Defining the Present Range of the Orange-necked Partridge (Arborophila Davidi) in Vietnam

Abstract

The Orange-necked Partridge, Arborophila davidi, is limited to small fragmented patches in southern Vietnam and a small adjacent area in Cambodia. It was first discovered at Bu Kroai, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam, but not observed again by scientists until three sightings in 1991 on a small isolated hill at c.150–200 m near Dak Lua substation, Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai and Lam Dong provinces), followed by further sightings during surveys elsewhere in the park in 1997. The lack of historical data on the distribution of this species limits our ability to understand its relationships with other Arborophila species and the potential impacts on this species of human changes to forest ecosystems in the region. From 1997 to 2012, we completed 375 line transects and 220 point counts in forest patches surrounding Bu Kroai in order to identify the present distribution of Orange-necked Partridge. We found the species in seven sites comprising a total area of about 2,300 km2 , mostly at elevations of 80–400 m. Most of these sites were inside protected areas.