Pavo Muticus Research Articles

First report of Heterakis pedioecetes Mawson, 1956 (Ascaridomorpha: Heterakoidea) and Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Rudolphi, 1819) (Spiruromorpha: Acuarioidea) from the Indo-Chinese green peafowl Pavo muticus imperator (Galliformes: Phasianidae).

The Indo-Chinese green peafowl Pavo muticus imperator (Galliformes: Phasianidae) is an endangered bird species. However, our present knowledge of the species composition of nematode parasites of this bird remains limited. In the present study, two nematode parasites Heterakis pedioecetes Mawson, 1956 (Ascaridomorpha: Heterakoidea) and Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Rudolphi, 1819) (Spiruromorpha: Acuarioidea) were reported from P. muticus imperator for the first time. The detailed morphology of these two nematode species was further studied using light and scanning electron microscopy, and some previously unreported morphological features were revealed. These supplementary morphological and morphometric data contributed to a more accurate identification of these two common avian nematodes.

Short Communication: Avifauna survey in Bama coastal area of Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Siddiq AM, Sulistiyowati H, Setiawan R, Wimbaningrum R, Wahono ND. 2024. Short Communication: Avifauna survey in Bama coastal area of Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 8: 14-20. Baluran National Park is an essential habitat for avifauna in the East Java region, Indonesia. We surveyed the avifauna in the Bama coastal area using the line transect method at three stations, including Kalitopo, Bekol-Bama, and Manting. During a three-day survey, we recorded 53 bird species belonging to 47 genera and 32 families. According to the IUCN Red List, there are three conservation statuses (least concern: 49 species, near threatened: one species, endangered: three species); then, based on the CITES status, there are two categories (non-appendix: 47 species, Appendix II: six species), and finally, based on national status, there are two categories (non-protected categories: 41 species, protected categories: 12 species). Based on the frequencies, 32 common and 21 rare bird species are reported in the Bama coastal area. Three of the common species are Sunda Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica), Cave Swiftlet (Collocalia linchi), and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), which was found in all observation tracks. Furthermore, these surveys provide recommendations for further research related to ecological topics for several threatened bird species, such as Padda oryzivora, Pavo muticus, Acridotheres melanopterus, Gracula religiosa, A. albirostris, and Nisaetus cirrhatus.

Assessment of birds trade in urban Kano

The bird trade puts pressure on both wild and domesticated populations, and several speciesare at risk of extinction due to this activity. The aim of this work was to find out the extent ofthe bird trade in urban Kano, Nigeria. A total of six markets were surveyed. The data wasobtained through interviews and observations. The conservation statuses of the traded birdswere assessed using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Listand the Nigeria Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, 2016. A total of 101 birds belonging to 18 species were found to be under trade in various forms inthe places surveyed, with Columba species (20 (19.8 %)) being the most encountered birds,while the least encountered were Balearica pavanina (1 (1.0 %)), Bubulcus ibis (1 (1.0 %)),Pavo muticus (1 (1.0 %)), and Crithagra mozambica (1 (1.0 %)). Most of the bird species aretraded as pets, and the traders source them from different places within and outside thecountry, with the majority (56.8 %) of the traders entering the trade through familyinheritance. Although most of the birds encountered belong to the least concern category ofthe IUCN, legally protected species are openly displayed in the places surveyed. To giveendangered birds a future and to identify species in urgent need of conservation interventions,the authorities concerned should consider regular market monitoring and continuous birdsurveys.

A Bird's-Eye View of Endangered Species Conservation: Avian Genomics and Stem Cell Approaches for Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus).

Aves ranks among the top two classes for the highest number of endangered and extinct species in the kingdom Animalia. Notably, the IUCN Red List classified the green peafowl as endangered. This highlights promising strategies using genetics and reproductive technologies for avian wildlife conservation. These platforms provide the capacity to predict population trends and enable the practical breeding of such species. The conservation of endangered avian species is facilitated through the application of genomic data storage and analysis. Storing the sequence is a form of biobanking. An analysis of sequence can identify genetically distinct individuals for breeding. Here, we reviewed avian genomics and stem cell approaches which not only offer hope for saving endangered species, such as the green peafowl but also for other birds threatened with extinction.

