Species

Justification
This species has a disjunct distribution in lowland forest where logging is rapid and on-going, and trapping pressure is prevalent. It is likely to be undergoing a moderately rapid population reduction and is consequently classified as Near Threatened.

Taxonomic source(s)
Sibley, C. G.; Monroe, B. L. 1990. Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.

Identification
26-32 cm. Boldly-marked partridge with chestnut collar and ear-patch. A. c. tonkinensis has narrower chestnut collar and smaller, pale chestnut ear-patch. Similar spp. From Bar-backed Partridge A. brunneopectus by plainer upperside, heavy black breast markings, reddish bill with greenish tip, greenish to yellowish-green legs and distinctive ear-patch and collar. From extralimital Scaly-breasted and Annam Partridges A. merlini by chestnut ear-patch and collar. Voice Similar to Scaly-breasted (see Annam).

Distribution and population
Arborophila charltoni has a disjunct, mainly Sundaic distribution ranging (race charltoni) from southern Myanmar and southern Thailand into Peninsular Malaysia, and is present (race atjenensis) in two isolated areas (Aceh and South Sumatra) of Sumatra, Indonesia, and occupies a wide area of Sabah (Borneo), Malaysia (race graydoni) (BirdLife International 2001). An outlying population (race tonkinensis, formerly treated under Green-legged Hill-partridge A. chloropus) occurs in east Tonkin and north Annam, Vietnam. Estimates of numbers are of possibly under 10,000 (100-10,000) (charltoni), 10-100 (atjenensis), 100 (graydoni), with tonkinensis locally quite common and in three protected areas. Graydoni is now known to be quite common in Danum Valley, Sabah.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as very rare in Sumatra and almost extinct in Thailand. The nominate race is thought to number 1,000 individuals (del Hoyo et al. 1994).

Trend justification
There are no data on population trends; however, habitat loss and degradation, in combination with trapping pressure, are suspected to be driving a moderately rapid decline.

Ecology
This species inhabits lowland forest to 500 m. It is noted to be scarcer in logged forest.

Threats
Forest destruction in the Sundaic lowlands of Indonesia and Malaysia has been extensive (Kalimantan lost nearly 25% of its evergreen forest during 1985-1997, and Sumatra lost almost 30% of its 1985 cover), because of a variety of factors, including the escalation of logging and land conversion, with deliberate targeting of all remaining stands of valuable timber including those inside protected areas, plus forest fires (particularly in 1997-1998). Declines caused by habitat loss are compounded by trapping for the cage-bird trade. However, the species's use of secondary growth and higher elevations implies that it is not immediately threatened.

Conservation actions underway
None is known.

Conservation actions proposed
Survey to assess the size of all sub-populations. Monitor trends in all sub-populations. Research the species's tolerance of logged forest. Protect large areas of primary and old secondary forest within its range.

References
BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. BirdLife International, Cambridge, U.K.

Further web sources of information
Detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001).

Hear sounds for this species from xeno-canto, the community database of shared bird sounds from around the world.

View photos and videos, and hear sounds of this species from the Internet Bird Collection

Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Mahood, S., Taylor, J.

IUCN Red List evaluators
Butchart, S., Symes, A.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Arborophila charltonii. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 19/06/2013. Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2013) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 19/06/2013.

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.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife

To contribute to discussions on the evaluation of the IUCN Red List status of Globally Threatened Birds, please visit BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums.

Additional resources for this species

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