Conservation of the Congo peafowl

Africa’s only pheasant, the Congo peafowl, is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It was only discovered in 1936 and remains very poorly known with few confirmed records throughout its range. The species is classified as Vulnerable, probably because of a lack of records and the apparent gaps in its potential geographical range.

WPA has been involved in the collaboration of a project which aims to estimate the population density of Congo peafowl; estimate offtake rates and describe the variation in hunting pressure; and document the diet of the species. Fieldwork in DRC comes with many difficulties. The security situation in this part of the world is far from secure, although the fieldwork site in Salonga National Park in the western part of the peafowl’s range, is largely free of rebel soldiers.  The road infrastructure is virtually nonexistent and so transport into the site involves three days’ travel by canoe from the nearest airfield.

Surveys have included distance sampling and transects, and the collection and analysis of feathers and droppings to attempt to obtain bird density estimates. The diet of the peafowl appears to be highly varied, with plant and animal matter varying consistently over the year. Further analyses will link dietary composition with rainfall and habitat use.

Interviews with local people revealed a strong hunting pressure: eggs are collected and the poults consumed after hatching, and adults are caught in snares. Congo peafowl meat is highly prized and a reduction in levels of offtake in the future seems unlikely without considerable effort. A much better understanding of the socio-economics of avian wildmeat consumption in DRC is required. One solution may be to help villagers develop alternative sources of local high quality meat.