Argusianus argus argus

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Great argus
French : Argus géant

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

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

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from south Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra. The other subspecies is endemic to Borneo. 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

 

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