Protecting the Habitats of Endangered Species Through Environmental Public Interest Litigation in China: Lessons Learned from Peafowl Versus the Dam

Abstract Green Peafowl stands as a landmark lawsuit in China where environmental NGOs successfully halted a project threatening habitat of endangered species. By examining this case, this analysis evaluates the promise and limitations of China’s civil environmental public interest litigation (EPIL) in protecting habitat. Under civil EPIL’s broad and flexible framework, environmental NGOs can convince the courts that a government-approved project would destroy the ‘biological habitat’ for endangered species and hold project developers accountable. By arguing that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) institution is jointly liable by preparing a flawed report, environmental NGOs can also use civil EPIL as an alternative avenue to challenge the quality of an approved EIA report. However, the timing of judicial intervention, uncertainties of litigation outcomes, the scope of protection, and the court’s attitude towards EIA claims limit the effectiveness of civil EPIL. This analysis highlights the need to address regulatory failures revealed by Green Peafowl.

A computational study on mitogenome-encoded proteins of Pavo cristatus and Pavo muticus identifies key genetic variations with functional implications

BackgroundThe Pavo cristatus population, native to the Indian subcontinent, is thriving well in India. However, the Pavo muticus population, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, has reduced drastically and has been categorised as an endangered group. To understand the probable genetic factors associated with the decline of P. muticus, we compared the mitogenome-encoded proteins (13 proteins) between these two species. ResultsOur data revealed that the most frequent variant between these two species was mtND1, which had an alteration in 9.57% residues, followed by mtND5 and mtATP6. We extended our study on the rest of the proteins and observed that cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1, 2, and 3 do not have any change. The 3-dimensional structure of all 13 proteins was modeled using the Phyre2 programme. Our data show that most of the proteins are alpha helical, and the variations observed in P. muticus reside on the surface of the respective proteins. The effect of variation on protein function was also predicted, and our results show that amino acid substitution in mtND1 at 14 sites could be deleterious. Similarly, destabilising changes were observed in mtND1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and mtATP6–8 due to amino acid substitution in P. muticus. Furthermore, protein disorder scores were considerably altered in mtND1, 2, and 5 of P. muticus. ConclusionsThe results presented here strongly suggest that variations in mitogenome-encoded proteins of P. cristatus and P. muticus may alter their structure and functions. Subsequently, these variations could alter energy production and may correlate with the decline in the population of P. muticus.

The spatial and temporal displacement of native species by domestic dogs

Domestic dogs have been predicted to be a high risk to 10 % of mammal and 11 % of bird species across mainland Southeast Asia. Within Thailand their population is estimated at over 12 million and 80 % live in rural areas where they adopt a free-ranging lifestyle. This lifestyle enables them to enter protected forests without restrictions. To access the spatial and temporal impacts domestic dogs have on local wildlife a two-year camera trap study was undertaken in a fragmented forest complex in Northern Thailand. Co-occurrence modelling was used to estimate the impacts of domestic dogs on a native predator (golden jackal) and prey (green peafowl) specie’s occurrence probability. Temporal segregation was accessed using activity pattern overlaps and compared to Huai Kha Khaeng, a more protected and unfragmented forest complex. Although the results from the co-occurrence models did not find any spatial segregation, it was found that temporal avoidance was occurring in the protected areas with domestic dogs and golden jackal having a clear temporal niche, this temporal separation was lessened in the unfragmented forest. Additionally, over 3x more humans were independently photographed than any other species and 2.5x more domestic dogs were independently photographed than golden jackal in the fragmented protected areas. Ultimately, working in partnership with the local community on approaches that will reduce domestic dogs presence in the forest is essential along with a stringent population management plan in order to lower the number of free-ranging dogs in the area.

Low-intensive agricultural landscapes could help to sustain Green Peafowl Pavo muticus inhabiting surrounding forest patches in Northern Thailand

Low-intensive agricultural landscapes could help to sustain Green Peafowl Pavo muticus inhabiting surrounding forest patches in Northern Thailand

High-quality genome assemblies provide clues on the evolutionary advantage of blue peafowl over green peafowl

An intriguing example of differential adaptability is the case of two Asian peafowl species, Pavo cristatus (blue peafowl) and Pavo muticus (green peafowl), where the former has a “Least Concern” conservation status and the latter is an “Endangered” species. To understand the genetic basis of this differential adaptability of the two peafowl species, a comparative analysis of these species is much needed to gain the genomic and evolutionary insights. Thus, we constructed a high-quality genome assembly of blue peafowl with an N50 value of 84.81 Mb (pseudochromosome-level assembly), and a high-confidence coding gene set to perform the genomic and evolutionary analyses of blue and green peafowls with 49 other avian species. The analyses revealed adaptive evolution of genes related to neuronal development, immunity, and skeletal muscle development in these peafowl species. Major genes related to axon guidance such as NEO1 and UNC5, semaphorin (SEMA), and ephrin receptor showed adaptive evolution in peafowl species. However, blue peafowl showed the presence of 42% more coding genes compared to the green peafowl along with a higher number of species-specific gene clusters, segmental duplicated genes and expanded gene families, and comparatively higher evolution in neuronal and developmental pathways. Blue peafowl also showed longer branch length compared to green peafowl in the species phylogenetic tree. These genomic insights obtained from the high-quality genome assembly of P. cristatus constructed in this study provide new clues on the superior adaptability of the blue peafowl over green peafowl despite having a recent species divergence time.

