Afropavo Research Articles

Peafowl Production

Peafowl is a common name of three species of the Phasianidae family. It is known as a sacred bird in many Asian countries and India that is the homeland of the peafowl. They live in groups and prefer cultivated areas and forests where they can find more food in nature. They feed on cereal grains, insects, fruits, leaves, seeds. It has a strong structure and adapts very well to different climates. Because of this feature can be produced anywhere in the world. There are commonly known three different types of peafowl. Blue (Indian) Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) and Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congoensis). The most recognizable species of them is the Indian Peafowl. Peafowl has always been the center of attention with its striking, bright and eye-catching colors on its body and long tail, and it is natural wonders. Therefore, they are especially indispensable members of zoos and ornamental gardens. Although peafowl are usually produced for their beautiful appearance, their meat is also very tasty and beneficial. This article is prepared to give brief information about peafowl.

Drawn out of the shadows: Surveying secretive forest species with camera trap distance sampling

Abstract With animal species disappearing at unprecedented rates, we need an efficient monitoring method providing reliable estimates of population density and abundance, critical for the assessment of population status and trend. We deployed 160 camera traps (CTs) systematically over 743 locations covering 17,127 km2 of evergreen lowland rainforest of Salonga National Park, block South, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We evaluated the applicability of CT distance sampling (CTDS) to species different in size and behaviour. To improve precision of estimates, we evaluated two methods estimating species' availability (‘A’) for detection by CTs. We recorded 16,700 video clips, revealing 43 different animal taxa. We estimated densities of 14 species differing in physical, behavioural and ecological traits, and extracted species‐specific availability from available video footage using two methods (a) ‘ACa’ (Cappelle et al. [2019] Am. J. Primatol., 81, e22962) and (b) ‘ARo’ (Rowcliffe et al. [2014] Methods Ecol. Evol. 5, 1170). With sample sizes being large enough, we found minor differences between ACa and ARo in estimated densities. In contrast, low detectability and reactivity to the camera were main sources of bias. CTDS proved efficient for estimating density of homogenously rather than patchily distributed species. Synthesis and applications. Our application of camera trap distance sampling (CTDS) to a diverse vertebrate community demonstrates the enormous potential of this methodology for surveys of terrestrial wildlife, allowing rapid assessments of species' status and trends that can translate into effective conservation strategies. By providing the first estimates of understudied species such as the Congo peafowl, the giant ground pangolin and the cusimanses, CTDS may be used as a tool to revise these species' conservation status in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Based on the constraints we encountered, we identify improvements to the current application, enhancing the general applicability of this method.

Structure and homology ofPsittacosaurustail bristles

AbstractWe examined bristle‐like appendages on the tail of the Early Cretaceous basal ceratopsian dinosaurPsittacosauruswith laser‐stimulated fluorescence imaging. Our study reveals previously unknown details of these structures and confirms their identification as integumentary appendages. For the first time, we show that most bristles appear to be arranged in bundles and that they exhibit a pulp that widens towards the bristle base. We consider it likely that the psittacosaur bristles are structurally and developmentally homologous to similar filamentous appendages of other dinosaurs, namely the basal heterodontosauridTianyulongand the basal therizinosauroid theropodBeipiaosaurus, and attribute the greater robustness of the bristles ofPsittacosaurusto a higher degree of cornification and calcification of its integument (both skin and bristles). Although the psittacosaur bristles are probably homologous with avian feathers in their origin from discrete cell populations, it is uncertain whether they developed from a follicle, one of the developmental hallmarks of true feathers. In particular, we note a striking resemblance between the psittacosaur bristles and the cornified spine on the head of the horned screamer,Anhima cornuta, an extant anseriform bird. Similar, albeit thinner keratinous filaments of extant birds are the ‘beard’ of the turkey,Meleagris gallopavo, and the crown of the Congo peafowl,Afropavo congensis. All of these structures of extant birds are distinct from true feathers, and because at least the turkey beard does not develop from follicles, detailed future studies of their development would be invaluable towards deepening our understanding of dinosaur filamentous integumentary structures.

