Helmeted Guineafowl Numida Meleagris Research Articles

Effects of collection zones and storage on hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris galleata pallas) eggs

The desire to shore up the shortfall in protein supply, the increased awareness of the importance of cholesterol free animal protein, like guineafowl, and the need to conserve their wild genes, have necessitated studies on improved captive breeding of feral helmeted guineafowl. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the effects of ecological zones and storage systems on the guineafowl eggs. Guineafowl eggs (n=214), were collected from identified and monitored-nests within the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) and Old Oyo National Park (OONP). Out of 91 eggs collected from KLNP, 32 and 38 were stored at room temperature (RT-21-25°C) and refrigerator (RF-17-20°C), respectively for five days prior to incubation while 21 eggs were not stored (NS-27-29°C), and out of 123 collected from OONP, 70 and 19 were stored for five days prior to incubation at (RT-21-25°C) and (RF-17-20°C), respectively while 34 eggs were (NS- 27-29°C). Prior to incubation, eggs were weighed, the height and width were measured. The process was repeated after incubation for unhatched eggs. Candling was done three days before hatching at day 29 of egg incubation. Embryo status of unhatched eggs was determined by cracking the eggs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The NS eggs from Kainji (7.60%) and Oyo (2.01%) had the lowest percentage shrinkage in weight across the three storage systems. The order was reversed in height with RF eggs from Kainji (0.96%) and Oyo (0.46%) having lowest. The least shrinkage in width of eggs from Oyo was recorded in the RF eggs (0.00%) and in NS (0.59%) from Kainji. Eggs candling showed that presumed fertile (opaque) was highest (69.10%) in NS eggs followed by RT (45.00%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the hatchability of eggs from the two parks though hatchability (7.60%) of Kainji eggs was higher than those of Oyo (7.40%). Further check on fertilization after incubation showed that RT (37.50%) eggs from Kainji were fertilized but were unable to hatch alive so also was RF eggs (21.10%). The study showed that the eggs sizes vary with ecozones while size of the eggs and storage systems affects hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl eggs in captivity.
 Keywords: Guineafowl; ecozones; storage systems; incubation; candling; hatchability

Differences in the dietary habits of Verreaux’s Eagles Aquila verreauxii between peri-urban and rural populations

SummaryDifferences in the diets of urban and rural avian predators could indicate potential niche vulnerability in a particular habitat. This study compares the core-isotopic niche areas and diet disparity of a declining peri-urban Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii population with a stable rural population in South Africa. In addition to stable isotope analyses, the diet of the peri-urban Verreaux’s Eagles was investigated using camera trap footage of prey delivered during the nesting season. Dominant prey consisted of species with a mixed diet of plants with a C3 and/or C4 photosynthetic pathway (browsers and grazers). Rock hyrax Procavia capensis contributed 60% of the total diet composition, scrub hare Lepus saxatilis 26% and Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris 22%. The core-isotopic niche area for each population was calculated using bulk carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values chronological measured along the length of 18 feathers from 21 nests. The isotopic niche of the rural eagle population revealed that they consume prey from multiple trophic levels with a C3-plant-dominated prey base (browsers), likely including small carnivores. In contrast the isotopic niche of the peri-urban Verreaux’s Eagles correlated with the mixed mammalian and avian food-niche determined from camera trapping, confirming that the peri-urban population mainly hunted three abundant species that are all narrowly associated with modified human habitats. The decline in the Magaliesberg Verreaux’s Eagle population is, therefore, unlikely to be due to constraints in their dietary niche, as raptors benefit from the diversity and abundance of human-commensal prey associated with the peri-urban habitats.

A guinea fowl genome assembly provides new evidence on evolution following domestication and selection in galliformes.

The helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris belongs to the order Galliformes. Its natural range includes a large part of sub‐Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Eritrea and from Chad to South Africa. Archaeozoological and artistic evidence suggest domestication of this species may have occurred about 2,000 years BP in Mali and Sudan primarily as a food resource, although villagers also benefit from its capacity to give loud alarm calls in case of danger, of its ability to consume parasites such as ticks and to hunt snakes, thus suggesting its domestication may have resulted from a commensal association process. Today, it is still farmed in Africa, mainly as a traditional village poultry, and is also bred more intensively in other countries, mainly France and Italy. The lack of available molecular genetic markers has limited the genetic studies conducted to date on guinea fowl. We present here a first‐generation whole‐genome sequence draft assembly used as a reference for a study by a Pool‐seq approach of wild and domestic populations from Europe and Africa. We show that the domestic populations share a higher genetic similarity between each other than they do to wild populations living in the same geographical area. Several genomic regions showing selection signatures putatively related to domestication or importation to Europe were detected, containing candidate genes, most notably EDNRB2, possibly explaining losses in plumage coloration phenotypes in domesticated populations.