Comparative study of egg quality parameters of different breeds of peacock

ABSTRACT The current research work was conducted to compare the external and internal egg quality parameters of different breeds of peacock. For this purpose, 130 freshly laid eggs of 2 species and 11 breeds (n = 10 per breed) were obtained from captive breeding facilities. In Pavo muticus muticus, higher egg weight (106.57 ± 0.69), egg length (7.21 ± 0.01), egg width (5.31 ± 0.01), egg breadth (28.18 ± 0.01), and egg volume (100.84 ± 0.48) were recorded. However, higher egg shape index (80.16 ± 0.27) was noted in black shoulder, while higher egg surface area (263.8 ± 0.01) was found in Spalding purple. Significantly higher albumen diameter (11.02 ± 0.05), albumen weight (47.06 ± 0.24), albumen height (0.946 ± 0.02), albumen ratio (49.83 ± 0.13), yolk height (1.66 ± 0.01), yolk index (35.75 ± 0.13), and shell thickness (0.67 ± 0.00) were found in Pavo cristatus. Albumen pH (6.43 ± 0.01), yolk diameter (6.93 ± 0.04), yolk ratio (61.80 ± 0.87), and yolk weight (51.66 ± 0.34) were noted to be higher in Indian white. Higher shell weight (16.38 ± 0.42), shell ratio (17.004 ± 0.38), and Haugh unit (88.57 ± 0.84) were observed in Buford bronze pied. The study suggested that P.m. muticus and Pavo cristatus showed best external and internal egg quality traits as compared to other breeds. It further provided a reference and theoretical basis for artificial breeding, ecological protection, raising, and management of different breeds of peacocks.

Distribution of Blastocystis subtypes isolated from various animal hosts in Thailand

Blastocystis is a parasitic protist of a variety of hosts, including humans. Mapping the distribution of Blastocystis and its genetic variants across different host species can help us understand the epidemiology of this organism and its role in health and disease. This study aimed to identify subtypes of Blastocystis detected in different animal hosts in Thailand. A total of 825 fecal samples belonging to 18 vertebrate orders, 36 families, 68 genera, and 80 species were collected. Of these, 111 specimens were Blastocystis-positive by culture. Seventy-nine samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA amplification by PCR, and reliable subtype data were obtained for 61 specimens. At least 14 subtypes (ST), namely ST1 to ST10, ST14/ST24/ST25 complex, ST23, ST26, and ST29 were detected. In addition, Blastocystis was found in tortoises. ST1 (3.2%) and ST5 (11.5%) were found in pigs, ST2 (1.6%) and ST3 (3.2%) in non-human primates, ST4 (14.7%) in rodents and ruminants, ST6 (4.9%), ST7 (30%), ST9 (1.6%), and ST29 (1.6%) in birds, ST8 (6.6%) in Green peafowl and East Asian Porcupine, and ST10 (4.9%), ST14/ST24/ST25 (9.8%), ST23 (1.6%) and ST26 (1.6%) in ruminants. The sequence recovered from the elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) (3.2%) was phylogenetically placed within the reptilian cluster of Blastocystis, for which no subtype system is available yet. Of note, we did not obtain Blastocystis sequences from any of the many canids and felids sampled in the study, and our data are in support of host specificity of Blastocystis, according to both colonization and subtype distribution.

The Goniodidae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) of peafowl (Aves: Galliformes: Pavo), with description of a new genus

ABSTRACT Five species of goniodid lice are known from Asian peafowls of the genus Pavo Linnaeus, 1758: Goniodes pavonis (Linnaeus, 1758), the type species of Goniodes Nitzsch, 1818; Goniodes meinertzhageni Clay, 1940; Goniocotes rectangulatus Nitzsch [in Giebel] 1866; Goniocotes parviceps (Piaget, 1880); Goniocotes mayuri Lakshminarayana and Emerson, 1971. We here discuss the identity and relationships of these five species, including the population of G. parviceps on the green peafowl, Pavo muticus Linnaeus, 1766. All five species are redescribed and illustrated in full. A new genus is erected for G. parviceps and G. mayuri: Pavoniocotes gen. nov. A key to the goniodid lice of Asian peafowls is provided. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FFDF1435-92D6-4C19-9B51-3AB61E1BD7DA