Conservation priority of global Galliformes species based on phylogenetic diversity

In this study, based on phylogenetic diversity (PD), I develop a conservation strategy for Galliformes species around the world. A cladogram of 197 Galliformes species derived from a previous study was used for calculating PD metrics. Branch length is an important aspect of the phylogenetic information a tree can convey, but 2 traditionally-used metrics, the number of phylogenetic groups to which a taxon belongs (I) and the proportion that each taxon contributes to the total diversity of the group (W), are fully node-based and do not take branch length into account. Therefore, to measure PD more appropriately, I combined a branch-related metric, pendant edge (P), in addition to I and W. A final combined rank for Galliformes species was obtained by summing the ranks of the 3 metrics. My results showed that the 5% top priority species for conserving evolutionary potential were Galloperdix lunulata, Haematortyx sanguiniceps, Margaroperdix madagarensis, Syrmaticus soemmerringii, Coturnix pectoralis, Polyplectron napoleonis, Alectoris melanocephala, Xenoperdix udzungwensis, Afropavo congensis and Syrmaticus reevesii. The current species priority ranking based on pylogenetic diversity and the official International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ranking of Galliformes species was significantly correlated when considering the 5 categories of IUCN (critical endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened and least concern). This indicated the feasibility of introducing the PD index into the network of IUCN regional Red List assessment. The 5% top priority countries selected using the complementarity principle possessing diversified Galliformes genetic resources were China, Indonesia, Mexico, India, Colombia, Australia, Brazil, Angola, Congo and Japan (in descending order). China, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, India and Colombia are consistently selected among the 4 top priority sets of richness, rarity, endemicity and PD. This result indicated that the priority result from PD is highly congruent with conventional measures. Along with other conventional ecological attributes, the alternative conservation scenario based on PD is reasonable and can be adopted in systematic conservation planning.

A Novel Herpesvirus in 3 Species of Pheasants: Mountain Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum), Malayan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense), and Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis)

The mountain peacock pheasant (Polyplectron inopinatum), the Malayan peacock pheasant (Polyplectron malacense), and the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis) are all listed as vulnerable to extinction under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Here the authors report fatal infection with a novel herpesvirus in all 3 species of birds. DNA was extracted from the livers of birds with hepatocellular necrosis and intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions consistent with herpesvirus infection. Based on degenerate herpesvirus primers and polymerase chain reaction, 220- and 519-base pair products of the herpes DNA polymerase and DNA terminase genes, respectively, were amplified. Sequence analysis revealed that all birds were likely infected with the same virus. At the nucleotide level, the pheasant herpesvirus had 92% identity with gallid herpesvirus 3 and 77.7% identity with gallid herpesvirus 2. At the amino acid level, the herpes virus had 93.8% identity with gallid herpesvirus 3 and 89.4% identity with gallid herpesvirus 2. These findings indicate that the closest relative to this novel herpesvirus is gallid herpesvirus 3, a nonpathogenic virus used widely in a vaccine against Marek's disease. In situ hybridization using probes specific to the peacock pheasant herpesvirus DNA polymerase revealed strong intranuclear staining in the necrotic liver lesions of an infected Malayan peacock pheasant but no staining in normal liver from an uninfected bird. The phasianid herpesvirus reported here is a novel member of the genus Mardivirus of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and is distinct from other galliform herpesviruses.

Congo Peafowl use both primary and regenerating forest in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

The Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis is a little-known species endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. A central question in assessing its conservation status is the degree to which it uses secondary forest. Here, we measure relative use of two contiguous forest blocks in Salonga National Park, one patch of primary forest and another of secondary forest that has been regenerating for over 30 years. We searched for Congo Peafowl using systematic surveys along a transect grid, and exhaustive searching of smaller subsections of habitat for secondary signs of peafowl presence (feathers and droppings). Detections of secondary signs of peafowl presence were significantly more frequent in secondary than in primary forest, and 19 of the 31 sightings of birds were in secondary forest. Microhabitats used by the birds differed between forest types, with those in secondary forest being closer to the nearest watercourse, having fewer large trees, and lower plant species richness. In addition, fewer taxonomic groups were found in peafowl droppings collected in secondary forest. Overall, our results demonstrate that old regenerating forest is heavily used by Congo Peafowl at least in this area. Secondary habitats must therefore be considered when planning for the conservation of this species, particularly where regenerating forest fragments might connect larger blocks of habitat.

Is there evidence for a Congo peafowl (<i>Afropavo congensis</i>) in the Middle Stone Age of South Africa? – Comments on Stidham (2008)

