Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl
From Wikipedia,
| Sri Lankan junglefowl | |
|---|---|
_Male.jpg) | |
| Male | |
_female.jpg) | |
| Female both in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Galliformes |
| Family: | Phasianidae |
| Genus: | Gallus |
| Species: | G. lafayettii |
| Binomial name | |
| Gallus lafayettii Lesson, 1831 | |
 | |
| Range | |
The Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii sometimes spelled Gallus lafayetii), also known as the Ceylon junglefowl or Lafayette's junglefowl, is a member of the Galliformes bird order which is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it is the national bird. It is closely related to the red junglefowl (G. gallus), the wild junglefowl from which the chicken was domesticated. However, it is even more closely related to the grey junglefowl. Sri Lankan junglefowl and red junglefowl diverged about 2.8 million years ago, whereas time of divergence between the Sri Lankan junglefowl and grey junglefowl was 1.8 million years ago.[2]
Evidence of introgressive hybridization from Sri Lanka junglefowl has also been established in domestic chicken.[2] The specific name of the Sri Lankan junglefowl commemorates the French aristocrat Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette (1757–1834).
Description
As with other junglefowl, the Sri Lankan junglefowl is strongly sexually dimorphic; the male is much larger than the female, with more vivid plumage and a highly exaggerated wattle and comb.
The male Sri Lankan junglefowl ranges from 66–72 cm (26–28 in) in length[3] and 790–1,140 g (1.74–2.51 lb) in weight, essentially resembling a large, muscular rooster.[4] The male has orange-red body plumage, and dark purple to black wings and tail. The feathers of the mane descending from head to base of spine are golden, and the face has bare red skin and wattles. The comb is red with a yellow centre.
As with the green junglefowl, the cock does not possess an eclipse plumage.
The female is much smaller, at only 35 cm (14 in) in length and 510–645 g (1.124–1.422 lb) in weight, with dull brown plumage with white patterning on the lower belly and breast, ideal camouflage for a nesting bird.[4]
The Sri Lanka Junglefowl, scientifically known as Gallus lafayettii, is a fascinating bird species endemic to the lush tropical forests of the island nation of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its striking appearance and unique behaviors, this iconic bird holds a special place in the cultural heritage and natural history of Sri Lanka.
At first glance, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl captivates with its vibrant plumage and distinctive features. The male, with its resplendent red comb atop its head and shimmering golden-orange plumage, presents a breathtaking sight as it struts confidently through the forest understory. Its long, flowing tail feathers add an extra touch of elegance to its appearance, while its bold and colorful markings serve as a testament to its evolutionary adaptation and survival in the dense jungle environment. In contrast, the female displays more subdued hues of brown and mottled patterns, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the forest undergrowth to protect her brood.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl boasts a fascinating repertoire of behaviors that reflect its adaptability and intelligence. As a ground-dwelling bird, it is often observed scratching the forest floor in search of insects, seeds, and small invertebrates, utilizing its sharp claws and keen eyesight to detect hidden prey. During the breeding season, the male performs elaborate courtship displays, puffing out his chest, erecting his colorful plumage, and emitting a series of loud calls to attract a mate. Once paired, the female meticulously constructs a nest of leaves and twigs on the forest floor, where she incubates her clutch of eggs with dedicated care and vigilance.
The Sri Lanka Junglefowl's significance extends beyond its ecological role as a seed disperser and insect predator; it also holds cultural and symbolic importance to the people of Sri Lanka. Revered as the national bird of Sri Lanka, the Junglefowl features prominently in traditional folklore, art, and religious ceremonies, serving as a symbol of vitality, fertility, and prosperity. Its image adorns ancient cave paintings, temple murals, and traditional textiles, reflecting its enduring presence in the cultural consciousness of the island nation.
However, despite its cultural significance and ecological importance, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl faces numerous threats to its survival. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment pose significant challenges to its population viability, depriving the bird of its natural habitat and disrupting its breeding and foraging behaviors. In addition, the introduction of invasive species, such as feral cats and dogs, poses a direct threat to Junglefowl populations through predation and competition for resources.
