The forests of Tanzania are home to hundreds of endemic animal species – those found no where else in the world. If we are to ensure the existence of these unique species we must protect their remaining habitat – something ARC has been doing for over twenty years. Every Wednesday, we will profile a different endemic species to give a peak into the amazing wildlife you can find in Tanzania’s forests.
Our past features include: The Kipunji Monkey, Lesser Bush Baby, Red Colobus Monkey, Grey Faced Elephant Shrew, and Pemba Flying Fox. Today, we introduce you to the Udzungwa Forest Partridge.
Range
The Udzungwa Forest Partridge (Xenoperdix udzungwensis) has only two known populations which are found only in the Udzungwa highlands and Rubeho Mountains of Tanzania. There is no evidence that there is gene flow between the two populations. This species is listed as endangered by the IUCN Redlist with an estimated 3,000-4,000 individuals remaining.
Description
This bird was discovered by scientists in 1991 when strange feet were noticed in the cooking pot of a forest camp in Tanzania. Shortly there after a snare was able to trap one of these unusual animals for the scientists to observe and declare as a new species. It dwells in montane and submontane evergreen forest usually on the flat areas of ridges and steep rocky slopes. It travels in feeding groups of around 3-13 individuals and feeds on seeds, insects, ants and other invertebrates. They can be heard most notably in the mornings of their mating season when they release soft, low-pitched calls. They can also be heard giving off whistle-like, explosive distress calls. A recording of their calls can be heard here. Breeding begins when the rains begin to come around November. Females roost in trees about 4-8 meters above the ground with groups of over 10 individuals. Baby chicks are usually observed in the period from November to January and juveniles can be observed most of the year.
Threats and Solutions
This species is especially susceptible to death by traps and snares, as many locals hunt them for food. Habitat loss makes hunting more intense as humans come in to contact with this animal more frequently. Highland forests habitat has been hit especially hard by human-induced fires that can spread to large areas. Population expansion is driving the increased demand for agriculture, which is fueling deforestation in the region. Thankfully, part of the Udzungwa Forest Partridge’s habitat lies within two wildlife reserves, the Kilombero Nature Reserve and Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Protection of the area, along with community outreach programs are helping to ensure the future survival of this unique animal. Despite these measures hunting, logging, and forest fires do still occur in these areas, and better management and outreach practices are needed. But human survival and wildlife conservation do have to be at odds. ARC’s field partner the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group is empowering community members of the Rubeho Mountains, where some of these partridges call home, to implement an environmental action plan for a more sustainable future. These plans include participatory forest management, community development, and environmental education. .
Sources:
ARKive
IUCN
TFCG
Xeno-Canto
Leave A Comment