Habitat preference of Great Argus Pheasant (Argusianus argus) in Kayan Mentarang National Park, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Habitat preference and abundance of the Great Argus Pheasant was studied over a ten week period in the lowland forests of the Kayan Mentarang National Park, in the remote interior of Indonesian Borneo. Repeat line transect surveys, counting the number of vocalising males, were conducted in four different habitat types. Argus Pheasants were found to be most common in primary forest, and progressively less common in old and young secondary forests. Numbers of calling males were lowest in riverine forest. Argus Pheasant densities were positively correlated with a number of transect characteristics, viz. increasing tree diameter, tree height, height of the first bough and canopy cover, and with increasing remoteness. Dancing grounds were invariably located on ridges. The conservation status of the species on Borneo is briefly discussed. The Great Argus Pheasant is still widespread but thinly spread. The rapid rate of lowland forest clearance, fragmentation of once continuous habitat and increasing hunting pressure owing to increasing accessibility may become serious threats in the near future.