Subdesert mesite
Subdesert mesite | |
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male | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Mesitornithiformes |
Family: | Mesitornithidae |
Genus: | Monias Oustalet & Grandidier, G , 1903
|
Species: | M. benschi
|
Binomial name | |
Monias benschi Oustalet & Grandidier, G, 1903
|
The subdesert mesite (Monias benschi) is a ground-dwelling
Mesitornithidae, and is restricted in distribution to a small low-land region in southwest Madagascar.Description
The subdesert mesite is a medium-sized terrestrial bird which is often described as
Distribution and habitat
The subdesert mesite is restricted to
Behaviour and ecology
The subdesert mesite forages by picking invertebrates, seeds and fruit off the ground and may dig into the surface. The birds nests are exposed platforms of twigs built in a bush within 2 m (6.6 ft) of the ground. One or two eggs are laid and the incubation and care of the young is shared by both sexes. They may be polyandrous or polygynous. The birds live in communal groups and have a loud ″nak! nak!″ alarm call when disturbed.[3]
Status
The population of this species may be dense within its restricted geographic range. It is vulnerable to habitat degradation, by slash-and-burn cultivation of maize, burning for charcoal, commercial timber and for construction. which is happening in most of its range apart from to the north of Manombo. The birds are also taken by dogs, by hunting, and introduced rats (Rattus sp) may also be a problem. In 2002 there was an estimated population 115,000 and it is estimated that numbers are falling. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the conservation status of this bird as ″vulnerable″.[1]
References
- ^ . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Subdesert mesite (Monias benschi)". ARKive. Archived from the original on 2016-10-19. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ "Subdesert Mesite Monias benschi". BirdLife International. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- Handbook of the Birds of the World, Volume Three, Hoatzin to Auks; de Hoyo, Elliot and Sargatal, ISBN 84-87334-20-2