This species is only found in Hainan Island, and is listed as vulnerable. Individuals were recorded at several sites. |
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Hainan hill partridge
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The Hainan Hill Partridge Arborophila ardens, which is listed as Vulnerable (Fuller et al. 2000), is only found on the island of Hainan, off the south coast of China. Previous work on the species showed that it is restricted to primary tropical evergreen forest (Gao Yuren 1991, 1998; Gao Yuren et al. 2000). From November 2002 to June 2003, we undertook a number of surveys of the species and found several important sites (Figure 2).
Nanweiling Forest, a historical habitat for Hainan Hill Partridge, is located in the northwest of Tunchang County. A total of 9 birds were recorded in this area during our survey. The Forest Department of Hainan Province has decided to upgrade Nanweiling forest to a provincial Nature Reserve.
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Figure 2: Forests surveyed
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Wanling Forest, located in Qiongzhong county, central Hainan, 2 birds were recorded.
Nanmaoling Forest, located in Qiongzhong county, central Hainan, more than 15 birds were recorded. Illegal hunting in this area was very severe.
Yinggeling Forest, located in Nankai county, western Hainan, at least 12 birds were recorded during 3 days of surveys. This area contains primary forest in good condition. A provincial NR will be established creating the largest NR in Hainan.
Limushan National Forest Park, located in Qiongzhong county, central Hainan, 13 birds were recorded.
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Forest habitat
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Mihouling Forest, located in Ledong county, western Hainan, 17 birds were recorded.
Baimaling Forest, located in Qiongzhong county, central Hainan, 2 birds were recorded.
Baomeiling Forest, located in Changjiang and Baisha county, western Hainan, 5 birds were recorded.
Fengmu Forest, in Tunchang county, central Hainan, 2 birds were recorded.
All these forests areas will be designated as Nature Reserves over the next two years.
This work was funded by the Hainan Education Department, Rufford Foundation, WWF-China and Hainan Province Key Displine in Ecology. We thank the Forest Department of Hainan Province for their support.
AUTHORS
Liang Wei. Department of Biology, Hainan Normal University, Hainan Province Education Centre of Ecology & Environment, Haikou 571158, Hainan Province, P.R.China. (Email: liangwei@hainnu.edu.cn)
Wang Wenyi. Datian National NatureReserve, Dongfang county 572600, Hainan Province, P.R.China.
SuWenba. Forest Department of Hainan Province, Haikou 570203, Hainan Province, P.R.China.
Li Shining. Diaoluoshan Nature Reserve, Lingshui county 573433, Hainan Province, P.R.China.
This article was published in PQF News, Newsletter of the WPA/BirdLife/Species Survival Commission Partridge, Quail, and Francolin Specialist Group, issue 19, October 2003 (link to website below).
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Author:
N Chappaz (OEP auth. reprod.)
Creation/last update: 28 April 2004 Other recommended resources: . . . . . . . . . . . . Recommended websites or webpages : PQF News - Newsletter of the WPA/BirdLife/Species Survival Commission Partridge, Quail, and Francolin Specialist Group |
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