Abstract
The present study consisted of the identification of Numididae and Phasianidae birds of the Bombo-Lumene Hunting Estate and Reserve with a view to a domestication trial of one or two of their species. It focuses on direct field observations and trapping of birds. The following parameters were targeted in relation to domestication: weight, size, diet of these birds. A total of 468 bird specimens were observed (105) and captured (363) in various habitats. Of the individuals captured, 31 or 8.5% were Numididae and 332 or 91.4% were Phasianidae. The identification revealed five (5) species, three (3) genera, two (2) families and a single order. The species Francolinus afer, Numida meleagris and Francolinus coqui are the richest with respectively 364 individuals, 58 individuals and 42 individuals. On the other hand, the species Guttera pucherani and Francolinus streptophorus are the least rich with three individuals and one individual respectively. As millet farming has already been successfully experimented elsewhere and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the results obtained from the targeted parameters indicate that among the species identified, only the species Guttera pucherani (Numididae) and Francolinus afer (Phasianidae) are eligible for a domestication trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Highlights
Population counts have gained considerable importance in ornithology in recent years; there is little ecological research that does not currently involve the use of accurate numerical data on avian population densities and their fluctuations in time and space [1].The knowledge of the numerical importance of populations, their composition and structure, and the carrying capacity of a given area requires counts and censuses of various types
Analysis of the results reveals that many Numididae and Phasianidae birds at the DCRBL were observed in treeless areas or open areas (36.1%), in food crop fields (27.6%), on the Bibale trail (18%), on the site (6.6%), on the Linzombi (5.7%) and Mua (3.8%) trails, and in the forest galleries (1.9%)
The birds of the Numididae family were the most numerous in terms of genera with 66.7% or two genera (Numida and Guttera) than the Phasianidae (33.3% or one genus: Francolinus). These results confirm the annual activity reports of the protected area and the results obtained by Mbenzo [3]; [5]; [12]; [13] which indicate the presence of Numididae and Phasianidae birds in the DCRBL
Summary
Population counts have gained considerable importance in ornithology in recent years; there is little ecological research that does not currently involve the use of accurate numerical data on avian population densities and their fluctuations in time and space [1]. The knowledge of the numerical importance of populations, their composition and structure, and the carrying capacity of a given area requires counts and censuses of various types. The preservation of birds, which has become so worrying all over the world, requires the most precise possible evaluation of the numbers of threatened species, and most of them are threatened in some way, all the more useful as these data are always largely overestimated. The same is true for maintaining game bird populations at as high a level as possible, taking into account the habitat [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