Roosting requirements of Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris on Highveld grain and livestock farms with alien tree groves, Gauteng province, South Africa

This study describes the relationship between Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris and invasive alien trees on livestock and maize farms south-east of Johannesburg, Gauteng province, South Africa. The dependence of the birds on alien trees affects strategies for the removal of these trees. During June to December 2014, Helmeted Guineafowl were recorded weekly on maps along a 42 km transect. Since Helmeted Guineafowl live in cohesive social groups of 15–20 birds, they roost communally in one or two trees during winter rather than spreading across an entire tree grove. The distribution of alien trees across the landscape in patches has enabled Helmeted Guineafowl flocks to reach new feeding patches near to roosting trees, as old feeding patches are depleted. One Helmeted Guineafowl flock of 15–20 birds requires ∼0.09 ha covered with mature alien trees for roosting. Suggestions are presented relating to the reduction of alien trees in compliance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983 and conservation of Helmeted Guineafowl.

Gearing effects of the patella (knee extensor muscle sesamoid) of the helmeted guineafowl during terrestrial locomotion.

Human patellae (kneecaps) are thought to act as gears, altering the mechanical advantage of knee extensor muscles during running. Similar sesamoids have evolved in the knee extensor tendon independently in birds, but it is unknown if these also affect the mechanical advantage of knee extensors. Here, we examine the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint in the helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagris using a method based on muscle and tendon moment arms taken about the patella's rotation centre around the distal femur. Moment arms were estimated from a computer model representing hindlimb anatomy, using hip, knee and patellar kinematics acquired via marker‐based biplanar fluoroscopy from a subject running at 1.6 ms−1 on a treadmill. Our results support the inference that the patella of Numida does alter knee extensor leverage during running, but with a mechanical advantage generally greater than that seen in humans, implying relatively greater extension force but relatively lesser extension velocity.

Actual and perceived collision risk for bird strikes at Namibian airports

At Namibia’s two major airports, Hosea Kutako International and Eros (domestic), 117 bird strike collision incidents were recorded between 2006 and 2010. A risk assessment, which included a proposed risk weighting methodology, was conducted at Hosea Kutako and Eros airports, which estimated the probability of an accident/collision as well as the consequence of such a collision. The assessment included surveys of bird occurrence frequencies as well as pilot interviews. The results of the risk assessments were compared with actual bird strike incidences for each species, frequency of occurrence of birds and pilot perceptions of species risk, in order to find whether risk assessment and pilot perception are reliable measures of potential bird strike incidence. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus and Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris were the highest risk species at both airports. They were also, after Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus, the species most often observed by pilots. Bird strike records showed that Crowned Lapwing and Helmeted Guineafowl were also the most frequently struck birds at both airports. The study illustrates how combining risk assessment, pilot perception and bird strike history can benefit bird strike minimisation plans at airports through the rapid identification of priority bird species.

Redke vrste ptic v sloveniji v letu 2013 – Poročilo Nacionalne komisije za redkosti / Rare birds in Slovenia in 2013 – Slovenian Rarities Committee's Report

Summary This report by the Slovenian Rarities Committee presents records of rare bird species in Slovenia in 2013, with some addenda for previous years. The numbers in brackets refer to the number of records (first number) and individuals (second number), recorded between 1 Jan 1950 and 31 Dec 2012. Since 1 Jan 2013, submission to the Committee is required for 37 additional species, 17 of which are regional rarities. Records of these species are not numbered, since records from previous years were not collected by the Committee. Four new species were recorded in category A: White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla, Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii and Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope. Three species, Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris, Chukar Alectoris chukar and Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, were added to category E. Other notable observations were the second and third records of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus and fourth record of Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus. The list of birds recorded in Slovenia (as of 31 Dec 2013) contains 384 species (369 in category A, 7 in category B, 8 exclusively in category C; 4 species are both in categories A and C). Category D contains 6 species, while category E contains 33. These two categories are not part of the list

Identification of Hematological Markers Suitable for Improving Productivity of Helmeted Guinea Fowl Numida meleagris

