• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species is endemic to a relatively large area of south-east China, in which it is thought to have a fairly large population size. However, ongoing forest loss and fragmentation are suspected of causing declines possibly exceeding 20% over three generations. While it therefore does not meet any thresholds for listing as threatened, it does approach them, and is therefore considered Near Threatened. 

Population justification
Population density variably estimated at 0.31 individuals/km² in parts of Guangdong and Zhejiang (Zheng Guangmei and Wang Qishan 1998) to 8-10 individuals/km² at 900-1,200 m in Longqishan (Mt. Longqi) at Jiangle in Fujian (He et al. 2007). This variation can partly be explained by altitudinal variation, but also likely differences in habitat and observer effort.

The area of remaining suitable habitat in 2018 was estimated as c.170,000 km² by Savini et al. (2021), who removed from their analysis any forest patch <40 km². A similar analysis using different underlying data found a very similar total suitable habitat area of c.187,000 km² in 2020 (data from Jung et al. [2020], analysed using sRedList [2023]), although this did not apply the removal of smaller habitat patches of Savini et al. (2021). Combining density and habitat data suggests that the population size of this species numbers in the high tens, if not hundreds, of thousands. It is therefore placed in the broad band of 50,000-250,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The main threats to this species are habitat loss and degradation, and more locally trapping. Forest cover loss over the past three generations (14 years: 2009-2023) has been equivalent to c.9-11% (Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein). In a similar analysis using different methods, Savini et al. (2021) estimated that between 2000 and 2018 this species lost approximately 19.4% of its habitat, equivalent to a rate of c.14-15% over three generations. Additionally, forest blocks have become significantly more isolated in the last two decades, with the number of habitat patches increasing from 116 to 156 between 2000 and 2018, and the average size of these patches nearly halving from 1,830 to 1,097 km² (Savini et al. 2021). Given their relatively low density, fragmentation is considered to have a particularly acute effect on Galliformes and, when compounding hunting impacts are also taken into account, past rates of decline are suspected at 10-29% over the past three generations. Very little (<5%: Savini et al. 2021) of this species' range lies in protected areas, such that future declines are suspected to occur at the same rate without greater conservation interventions.

Arborophila gingica is endemic to south-eastern China, having been recorded in Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Guangdong.

Its typical habitats are broadleaf, mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest, bamboo and scrub, probably ranging from 150 m to 1,900 m, but mostly 500-1,700 m (He Fen-qi et al. 2007). It is confined to densely forested areas, where it stays on the ground in thick undergrowth during the day, but roosts communally in trees.

This species is threatened mainly as a result of the continuing loss and fragmentation of its habitat, as lots of forest has been cleared or modified as a result of the demands for agricultural land and timber. Road construction and mining projects also result in habitat loss and fragmentation (Zhou Fang in litt. 2012). In addition, it is thought to be negatively affected by disturbance caused through the gathering of non-timber forest products. Increased tourist traffic at nature reserves has also resulted in greater disturbance and necessitated the construction of more infrastructure for visitors (Zhou Fang in litt. 2012). The extent to which trapping/hunting is a threat is unknown, but may reasonably be accepted to occur at least locally.

Conservation Actions Underway
There are many protected areas in or near to its range, but most of these reserves are relatively small and isolated, and it is not clear how many of them contain large enough areas of suitable forest to support viable populations. Overall, they combine to protect <5% of suitable habitat in the species' range (Savini et al. 2021).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct studies of its habitat requirements. Conduct surveys in protected areas throughout its range, to determine which of them support significant populations. Help develop appropriate management practices in protected areas to better protect closed-canopy forest. If required, propose the designation of new protected areas.

25-30 cm. Typical, generally grey-brown, partridge with distinct head and breast patterning. Male has striking white forehead and greyish supercilium, black-spotted chestnut crown and nape, buffish-yellow throat and diagnostic black above narrow white above chestnut bands across lower throat/upper breast. Female smaller with chestnut (not black) and white undertail-coverts. Similar spp. Chinese Bamboo Partridge Bambusicola thoracica is larger and longer-tailed with rufous face and throat, broad grey supercilium and bold, dark breast-side and flank spotting. Voice Territorial call far-carrying series of plaintive, two-note whistles, repeated regularly, often in duet.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Zhou, F., Fellowes, J., He, F., Wei, L. & Zhang, Z.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Collared Partridge Arborophila gingica. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/collared-partridge-arborophila-gingica on 20/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 20/12/2024.