Investigating the range, ecology and threats faced by the orange-necked hill-partridge in Cambodia

The precise distribution of the orange-necked hill-partridge in South East Asia is still a mystery. The species was believed to be endemic to East Cochinchina, where it was first recorded in 1927 and then not recorded again until 1991. In 2002, a single bird was caught by a camera trap in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia, which further extended its range. The species is now known to inhabit evergreen forest from 120m to at least 300m, particularly favouring steep hills covered with non-thorny bamboo.

The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List because it has both a very small population and range and both are believed to be declining and undergoing severe fragmentation. The threats facing the hill-partridge, and other Galliformes in the area, include hunting, extensive deforestation, and habitat loss through commercial logging, illegal timber collection and clearance of land for cultivation.

WPA aims to conduct surveys at numerous sites within the hill-partridge’s believed range to establish its presence and clarify its geographical range; establish its habitat requirements and abundance in suitable habitat; collect ecological information; and assess the threats faced by the species.

The orange-necked hill-partridge is now known to occupy a much wider range than originally thought, which includes at least two new areas: Bu Gia Map National Park and Tan Phu State Forest Enterprise. It is thought likely that many remnant forest blocks within specially protected forests harbour this hill-partridge. Alongside further surveys, planned work involves an environmental education programme for rural communities and an increased enforcement of wildlife protection laws.