Distribution, habitat use and conservation of the endemic Chestnut-bellied Hill-partridge (Arborophila javanica) in fragmented forests of Java, Indonesia

Abstract

The endemic Chestnut-bellied Hill-partridge (Arborophila javanica) occurs in the remaining fragmented mountain forests on Java, Indonesia. Its geographical and altitudinal distribution, habitat use and conservation status were assessed during surveys in 1994–2002. A. javanica was recorded at 30 sites in 11 forest areas across the island apart from the far eastern corner. It occurs exclusively in natural forest, but only on mountains higher than 1700 m above sea level. Abundance was positively related to altitude but not to degree of forest fragmentation or forest area above 1000 m above sea level. The species tended to be more common in the interior of forest areas than on the forest edge. There was no clear relationship between abundance of hill-partridges and protected area status, i.e. the species was not less common outside the protected area network. Continuing loss and degradation of habitat and trapping are of some concern to the survival of A. javanica, but its short-term future seems to be relatively secure.