Researchers successfully breed Argus Pheasant

Thai scientists have successfully bred the Argus Pheasant, one of the rare species found in Thailand. The success has been hailed as a major step in preserving the endangered species.

It is not easy to see the Argus Pheasant spread its spectacular peacock-like tail-feathers. The brown-plumaged pheasant with a small blue head and black feathers on the crown and nape can be found only in the jungles of the Malay peninsula in Southeast Asia, including the south of Thailand. The largest pheasant can be up to 2 metre in length.

Due to habitat loss and human hunting, the population of the Argus Pheasant has decreased dramatically, so much so the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES lists it as an endangered species.

Researchers at the Wildlife Breeding Research Station in Kao Soi Dao in Chanthaburi province have spent nearly 20 years breeding the species, of which there are less than 100 in Thai forests. The breeding efforts have produced 50 Argus Pheasants from a pair of breeders, although the researchers admit it’s not an easy task.

"The Argus Pheasant naturally breeds only once a year, during winter and the early summer. So we have to give them special care and feed them good food to make them healthy and ready for breeding," said Kao Soi Dao’s Wildlife Breeding Research Station chief Sornchai Sangkalert.

Another obstacle is the females can lay only two eggs in each breeding. Sometimes the eggs do not have a chance to hatch as they are eaten by their mother.

"Once the female Great Argus lays two eggs, we have to separate the eggs from their mother and use female hens or an incubator to help brood the eggs. And if we take good care of the mother, some 20 days later, they lay another pair of eggs," said Sornchai.

Although such a method helps the females produce up to five pairs of eggs each breeding season, compared to only one pair through natural breeding, researchers believe what they have achieved so far is not enough to preserve the endangered species. Concerned authorities need to take action seriously to protect the rare bird, otherwise, the Argus Pheasant will be seen only in pictures in the near future. (TNA)

Features : Last Update : 08:48:49 8 January 2009 (GMT+7:00)