ABSTRACT The research was designed to estimate variations in hematological variables between sex and varieties of extensively reared helmeted guinea fowl with the objective of recommending parameters that are suitable as markers during selection. The study was carried out in the Teaching and Research farm of Department of Animal Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria between May and July 2012. Five varieties of helmeted guinea fowl (45 males and 45 females) that were clinically healthy were sampled for white blood cells (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, platelets, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV). The results showed that there were no significant ( P> .05) effect of sex on WBC, MCHC, RBC, hemoglobin, PCV and MCH, but it influenced MCV ( P =.05) and platelets ( P =.05). On the other hand, there were significant ( P =.05) effects of varieties on all the hematological parameters determined in this study. Therefore, the study of variations in hematological parameters, as well as their association with economic traits, could be used to develop marker assisted technology which can be incorporated into the traditional animal breeding methodology to fast track improvement to aid selection, improve efficiency and speed of selection in breeding programs.

Amplification of Portions of IGF-I and Insulin Genes and Characterisation of Variation in the Coding Sequence of Helmeted Guinea Fowl Numida meleagris

The study was undertaken to characterise and identify the insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin genes in five varieties (Ash, Black, Pearl Ash, Pearl Black and White) of local helmeted guinea fowl using DNA technology. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was purified from blood samples of the five varieties and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA done with primers designed to amplify the two genes; insulin-like growth factors I (IGF-I) and insulin (I). Purification of PCR product and dye terminator sequencing was also carried out using samples prepared and loaded into the Beckman Taq capillary sequencer. IGF-I gene profiles of Pearl Ash, White, Ash, Black varieties were similar (83 percent); and insulin gene profile of Pearl Ash, Ash, Black, Pearl Black varieties were 91 percent similar.

Habitat preferences of Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris in the Krugersdorp Game Reserve, Gauteng province, South Africa

Field surveys were conducted in the Krugersdorp Game Reserve, Gauteng province, South Africa, during 1978–1981 to study the habitat preferences of Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris. The study area was traversed with a vehicle in the late afternoons on a set route (12 km) and at least one observation was conducted each month during the three-year period. With the aid of binoculars all guineafowl that were sighted were counted and recorded on a map. The purposes were to (1) describe the habitat preferences of guineafowl and (2) to demonstrate that weeds attracted guineafowl during winter and can be retained in modified landscapes (e.g. farms) to provide important microhabitats. The highest mean monthly density across five habitat categories throughout the year was recorded in old vegetable gardens. The old vegetable gardens of c. 35 ha attracted more than 60% of the guineafowl population from April to October, which was mainly during winter when the birds scratched actively in weedy patches.

Analysis of Electrocardiographic Parameters in Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

The goal of this study was to describe normal electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns and values in conscious helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Using 8 clinically healthy birds, 4 males and 4 females, standard bipolar and augmented unipolar limb lead ECGs were recorded. Wave forms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/s and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine PR, QRS, ST, QT durations; the net QRS complex; and P and T amplitudes. The polarity of each wave form was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was calculated by using leads II and III. The mean (SD) heart rate calculated from the lead II was 338.4 +/- 19.0 beats/min. The P wave was predominantly positive in all leads. The dominant pattern of wave forms of the QRS complexes was RS in leads II, III, and aVF; R in lead I; QR in lead aVR; and qR in lead aVL. The T wave was predominantly positive in leads I, II, III, and aVF. The mean (SD) of the heart MEA was -60.2 degrees +/- 24.0 degrees. The ECG values and patterns tabulated in these clinically normal helmeted guinea fowl should provide a means of comparison to aid in the diagnosis of pathologic abnormalities in this species.

Raptor declines in West Africa: comparisons between protected, buffer and cultivated areas

AbstractSince 1970 there has been a dramatic decline of large raptors and terrestrial birds in West African savannahs. Comparative dry season transect counts over 4,697 km of driven transects were performed in 2004–2005 in south-eastern Burkina Faso to assess the abundance of 41 raptor species and large terrestrial species in four National Parks and surrounding hunting zones and cultivated areas. Population sizes were estimated for larger taxa in protected areas using distance sampling and nest searching. Most large vultures and eagles were generally found only in protected areas, with fewer individuals in the surrounding buffer zones and nearly none elsewhere. Conversely, the abundance of most of the smaller species was not different between protected and cultivated areas, and three species were more abundant in cultivated areas. Helmeted guineafowlNumida meleagris, Stanley’s bustardNeotis denhamiand Abyssinian ground hornbillBucorvus abyssinicuswere not found outside protected areas. Within the 1.4 million ha of protected areas in and around south-east Burkina Faso, six species of eagles and vultures have estimated populations ofc. 100–200 pairs, five speciesc. 50–100 pairs, five species have populations of <50 pairs, and the secretary birdSagittarius serpentariuswas not recorded. No specific reason for the collapse of large raptors in non-protected areas (which account for 99% of the area of the countries studied) has been identified, but the consequences of fast human population growth and habitat changes, overhunting, disturbances and poisoning may have played a critical role. Updating information on the conservation status of these species would be an important first step towards their long-term conservation.