1 gave two characteristics for distinguishing the fossil from guineafowl (Numididae) - 'rounded ventral expansion' of the bicipital crest and the lack of a 'raised area adjacent to the capital incisure'. When a large set of guineafowl specimens representing all modern species as well as Afropavo congensis is considered, both characters turn out to be highly variable within species, and thus unsuitable for identifying the fossil. Hence, the Plovers Lake specimen cannot be distinguished from that of Numididae based on its few discernible morphological features. The assignment of the fossil to modern Congo peafowl would then rely on size, but not on discrete characters. We found that the proximal end of the humerus of helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and vulturine guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum) is similar in size to that of the fossil specimen as well as of the Congo peafowl (Table 1). Stidham 1 himself vaguely stated that the fossil is 'in the size range of a guineafowl or a peacock' without mentioning which guineafowl species were considered. Furthermore, in comparisons with our own measure- ments, the dimensions given for the thickness of the humeral head by Stidham 1 appear to be too large relative to the proximal width of the humerus. 4 1 Because this species is now restricted to rainforests in the Congo Basin, it was concluded that the fossil indicates forested, or even rainforest, habitats in the vicinity of Plovers Lake Cave during the Pleistocene. 1 The correct identification of the fossil specimen is, however, questionable, and the hypothesis of densely forested areas in this area 71 000 years ago is at odds with manifold evidence that grass- lands and open woodlands predominated the palaeoenvironment in Pleistocene southern Africa. : Afropavo, Plovers Lake, Middle Stone Age, Pleisto- cene, rainforest, climate change

The first fossil of the Congo peafowl (Galliformes: Afropavo)

A fossil from the Middle Stone Age internal deposits of Plovers Lake Cave in the Sterkfontein Valley, Gauteng province, South Africa, is the first fossil specimen that can be allocated to the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis), a species that is currently endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. The fossil greatly extends the known geographic range of this rainforest taxon and suggests the presence of forested or even rainforest habitats near Plovers Lake Cave during the Middle Stone Age when the fossil was deposited. The presence of this central African taxon in South Africa implies that either its geographic range expanded during a period of climate change during the late Pleistocene or that its currently restricted distribution is a relict of a more extensive past distribution across a larger part of Africa.

Serological response to vaccination against avian influenza in zoo-birds using an inactivated H5N9 vaccine

Five hundred and forty birds in three zoos were vaccinated twice against avian influenza with a 6-week interval using an inactivated H5N9 vaccine. Serological response was evaluated by hemagglutination inhibition test 4–6 weeks following the second vaccine administration. 84% of the birds seroconverted, and 76% developed a titre ≥32. The geometric mean titre after vaccination was 137. A significant species variation in response was noted; penguins, pelicans, ducks, geese, herons, Guinea fowl, cranes, cockatiels, lovebirds, and barbets showed very poor response to vaccination, while very high titres and seroconversion rates were seen in flamingos, ibis, rheas, Congo peafowl, black-winged stilts, amazon parrots, and kookaburras.

Waves of genomic hitchhikers shed light on the evolution of gamebirds (Aves: Galliformes).

BackgroundThe phylogenetic tree of Galliformes (gamebirds, including megapodes, currassows, guinea fowl, New and Old World quails, chicken, pheasants, grouse, and turkeys) has been considerably remodeled over the last decades as new data and analytical methods became available. Analyzing presence/absence patterns of retroposed elements avoids the problems of homoplastic characters inherent in other methodologies. In gamebirds, chicken repeats 1 (CR1) are the most prevalent retroposed elements, but little is known about the activity of their various subtypes over time. Ascertaining the fixation patterns of CR1 elements would help unravel the phylogeny of gamebirds and other poorly resolved avian clades.ResultsWe analyzed 1,978 nested CR1 elements and developed a multidimensional approach taking advantage of their transposition in transposition character (TinT) to characterize the fixation patterns of all 22 known chicken CR1 subtypes. The presence/absence patterns of those elements that were active at different periods of gamebird evolution provided evidence for a clade (Cracidae + (Numididae + (Odontophoridae + Phasianidae))) not including Megapodiidae; and for Rollulus as the sister taxon of the other analyzed Phasianidae. Genomic trace sequences of the turkey genome further demonstrated that the endangered African Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) is the sister taxon of the Asian Peafowl (Pavo), rejecting other predominantly morphology-based groupings, and that phasianids are monophyletic, including the sister taxa Tetraoninae and Meleagridinae.ConclusionThe TinT information concerning relative fixation times of CR1 subtypes enabled us to efficiently investigate gamebird phylogeny and to reconstruct an unambiguous tree topology. This method should provide a useful tool for investigations in other taxonomic groups as well.

A survey of bonobos and other large mammals in the Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

AbstractIn December 1997 and January 1998 we travelled to the northern section of the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is the largest African rain forest reserve, and was created in 1970 to protect endemic species such as the bonobo Pan paniscus and the Congo peacock Afropavo congensis. However, hardly any data exist on the status of animals in the park. In order to collect basic information, we set up camp at four sites along two rivers, where we followed long trails deep into the forest. A total of 7.5 km line transects were cut from three sites, along which all evidence of large mammals was recorded. Our data indicate that key forest species, including bonobo, bongo Tragelaphus euryceros, black mangabey Lophocebus alterimus and leopard Panthera pardus, are present in reasonable numbers in the part of the park we explored. Bonobo density was calculated at 1.15 animals per sq km, based on nest counts. Some elephants Loxodonta africana survive, despite the enormous hunting pressure. Conservation measures to protect the animals need to be taken urgently.

