasianidae and Numididae families (Aves: Galliormes) from the vivarium of the NMENH 53 SPECIES OF BIRDS OF THE PHASIANIDAE AND NUMIDIDAE FAMILIES AVES: GALLIFORMES FROM THE VIVARIUM OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ETHNOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY. PART 1. PARTRIDGES, QUAILS, PEAFOWL AND GUINEAFOWL Sergiu PANĂ Rezumat Speciile de păsări din familiile Phasianidae şi Numididae (Aves: Galliformes) din Vivariul Muzeului Naţional de Etnografie şi Istorie Naturală. Partea 1. Potârnichi, prepeliţe, păuni şi bibilici. Articolul reprezintă un studiu descriptiv detaliat şi complex al unor specii de păsări din familiile Phasianidae şi Numididae (Aves: Galliformes), care se întâlnesc în cadrul Vivariului Muzeului Naţional de Etnografie şi Istorie Naturală, fiind descrise speciile din următoarele genuri: potârnichi, prepeliţe, păuni şi bibilici. Lucrarea se axează pe următoarele aspecte: denumiri sinonime, identificarea, descrierea speciei, variaţiile geografice, dimensiuni, habitat, comportament, înmulţire, distribuire şi statutul ecologic. Cuvinte cheie: Vivariu, potârnichi, prepeliţe, păuni, bibilici. Introduction Members of the Order Galliformes are found on every continent except Antarctica. The red junglefowl, common turkey and helmeted guineafowl have been domesticated for centuries. Their descendants, through selective breeding, are of considerable economic importance today. Some varieties are very plentiful in the wild, while others like the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and various pheasants are approaching a level of complete domestication. Many Galliformes are commonly maintained as game and food birds. Some are stable in captivity under variable ambient conditions, easy to breed and inexpensive. Other species are from niches with specific environmental requirements and need specialized diets, humidity and temperature ranges to survive [30]. Galliformes and humans have been closely associated throughout much of history.
    [Show full text]
  • Species No. 32: Rock Partridge Alectoris Graeca
    Key concepts of Article 7(4): Version 2008 Species no. 32: Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca Distribution: This European endemic partridge inhabits both low-altitude rocky steppes and mountainous open heaths and grasslands. It occurs in the Alps, the central and southern Apennines, Sicily and the Balkan Peninsula. Movements: It is sedentary, but is known to make some local movements between high altitude summer quarters and lower altitude wintering quarters. Population size and trends: The European breeding population numbers 40,000- 78,000 pairs with the largest population in Italy and Greece (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The EU 27 population is estimated at 20,000-38,000 pairs (BirdLife Int. 2004A, 2004B). Although certain populations-notably sizeable ones in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece were stable or increased during 1990-2000, the same species continued to decline across most of its European range and underwent a moderate decline (>10%) overall (BirdLife Int. 2004A). The main cause of decline in mountain areas is probably the loss, and change, of prime habitat associated with decreasing rural low-intensity activities. The development of the tourist industry has also led to habitat destruction and, by opening up remote areas, increased disturbance during the breeding season. In Mediterranean regions, the decline seems due to increased human impact, especially poaching and intensive hunting. Biological and behavioural aspects: Breeding: clutch size is 8-14 eggs (6-21, highest numbers perhaps by 2 females); incubation: 24-26 days; fledging period: capable of precocious flight at 7-10 days, independence of young c. 6 decades after hatching. Broods: 1 or 2, clutches sometimes laid a few days apart and second clutch incubated by the male.
    [Show full text]
  • Red Data Book of European Vertebrates : a Contribution to Action Theme N° 11 of the Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy, Final Draft
    Strasbourg, 5 July 2001 T-PVS (2001) 31 [Bern\T-PVS 2001\tpvs31e_2001] English only CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF EUROPEAN WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HABITATS Standing Committee Preliminary European Red List of Vertebrates Draft for comments - Volume 1 - Joint project between the Council of Europe and the European Environment Agency, based on WCMC draft from 1998. Co-ordinated by the European Topic Centre/Nature Conservation – Paris This document will not be distributed at the meeting. Please bring this copy. Ce document ne sera plus distribué en réunion. Prière de vous munir de cet exemplaire. T-PVS (2001) 31 - II - Comments should be sent to: European Topic Centre for Nature Protection and Biodiversity MNHN 57 rue Cuvier 75231 PARIS Cedex, France [email protected] - III - T-PVS (2001) 31 About this draft Red List This document is the result of a joint project between the European Environment Agency and the Council of Europe to develop a preliminary European Red List of Vertebrates. It is based on a first draft by WCMC in 1998. Except for Birds (Birdlife International, 1994), no assessment is yet available on the conservation status of Vertebrate species at European level, while Red Books exist at national level in almost all European countries. On the other hand, a global list of threatened species is published and maintained up-dated by IUCN according to well defined criteria (IUCN, 2000). The present assessment is a first attempt to identify the most threatened Vertebrates species at European level, building upon a first analysis of the list of globally threatened species present in Europe (WCMC, 1998) and taking into account the most recent available overviews on European species distribution provided by the various European atlas committees (European Bird Census Council; Societas Europaea Herpetologica, Societas Europea Mammalogica).
    [Show full text]
  • Order GALLIFORMES
    Text and images extracted from Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (editors) 1993. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds. Volume 2, Raptors to lapwings. Melbourne, Oxford University Press. Pages 321 , 357-358, 386-390; plate 30. Reproduced with the permission of Bird life Australia and Peter Marsack. Galliformes 321 Order GALLIFORMES Morphologically similar, though apparently genetically divergent, group of small to large terrestrial birds (though some species arboreal or partly so). Colloquially often referred to as 'gamebirds', because some of the most fa miliar pheasants, partridges and grouse are important quarry fo r shooters, or 'gallinaceous birds', because the Domestic Fowl is a characteristic species. Distributed world-wide (except Antarctica). Six (or seven) families, containing about 250 species in about 90 genera (or 283 species in 7 5ge nera; Sibley & Ahlquist 1990). Only two families occur naturally in HANZAB region: Megapodiidae (megapodes, scrubfowls and brush-turkeys ), with about 19 species in six genera, in A'asia, se. Asia, the Philippines and islands of sw. Pacific; and Phas ianidae (pheasants, partridges, O ld W orld and New World quail and allies) with about 160species in50orsogenera ( 189 in 46; Sibley&Ahlquist 1990) distributed inn. and s. America, Africa, Euras ia and Asia; only four species ofCotumix indigenous to A ust. and N Z, though many other species have been introduced. The other families are: Tetraonidae (grouse) with 17 species in about six genera, confined to n. hemisphere; Meleagrididae (turkeys) with two species in two genera, confined to North America, with one species introduced to Aust. and NZ; N umididae (guineafowl) with 6-7 species in four genera, confined to Africa, with one species introduced to Aust.
    [Show full text]