The Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi and five other galliforms in two protected areas in southern Vietnam

The Orange-necked Partridge Arborophila davidi was discovered in 1927 at Bu Kroai, Song Be Province in Vietnam (Delacour et al., 1928). Until 1991 it was considered to be extinct, when it was reported to have been seen very briefly on a site near Dac Lua, a substation of Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province (Eames et al., 1992). From February 1997 until the end of April 1997, a three-month survey of the Orangenecked Partridge was made in Cat Tien National Park and in the neighbouring Cat Loc Nature Reserve. The aim of this survey was to determine if the species was present and to gather data on its ecology and behaviour. The site near Dac Lua was searched and line transects were used to survey other areas systematically. Five other species of galliforms were also surveyed; Germain’s Peacockpheasant Polyplectron germaini, Scaly-breasted Partridge Arborophila chloropus, Siamese Fireback Lophura diardi, Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus and Green Peafowl Pavo muticus. The presence of the Orange-necked Partridge was established in an area of approximately 10 km2 in Cat Loc (up to 26 individuals) and at two sites in Cat Tien (two and five individuals). The Orange-necked Partridge appears to have a preference for slopes covered with bamboo and a thick litter layer. The species seems to tolerate some degree of habitat disturbance by man. Both Cat Tien and especially Cat Loc are under threat. Large areas of Cat Loc have been cleared of forest and the central government of Vietnam is encouraging the hill tribes that live there to start commercial cashew nut plantations. Particularly Cat Loc Nature Reserve needs to be better protected to secure the continued existence of the Orange-necked Partridge.