Running stability is enhanced by a proximo-distal gradient in joint neuromechanical control

We currently know little about how animals achieve dynamic stability when running over uneven and unpredictable terrain, often characteristic of their natural environment. Here we investigate how limb and joint mechanics of an avian biped, the helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris, respond to an unexpected drop in terrain during running. In particular, we address how joint mechanics are coordinated to achieve whole limb dynamics. Based on muscle-tendon architecture and previous studies of steady and incline locomotion, we hypothesize a proximo-distal gradient in joint neuromechanical control. In this motor control strategy, (1) proximal muscles at the hip and knee joints are controlled primarily in a feedforward manner and exhibit load-insensitive mechanical performance, and (2) distal muscles at the ankle and tarsometatarso-phalangeal (TMP) joints are highly load-sensitive, due to intrinsic mechanical effects and rapid, higher gain proprioceptive feedback. Limb kinematics and kinetics during the unexpected perturbation reveal that limb retraction, controlled largely by the hip, remains similar to level running throughout the perturbed step, despite altered limb loading. Individual joints produce or absorb energy during both level and perturbed running steps, such that the net limb work depends on the balance of energy among the joints. The hip maintains the same mechanical role regardless of limb loading, whereas the ankle and TMP switch between spring-like or damping function depending on limb posture at ground contact. Initial knee angle sets limb posture and alters the balance of work among the joints, although the knee contributes little work itself. This distribution of joint function results in posture-dependent changes in work performance of the limb, which allow guinea fowl to rapidly produce or absorb energy in response to the perturbation. The results support the hypothesis that a proximo-distal gradient exists in limb neuromuscular performance and motor control. This control strategy allows limb cycling to remain constant, whereas limb posture, loading and energy performance are interdependent. We propose that this control strategy provides simple, rapid mechanisms for managing energy and controlling velocity when running over rough terrain.

The effects of agriculture and the availability of edge habitat on populations of Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris and on the diversity and composition of associated bird assemblages in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

We investigated the effects of agriculture and the availability of edge habitat on populations of Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris and associated avian diversity and species composition in woodland and grassland biomes in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Study sites within woodland biome had greater species diversity than those in grassland, whereas adjacent, high-quality, protected habitat in grassland sites, enhanced diversity within this biome. Both guineafowl populations and overall avian diversity declined with increasingly intensive agriculture and disappearance of edge habitat and associated, optimally fragmented habitat mosaic. Furthermore, traditional agriculture in the form of contouring in a pesticide-free environment, resulted in extensive edge habitat that appeared to provide additional food and cover for birds. This, in turn, caused an increase in overall bird diversity, and in guineafowl populations in particular. The widespread decline in Helmeted Guineafowl populations in the Midlands that started in the 1980s, and possibly the decline in species associated with this variegated landscape, was therefore caused by the loss of the habitat mosaic to intensive, modern, monoculture, crop agriculture. Maintaining species diversity and healthy guineafowl populations within these habitats requires the persistence or re-creation of a habitat mosaic and the resulting edge habitat on a landscape scale.

Gamebird hunting in Kenya: developing local management models

Simiyu, A. & Bennun, L. A. 2000. Gamebird hunting in Kenya: developing local management models. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 56–60. In Kenya, management of sport hunting of gamebirds is centralised, with a government parastatal body, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), setting seasons, quotas and fees, and collecting revenue. Quotas are arbitrarily set, and the system provides few incentives for local communities to manage their gamebirds. Beginning in November 1993, we have been developing a model system in which the responsibility for monitoring gamebird populations and managing shooting is assumed by pastoral landowners. On Mbirikani Group Ranch in southern Kenya, two local field assistants were employed by the ranch to provide information on hunting areas in the field, and check adherence to quotas. They were also trained to collect regular data on relative abundance and breeding condition of two focal species, Yellow-necked Spurfowl Francolinus leucoscepus and Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris. By agreement with the group ranch committee, all bookings are handled by an individual hunter who also guarantees a minimum annual return. Over three years, direct earnings from gamebird hunting increased nine-fold, to c. US $6 400 annually. The success of this system, which is now being replicated elsewhere, suggests that gamebird hunting can generate significant income for local pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya.