Teak plantations are complementary habitat for the Green Peafowl movement within the fragmented Bago Yoma range, south-central Myanmar

Abstract Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation following intensive agricultural expansion, and both legal and illegal logging, have contributed to the rapid decline of the Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) over mainland Southeast Asia. Dry forest habitat in the Bago Yoma range (Myanmar) is considered one of the region’s last remaining strongholds for the species. However, the area has been fragmented over the past years, mostly due to large-scale teak (Tectona grandis) plantations. This study aimed to estimate the Green Peafowl population in the Bago Yoma range with a particular focus on the use of large-scale teak plantations as possible complementary habitat for the species. The survey was conducted over 47 line transects located in the natural forest and teak plantations. The average estimated density, using distance sampling, was 0.800 calling males km–2 across the whole survey area. Estimated densities were similar within the natural forest and teak plantations (0.825 and 0.866 calling males km–2, respectively), suggesting an extensive use of this crop by Green Peafowl. The remaining suitable habitat covered an area of 8,554 km2 divided into 8 large forest patches (>40 km2). When including large-scale teak plantations in the landscape matrix, more suitable habitat fragments could be connected to each other, with the remaining suitable habitat grouped into 6 large forest patches. These results suggest teak plantations could be used for connecting remaining forest patches and improving fragmented natural habitats for Green Peafowl.

Is livestock grazing compatible with green peafowl (Pavo muticus) conservation? Potential chance of peafowl-human coexistence

Establishing adequate nature reserves and managing them effectively requires an enormous amount of resources, and is particularly challenging when species and communities are believed to have diverse needs. Decision-makers need to understand how wildlife survives in human-disturbed habitat and how they can coexist with anthropogenic activities. Forest livestock grazing is one of the main sources of income for many local communities in Yunnan Province, China, but its association with endangered green peafowl (Pavo muticus) is largely unknown. We linked our field survey data with satellite imagery and conducted occupancy modeling and diel activity analysis to examine the spatio-temporal response of green peafowl to free-ranging livestock in Yubaiding Nature Reserve. Although it is widely believed that many grazing practices should be prohibited in green peafowl habitat, we found that green peafowl occurrence probability was positively associated with moderate cattle and goat abundance. Our temporal analysis also showed that green peafowl did not avoid livestock grazing or individual people. In contrast to green peafowl tolerance to ordinary human activities, we found significant negative associations between green peafowl and major infrastructure. Our findings show that limits on grazing intensity are a possible management strategy for conserving green peafowl habitat instead of an outright grazing ban. Our study will contribute immediately to green peafowl conservation planning in China. Our study also has implications for the conservation plans for other species in other locations, because our findings convey that conservation targets can promote the synergy between species conservation and human activity.

Assessing the status of the Green Peafowl’s “expected stronghold” in dry forests along the Salawin River, north-west Thailand

Summary The suitable habitats of the Endangered Green Peafowl Pavo muticus have declined by 80% over the past century due to extensive anthropogenic degradation. Currently, only six strongholds remain in mainland South-east Asia. While there are estimates of the species’ presence and status in five of these, the sixth one, defined as an “expected stronghold” located in the suitable dry forest along the Salawin River between Thailand and Myanmar, is not well documented. This study assessed the status of the area as a stronghold for the Green Peafowl’s long-term survival by estimating 1) the population density, 2) the current extension of suitable habitats, and 3) the threats to its survival. The area had an estimated density of 0.27 calling males/km2 (CI = 0.07–1.01) inhabiting 9,154 km2 of a mosaic of forest types, including mixed dry pine, mixed deciduous, and dry dipterocarp forests. Higher estimates were reported in other strongholds, including 0.8 birds/km2 in Bago Yoma (Myanmar), 15.8 birds/km2 in north-east Thailand, 1.13–11.34 birds/km2 in HuaiKhaKhaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (Thailand), 0.15–1.7 birds/km2 in northern Cambodia, and 0.15–4.69 birds/km2 in eastern Cambodia / south-central Vietnam. Hunting, habitat disturbance, and the presence of humans posed the greatest danger to the species across the surveyed area. Our results confirm the potential of the area for the species’ long-term survival. However, this “expected stronghold,” which could sustain a population of over 10 calling males/km2 like other high-quality strongholds, is in dire need of a comprehensive management plan to help reduce anthropogenic pressure. Ultimately, transboundary management between Thailand and Myanmar is crucial for the long-term repopulation of this stronghold.