To address these challenges and ensure the long-term survival of the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, concerted conservation efforts are needed. These efforts should focus on habitat preservation, restoration, and sustainable land management practices to safeguard the bird's forest home. Additionally, measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, such as the implementation of predator control programs and community-based conservation initiatives, are essential to reducing threats to Junglefowl populations.
Public awareness and education programs are also crucial in fostering a culture of conservation and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. By engaging local communities in conservation efforts and highlighting the importance of protecting the Sri Lanka Junglefowl and its habitat, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty and resilience of this iconic bird species.
In conclusion, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl stands as a symbol of the island's rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural splendor. Its vibrant plumage, unique behaviors, and cultural significance make it a species worth protecting, not only for its intrinsic value but also for the invaluable role it plays in maintaining the ecological balance of Sri Lanka's forests. Through collaborative conservation initiatives and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for the Sri Lanka Junglefowl and the diverse ecosystems it inhabits.
Classification
This is one of four species of birds in the genus Gallus. The other three members of the genus are red junglefowl (G. gallus), grey junglefowl (G. sonneratii), and green junglefowl (G. varius).
| Cladogram showing the species in the genus Gallus.[2][5] |
The Sri Lankan junglefowl is most closely related to the grey junglefowl,[6] though physically the male resembles the red junglefowl. Female Sri Lanka junglefowl are very similar to those of the grey junglefowl. Like the green junglefowl, Sri Lankan junglefowl are island species that have evolved side by side with their similarly stranded island predators and competitors. Uniquely complex anti-predator behaviors and foraging strategies are integral components in the long evolutionary story of the Sri Lankan junglefowl.
Habitat
It is common in forests and scrub habitats, and is commonly spotted at sites such as Kitulgala, Yala, and Sinharaja. This species is found from sea-level up to 2000 metres of elevation.[7]
Behaviour
As with other jungle fowl, Sri Lankan jungle fowl are primarily terrestrial. They spend most of their time foraging for food by scratching the ground for various seeds, fallen fruit, and insects.
Females lay two to four eggs in a nest, either on the forest floor in steep hill country or in the abandoned nests of other birds and squirrels. Like the grey and green junglefowl, male Sri Lankan junglefowl play an active role in nest protection and chick rearing.
Reproduction
The reproductive strategy of this species is best described as facultative polyandry, in that a single female is typically linked with two or three males that form a pride of sorts. These males are likely to be siblings. The female pairs with the alpha male of the pride and nests high off the ground.
Her eggs are highly variable in colour, but generally are cream with a yellow or pink tint. Purple or brownish spots are common. Occasionally, a female produces red eggs or blotched eggs.
The hen incubates her eggs, while the alpha male guards her nest from a nearby perch during the nesting season. The beta males remain in close proximity, and guard the nesting territory from intruders or potential predators, such as rival males, or snakes and mongooses. Sri Lankan junglefowl are unique amongst the junglefowl in the brevity of their incubation, which may be as short as 20 days as contrasted with the 21–26 days of the green junglefowl.
The chicks require a constant diet of live food, usually insects and isopods such as sowbugs and pillbugs. In particular, the juveniles of land crabs are also highly important to the growth and survivability of the juvenile and subadult Sri Lankan junglefowl. In captivity, this species is particularly vulnerable to a poultry disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella pullorum and other bacterial diseases common in domestic poultry. The chicks, and to a slightly lesser extent the adults, are incapable of using vegetable-based proteins and fats.[citation needed] Their dietary requirements cannot be met with commercial processed food materials. As a result, they are exceedingly rare in captivity.
Sound
While foraging on the ground, the Ceylon junglefowl male utters some short calls “kreeu, kreeu, kreeuu”. It also utters high-pitched rooster-like crow “cor-cor-chow” at dawn, often from a tree-branch. The female gives some “kwikkuk, kwikkukkuk”. The male is more vocal during the breeding season with advertising calls and various sounds during displays, as well with female as with rivals and in territorial defence.[7]
In other languages
In Sinhala, it is known as වළි කුකුළා (wali kukula)[8] and in Tamil, it is known as இலங்கைக் காட்டுக்கோழி (ilaṅkaik kāṭṭukkōḻi).
Tailless mutant
In 1807, a tailless Sri Lankan junglefowl was described by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck (1778–1858). He named them Gallus ecaudatus.[9]
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