Argusianus argus grayi

(Elliot, 1865)

Vernacular names

English : Great argus
French : Argus géant

Classification

Class : Aves
Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification

Adults reach a length of 70 cm and males have a huge tail growing to 1.30 m. Small head with black feathers and blue skin. Plumage rufous-brown, wings with rows of ocelli, two very long grey tail feathers. Subspecies with redder breast.

Range and habitat

This subspecies is endemic to Borneo. The other subspecies occurs from south Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra. Lives in primary and tall secondary forest, riverine forests, up to 1300 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species remains common in suitable habitat but has declined in many places to near extinction because of deforestation.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation