Justification This species is classified as Vulnerable because it is suspected to have suffered a rapid population decline over the last 10 years, based on the rate of forest destruction throughout its range, which is now highly fragmented. It is also heavily persecuted in some parts of its range. This decline is likely to continue in the future, and it is possible the species will disappear from all but a few protected areas. Effective protection is essential for the maximum number of sites where it still occurs.

Family/Sub-family Numididae

Species name author Bonaparte, 1850

Taxonomic source(s) Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 40-45 cm. Medium-sized, terrestrial bird with small head. Bare red head and upper neck. Pure white lower neck, breast and upper back. Rest of plumage black, finely vermiculated with white. Female similar to male but slightly smaller. Voice Low deep kok-kok, also loud, ringing, melodious call. Rather vocal, uttering dry ticking calls. Hints Occurs singly, in pairs or small groups, but more commonly in groups of 15-24 birds, constantly moving in search of food and occupying large territories.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

85,000

decreasing

69,000 km²

No

Range & population Agelastes meleagrides occurs in Sierra Leone (Gola Forest region only; the population has been put at c.5,700-8,700¹, although this was probably an over-estimate¹³), Liberia (population estimated at more than 10,000 in 1985⁵), Côte d'Ivoire (notably TaïNational Park, population estimated at 30,000-40,000 in 1990⁴ , and still abundant in 2001-02¹⁴; also Haute Dodo, where it is rare, and Cavally Forest Reserves, where it is fairly common¹⁴) and Ghana (population estimated at 1,000 birds, but these could be remnant populations that are not viable² and the species may have already been extirpated from small logged forests⁶ i.e. up to 100 km²). Its scarcity in Ghana is confirmed by a lack of records from surveys and interviews with local hunters in Draw River, Boi-Tano and Krokosua forest reserves in 2003¹⁴. In 1995, the total population was optimistically estimated at 85,000-115,000 individuals⁴. This estimate is very likely to exceed the population size in 2007¹⁴. Although recent observations suggest that the species is more tolerant of habitat degradation than previously thought, encounter rates for this widespread species appear to be lower than those in the late 1980s¹³, and ongoing logging and forest clearance for agriculture across the Upper Guinea region are believed to be driving declines¹⁴. However, this species is shy and difficult to observe, and may consequently be under-recorded¹².

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It inhabits the interior of primary rainforest with thin undergrowth¹⁰, preferring dry, closed-canopy forest in Taï Forest⁴, and has proved unable to adapt to the denser undergrowth of secondary forest^10,14, although it is reported to inhabit old secondary forest in Ghana⁶ and Gola, Sierra Leone^12,13. It has been recorded in logged primary forest¹, but the presence of undisturbed primary forest seems essential⁷. The species has also been recorded in cocoa plantations along the Kwadi river, south of Gola North¹². It feeds on insects, small molluscs, berries and fallen seeds of forest trees¹⁰. The breeding season is October-May, possibly year-round⁷. The species joins groups of sooty mangabeys Cercocebus atys and other terrestrial mammals to forage in Taï National Park¹⁴.

Threats Its habitat is rapidly receding and where it still occurs in large numbers it is heavily poached. During the recent conflict, forest in Côte d'Ivoire was logged illegally and opportunistically¹⁴. Logging and forest clearance for agriculture may increase in Liberia with the return of peace¹⁴. Increased hunting in logged areas may push the species beyond recovery at some sites^1,6. In Gola forest, the trapping of Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani using snares may be a threat to A. meleagrides¹². Interspecific competition with the larger G. pucherani may exclude the species from logged forest^4,5.

Conservation measures underway In Sierra Leone, the species is restricted to Gola Forest, which is now well-protected¹³. In Côte d'Ivoire, Taï National Park is one of the largest and best-preserved areas of Upper Guinea forest.

Conservation measures proposed In Liberia, conduct surveys and identify key sites⁸. In Ghana, carry out population surveys to ascertain its status⁶. Where possible, conduct education campaigns^7,14 in part to address hunting pressure⁷. In Taï National Park and Gola Forest, ensure that future studies include support for local people to contribute to research, management and tourism in and around the park^4,9. Promote community participation in conservation planning and other activities¹⁴. Enforce laws for protected areas¹⁴. Ensure de facto protection of protected areas in and around the Taï and Gola forests^9,14, such as Haute Dodo, Cavally, Goin-Debe and Nzo Fauna Reserve¹⁴.

References Keane et al. (unpubl. b). Collar and Stuart (1985). 1. Allport et al. (1989). 2. Allport (1991). 3. Fuller et al. (2000). 4. Gartshore et al. (1995). 5. Gatter (1997). 6. Holbech (1992, 1996). 7. Martinez (1994). 8. P. Robertson in litt. (1998). 9. H. S. Thompson in litt. (1999). 10. Urban et al. (1986). 11. RAP Cote d'Ivoire Expedition http://investigate.conservation.org/expeditions/cotedivoire/about.htm. 12. E. Klop in litt. (2007). 13. J. Lindsell in litt. (2007). 14. H. Rainey in litt. (2007).

Text account compilers Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), Aidan Keane (World Pheasant Association), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors Ron Demey, Mary E Gartshore (Bird Studies Canada), Erik Klop (Leiden University), Jeremy Lindsell (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Hugo Rainey (Wildlife Conservation Society), Pete Robertson (BirdLife International), Hazell Shokellu Thompson

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Agelastes meleagrides. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 9/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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