Agricultural land-use patterns and the decline of the helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagris (Linnaeus 1766) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Land-use practices can impact on bird populations. This study set out to explain why the helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris (Linnaeus 1766; Aves: Numididae) declined in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an agricultural area where these birds were once abundant in savannas mixed with cultivation. Within the Midlands, the potential roles of land-use practices and pesticides were investigated. Using a grid cell approach, the distribution of 11 land-uses was mapped for 19 farms with different levels of guineafowl abundance. The edge distance between extensive and intensive agriculture was significantly associated with the presence of guineafowl. The presence of guineafowl was associated with greater land-use diversity, showing this species' preference for a mosaic of land-uses. Extensive agricultural areas were used for cover and intensive ones for food, but the adjacency of these land-uses affected access to these resources. Larger flocks (≥100 birds) were associated with pastures free of agro-chemicals, while smaller flocks (<100 birds) were associated with cereal lands where chemicals were used. The use of chemicals may reduce reproductive success by removing arthropods and weeds, which are critical food sources for female guineafowls and their keets during the breeding season. An inadequate grass cover for nesting may further reduce reproductive success. This study suggests that a combination of land-use spatial pattern and other factors, such as pesticide use, contributes to the decline in helmeted guineafowl populations in this intensively farmed area of South Africa.

Home range size and dispersion in the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris galeata Pallas) of the Waza National Park, Cameroon

Field investigations of the home range size and emigration pattern of wild helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris galeata Pallas) from 1992 to 1995 showed that home range size (±95% confidence limits (CL) ) varied with season from 3·6±1·5 km2 for the dry seasons to 3·1±1·5 km2 for the rainy seasons. Home range size varied depending on whether it was estimated with data for adult males, adult females or young birds, with a higher home range size for young birds, closely followed by adult males. Group size (±95%CL) varied by month, and was highest between March and April (47·0±8·1 birds/group) and lowest in August 9·0±5·1 birds/group). More young birds (±95%CL) (36·8±19·6%) dispersed than adult males (21·1±1·9%) or adult females (13·5±1·8%). There was a highly significant positive correlation between group size and the number of birds emigrating from the group. There was also a significant negative correlation between the weights of birds at tagging and the percentage that emigrated during the first year of study but not later. This is suggested to be linked to the high number of young birds emigrating, since they weigh relatively less than adults. The lack of correlation between body weight and number of birds emigrating a year or later after birds were tagged was thought to be due to the fact that birds tagged while young attained adult weight within a year.

Health studies on a group of captive helmeted guineafowl(Numida meleagris)in Tanzania

A small group of housed helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) was studied over a 6-week period. Blood samples were taken on three occasions and basic haematology was performed. Clinical examination of the birds revealed a number of abnormalities including bumblefoot, inflammatory lesions on the wings and body, impaction of the preen gland and traumatic injuries. Supporting laboratory tests provided further information on the aetiology and pathogenesis of some of these disorders. Four birds died during the study: postmortem findings included oviductitis and septicaemia, visceral gout and nephropathy. Virological investigations were not carried out. The importance, when keeping guineafowl, of good husbandry, including regular handling and examination, is stressed.

The effectiveness of helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagris (Linnaeus 1766) in controlling the banded fruit weevil Phlyctinus callosus (Schönherr 1826), and their impact on other invertebrates in apple orchards in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

The role of indigenous vertebrate predators, especially birds, in controlling pest insects is poorly known. This study quantifies the effectiveness of helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagris (Linnaeus 1766; Aves: Numididae) in controlling the banded fruit weevil Phlyctinus callosus (Schönherr 1826; Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a pest in apple and nectarine orchards in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The impact of guineafowl on other invertebrates and on apple crops is also assessed. Periodic counts of weevils under trunk bands showed that guineafowl did not reduce weevil numbers significantly, but suction samples indicated that weevils were more abundant in plots without guineafowl. On average only 1.07 weevils were found in 30 guineafowl crops (range 0–14 weevils). The results suggest that although guineafowl consume weevils, they have a negligible impact on large weevil populations. Other invertebrates, especially molluscs and elaterid larvae (Coleoptera) were often eaten. Guineafowl reduced insect diversity in apple orchards either directly through predation or indirectly by altering the structure of the cover plants. The damage that guineafowl allegedly cause to apples was not confirmed.