Polyplectron malacense

(Scopoli, 1786)

Vernacular names
English : Malayan peacock-pheasant
French : Éperonnier de Malaisie

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

Identification
The species can reach 53 cm for a weight of 680 g. Female smaller, duller and crestless. Male with long forward pointing bushy electric green crest. Plumage dark grey-brown with black-edged iridescent green ocelli on flanks and tail.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-East Asia, only in extreme south Thailand (south of Isthmus of Kra) and most of Peninsular Malaysia. Lives in primary evergreen forests with dense understorey, often near streams.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a very small fragmented range and suffers greatly from habitat loss. Known from 5 protected locations.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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