A survey of bonobos and other large mammals in the Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

In December 1997 and January 1998 we travelled to the northern section of the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is the largest African rain forest reserve, and was created in 1970 to protect endemic species such as the bonobo Pan paniscus and the Congo peacock Afropavo congensis. However, hardly any data exist on the status of animals in the park. In order to collect basic information, we set up camp at four sites along two rivers, where we followed long trails deep into the forest. A total of 7.5 km line transects were cut from three sites, along which all evidence of large mammals was recorded. Our data indicate that key forest species, including bonobo, bongo Tragelaphus euryceros, black mangabey Lophocebus alterimus and leopard Panthera pardus, are present in reasonable numbers in the part of the park we explored. Bonobo density was calculated at 1.15 animals per sq km, based on nest counts. Some elephants Loxodonta africana survive, despite the enormous hunting pressure. Conservation measures to protect the animals need to be taken urgently.

Distribution and conservation status of Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis in eastern Zaire

summaryBetween 1993 and 1995 the occurrence and status of Congo Peafowl Afropavo congensis were assessed at 89 sites in eastern Zaire based on interviews with local hunters (114 locations) and forest surveys (24 locations). The survey region covered approximately 125,000 km2 and was bounded by the Lomami River (24° 30′) to the west, the Albertine Rift Highlands (29°) to the east, the Aruwimi River (20° 30′) to the north and the Kahuzi Biega Park (3° S) to the south. Congo Peafowl have been extirpated or were only doubtfully present at 16 of 65 sites where survey coverage was adequate and where the species was reported to have occurred in the past. Occurrence of the species was confirmed or probable at the remaining 49 sites. Congo Peafowl were reported as locally common (> five reported encounters since 1990) at only 12 sites. We observed or heard peafowl at five sites. A single nest was found which contained two eggs. Observations on group size and habitat associations were also made. Congo Peafowl were considered to be seriously threatened at 19 of the 65 sites. Captures in snares set for small mammals and antelope are a major threat to Congo Peafowl throughout most of the survey region. Mining, shifting cultivation and logging leading to habitat loss were significant threats in several locations. Congo Peafowl appear to have disappeared from several sites where human activity was frequent, but habitat loss was not extensive. The mass movements of Rwandan refugees into eastern Zaire, which began in 1994, pose, a threat to Congo Peafowl in a number of areas. Conservation of the Congo Peafowl in eastern Zaire is best assured in the Maiko National Park where the species appears to be locally common. Further surveys within the Congo Peafowl's range in central Zaire, and study of the behaviour and ecological needs of the species are recommended.

Resolution of the phylogenetic position of the Congo peafowl, Afropavo congensis: a biogeographic and evolutionary enigma.

Afropavo congensis, the Congo peafowl, has long fascinated ornithologists because of its uncertain phylogenetic position and unusual geographic distribution. While some researchers have placed Afropavo as a sister taxon to the true peafowl, Pavo species, others have suggested relationships with the guineafowl or an Old World partridge, Francolinus. These divergent opinions are due, at least in part, to (i) the unique morphological characteristics, lack of elaborate ornamentation, and monogamous mating system in Afropavo which differentiates it from Pavo; and (ii) the restricted distribution of Afropavo in Zaire, which is far removed from the Asian distribution of all other pheasant species. We obtained complete cytochrome b and partial D-loop sequences of Afropavo and compared them to Pavo, guineafowl, Francolinus and other galliform taxa. Our results strongly support a close relationship between Afropavo and Pavo, and we were able to reject alternative phylogenetic hypotheses. Molecular clock estimates of the divergence time place the separation of Afropavo and Pavo in the late Miocene. We also discuss other relatives of Afropavo and Pavo and use this information to propose hypotheses regarding the evolution of ornamentation and sexual dimorphism within this group of pheasants.