A creation in abstract 3D art insprired from Pavo muticus imperator

Creation of art as abstract art by choosing athree-dimensional (3D)art formto be used for creativity, has brought the characteristics of the peacock inspired by its forms, color characteristics, including its habitats to be usedas a mixture and elements in creating this art. Therefore, when combined with the key elements of a 3D object with depth dimension of the object in the Z axis, adopting the colors of the space and the atmosphere of thepeacock's habitat to the surface of the 3D pieces, which provide creative approaches and techniques that enable abstract 3D art to be realized by the shapes and formed by perspectives as a whole. Z-axis can create directions to display hundreds of perspectives. In addition, the colors that have beenused to blend in with the 3D objects create beauty inspired by the colors that can be found in nature. The peacock's art has been passed through with the distinctive features of 3D objects, resulting in creating such abstract 3D artpieces.

Importance of Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia, for the endangered green peafowl: implications of co-occurrence near human use areas

Importance of Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia, for the endangered green peafowl: implications of co-occurrence near human use areas

Controlling trapping, overgrazing and invasive vegetation is key to saving Java’s last population of the Black-winged Myna

AbstractThe Black-winged Myna (Acridotheres melanopterus) is an Endangered passerine endemic to the islands of Java and Bali, Indonesia. Illegal trapping to supply the cage-bird trade has led to its near-total extinction, with the global population estimated to number fewer than 100 individuals. We estimated the current range and population size of the species at Baluran National Park, which supports Java’s last known population, and used species distribution modeling to evaluate potential suitability of currently unoccupied areas across the park to identify priorities for management intervention. We estimate that the Black-winged Myna population numbers 179 individuals (95% CI: 111–288; density: 14.3 ± 3.5 individuals km–2) and that its current range is 12.3 km2. Our model indicated that some 72 km2 of the park (30% of total area) has potentially suitable habitat for the species, and we infer that the principal cause for the disparity between its current and potential range is trapping, compounded by savanna loss and degradation due to illegal domestic cattle grazing and the spread of invasive thorny acacia (Vachellia nilotica). The partial clearance of acacia in recent years appears to have assisted a modest population recovery by the myna. Its further population growth and range expansion in Baluran will depend on effective management of illegal poaching, further clearance of acacia, and easing domestic cattle grazing pressure on areas of savanna, particularly through engagement with communities living inside the park. Any actions that increase the size of the Black-winged Myna population are likely to benefit other threatened savanna-dependent wildlife in the park, notably banteng (Bos javanicus) and Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus). While our models and recommendations may be applicable to other protected areas in Java, and indeed other threatened myna species, trapping and habitat change may have site-specific dimensions, especially outside of protected areas, and thus demand local bespoke solutions.

Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of the Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus).

The green peafowl (Pavo muticus) is facing a high risk of extinction due to the long-term and widespread threats of poaching and habitat conversion. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the green peafowl with high contiguity and accuracy assembled by PacBio sequencing, DNBSEQ short-read sequencing, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The final genome size was estimated to be 1.049 Gb, whereas 1.042 Gb of the genome was assigned to 27 pseudochromosomes. The scaffold N50 length was 75.5 Mb with a complete BUSCO score of 97.6%. We identified W and Z chromosomes and validated them by resequencing 14 additional individuals. Totally, 167.04 Mb repetitive elements were identified in the genome, accounting for 15.92% of the total genome size. We predicted 14,935 protein-coding genes, among which 14,931 genes were functionally annotated. This is the most comprehensive and complete de novo assembly of the Pavo genus, and it will serve as a valuable resource for future green peafowl ecology, evolution, and conservation studies.

Long‐term monitoring of wildlife populations for protected area management in Southeast Asia

AbstractLong‐term monitoring of biodiversity in protected areas (PAs) is critical to assess threats, link conservation action to species outcomes, and facilitate improved management. Yet, rigorous longitudinal monitoring within PAs is rare. In Southeast Asia (SEA), there is a paucity of long‐term wildlife monitoring within PAs, and many threatened species lack population estimates from anywhere in their range, making global assessments difficult. Here, we present new abundance estimates and population trends for 11 species between 2010 and 2020, and spatial distributions for 7 species, based on long‐term line transect distance sampling surveys in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia. These represent the first robust population estimates for four threatened species from anywhere in their range and are among the first long‐term wildlife population trend analyses from the entire SEA region. Our study revealed that arboreal primates and green peafowl (Pavo muticus) generally had either stable or increasing population trends, whereas ungulates and semiarboreal primates generally had declining trends. These results suggest that ground‐based threats, such as snares and domestic dogs, are having serious negative effects on terrestrial species. These findings have important conservation implications for PAs across SEA that face similar threats yet lack reliable monitoring data.