Hainan Partridge

There is little information about this partridge's behaviour. It presumably behaves like other species in its genus. Single birds, pairs and coveys have been observed. It eats snails and seeds. Its call is two notes repeated, including ju-gu ju-gu ju-gu. Sometimes a second bird gives quick single notes.

The Hainan partridge is endemic to Hainan, although there are unsubstantiated reports from Guangxi. Its habitat is primary evergreen forests that are broadleaved or mixed coniferous-broadleaved, at elevations of 600–1,600 m (2,000–5,200 ft). It also occurs in forests that have recovered from logging.

The population has been estimated at 2600–3500 mature birds, but may be larger because new populations were discovered in 2002 to 2005. There was probably a rapid population decline because of habitat loss. New populations have been discovered since 2002 and more forest has been protected, so the decline may have slowed. The species is threatened by forest clearance for timber and agriculture, and illegal hunting. Climate change may also be a threat. Because of its small, declining population and small range, the IUCN has assessed it as a vulnerable species. In China, the Hainan partridge is a nationally protected species. Of the 660 km (250 sq mi) of suitable habitat, 410 km (160 sq mi) are in nature reserves such as Hainan Bawangling National Nature Reserve, Jianfengling, Wuzhishan, Diaoluoshan Limushan and Nanweiling.