Somatic Chromosomes of the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) and Their Bearing on the Species' Affinities

-The Congo Peafowl has an estimated diploid chromosome number of 76: nine pairs of macrochromosomes and approximately 29 pairs of microchromosomes. As far as the macrochromosomes are concerned, the karyotype closely resembles that of the Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and differs progressively more from those of guineafowl, domestic chicken, and various other gallinaceous birds. This evidence supports Chapin's view that Afropavo and Pavo are more closely related to each other than to any of the other galliform species. Karyotypic evolution within the order is discussed. Since its remarkable discovery by James Chapin, the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) and its taxonomic affinities have been much discussed. Chapin (1936, 1937) believed the species to be most closely related to the Asiatic peafowl (Pavo), as is expressed in its generic name. His view that Afropavo represented an unspecialized, generalized or primitive peacock was adopted by Lowe (1938) on the basis of the latter's anatomical studies of the skeleton. Verheyen (1956), however, concluded that it was more closely related to African guinea fowl (Numididae), while Ghigi (1949) suggested affinities with the Himalayan Monal Pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus). Studies on the soluble proteins of the eye lens and of the skeletal, heart, and stomach muscles by Gysels and Rabaye (1962) and studies on the hind limb musculature by Hulselmans (1962) pointed to a rather isolated position for the Congo Peafowl. These authors recommended that this species be placed in a monotypic subfamily Afropavoninae of Phasianidae, remotely allied to Pavo. Finally, Benoit's (1962) work on Mallophaga showed the presence of ectoparasites on Afropavo that are related to those of the African guineafowl, as well as species related to those of the Asiatic phasianids. In view of this taxonomic uncertainty, we readily accepted the opportunity to study the chromosomes of this species, which was offered by the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp. We describe here the chromosome complement of the Congo Peafowl and discuss its taxonomic implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two Congo Peafowls, a cock and a hen, from the breeding stock of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp were made available for chromosome studies, Heparinized blood was aseptically drawn from the main brachial vein (V. basilica) and full-blood cultures were prepared according to techniques described by De Boer (1974, 1976). Pokeweed mitogen (PKW, Gibco 670-5360) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA, Difco, 0528-56) were used as mitotic stimulators to induce cell division in lymphocytes. Cultures were harvested after three days of incubation at 400C and 1.5 h of incubation in the presence of colchicine (0.0001% final concentration) as a metaphase arresting agent. Slides were prepared using the flame-drying technique and chromosomes were stained with acetic orcein (2%) and photographed using phase-contrast microscopy. Arm ratios of individual chromosomes were calculated by dividing the length of the long chromosome arm by that of the short arm. In accordance with Levan et al. (1964), chromosomes with arm ratios between 1.0 and 1.6 are designated as metacentric, those with arm ratios between 1.6 and 3.0 as submetacentric and those with higher arm ratios as (sub)telocentric.

Neoheterakis chapini n.g., n.sp. (Nematoda: Heterakoidea) from Afropavo congensis Chapin, 1936.

AbstractNeoheterakis chapini n.g., n.sp. (Nematoda: Heterakoidea) is described from the caecum of a Congopeacock Afropavo congensis Chapin, 1936. The diagnostic features of the subfamily Spinaspidoderinae are extended to accomodate the new genus.

Breeding the Congo Peacock

The discovery of the Congo Peacock (Afropavo congensis CHAPIN) is one of the most recent in ornithology. Certainly it is the most famous one. The history of the discovery has been described by CHAPIN in detail (5, 6). The first living specimens exported from Kongo reached the United States June 1949. CHARLES CORDIER told the story of this remarkable transport and of the painstaking work which he undertook to secure these first specimens (7, 8).

Acquisitions at the British Museum (Natural History)

THROUGH the kindness of the Rev. T. H. Wilson, of Inkongo in the Sankuru district of the Congo, the Museum has received a female specimen of the recently discovered peacock-like bird, Afropavo congensis. This bird was first discovered by Dr. James P. Chapin, of the American Museum of Natural History, New York, in 1936, who found two mounted examples in the Ethnological Department of the Tervueren Museum, Brussels, where they had been overlooked. Later the authorities of that Museum received further specimens from the Congo. Dr. Chapin visited the area and his native hunters brought in two more, while he himself had a fleeting view of one bird in the forest. The interesting feature of this bird is that in some of its characters it resembles the peacock, a bird which is confined to Asia. Specimens of diamondiferous gravels and concentrates have been received from the Geological Survey of the Gold Coast Colony, and Prof. Takeo Watanabé has presented a specimen of the new mineral kotoite—a magnesium borate occurring as a rock-forming mineral in limestone in Korea. A magnificent group of yellow and green zoned crystals of fluor from a mine in Weardale has been purchased and the opportunity has been taken to re-arrange the exhibit of fluor in the pavilion of the Mineral Gallery. Mr. P. M. Game, a member of the staff of the Department of Minerals, who recently returned from an expedition to West Greenland under the leadership of Dr. H. I. Drever, has brought back a collection of about three hundred specimens of rocks and minerals from Ubekendt Island, Umanak Fjord, a region in which no previous geological work had been done.