Lophura erythrophthalma

(Raffles, 1822)

Vernacular names
English : Malay crestless fireback
French : Faisan à queue rousse

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Galliformes
Family : Phasianidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 50 cm in length for a weight of 1,1 kg. Female entirely dark iridescent blue. Male dark iridescent blue on head and breast, wings grey with fine clear vermiculations. Red face wattle, tail bright orange for male.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-East Asia and is only found in Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra (Indonesia). Lives in lowland primary and old secondary closed-canopy forest, to 300 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is uncommon and its range is more and more fragmented because of deforestation. It has disappeared in most of its range and has recently been uplisted to Critically Endangered. A coordinated captive breeding program is being created by World Pheasant Association (WPA) in partnership with zoos, private breeder and a conservation breeding center in Indonesia.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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