Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Very poorly known species with no confirmed record since 1932 (although an unconfirmed observation was made from Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in March 1998, followed by another sighting in Manas National Park, Assam, in 2006). Survey effort for the species has not been comprehensive, but the absence of records suggest that any surviving population is now very small. It is therefore listed as Critically Endangered. Surveys should urgently try to rediscover this species.
Population justification
Very poorly known, but any remaining population must now be very small. It was described historically as local, but not very rare, although even by the 1930s it was documented as declining in Manipur and there has not been a confirmed record since 1932 (BirdLife International 2001). An unconfirmed observation was made from Dibru-Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in March 1998, followed by another sighting in Manas National Park, Assam, in 2006 (Choudhury 2006).
In Manipur and Nagaland there have been few recent surveys, but very little suitable habitat remains and hunting is an ongoing tradition in these states with no evidence of this species being captured (as might reasonably be expected given it was evidently hunted quite commonly historically [BirdLife International 2001]). In Assam, where the species is considered most likely to persist (A. Rahmani and Praveen J in litt. 2024), surveys of numerous sites for other grassland species (e.g. Rahmani 2016) have failed to find it, and it is unclear whether management of the many tiger reserves in this region provides adequate habitat for this species (owing to uncertainty on its requirements). Notably, Synoicus chinensis is still dedicated frequently in north-east India, despite also having detectability that is at least ostensibly similar. This pattern of effort suggests that any remaining population of this species is probably now very small, placed here in a band of 1-200 mature individuals. Comprehensive surveys dedicated to this species are urgently needed.
Trend justification
In the absence of confirmed sightings since 1932, there are no data from which to estimate or infer trends. It has evidently declined since it was first discovered in response to the widespread clearance and degradation of grasslands (BirdLife International 2001) but given uncertainty over where persisting populations may be and the threats facing them directly, the current population trend is wholly unknown.
Perdicula manipurensis is known historically from northern West Bengal, Assam and Manipur in north-eastern India, with unconfirmed historical records from Nagaland and Meghalaya in India and Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sylhet districts, Bangladesh (see review of all records in BirdLife International 2001). The nominate race occurs in Manipur and neighbouring Assam south of the Brahmaputra, while race inglisi occurs from West Bengal to Assam north of the Brahmaputra (BirdLife International 2001). Given the lack of recent records, and the lack of remaining suitable grassland habitat, any remaining populations must be very small and fragmented. Remaining populations are thought most likely to be in Assam (A. Rahmani and Praveen J in litt. 2024).
Poorly known (see BirdLife International 2001 for review). A probable resident, it inhabits damp grassland, particularly stands of tall grass, and sometimes bogs and swamps, and is recorded in vegetation up to 3 m (but potentially up to 5 m) tall (A. Choudhury in litt. 2006), from the foothills up to c.1,000 m. Historical records indicate that it was generally encountered in small groups of 4-12, and was shy, reluctant to fly and extremely difficult to observe, although coveys were occasionally seen feeding in the open on recently burnt ground. The little available data indicate that it breeds between January and May.
Drainage and destruction of tall grasslands to meet the demands of an expanding human population have been extensive in Manipur and Bangladesh at least, presumably greatly reducing and fragmenting available habitat (BirdLife International 2001, Rahmani 2016). Any extensive patches of tall grass that might remain in Bangladesh are inundated for two-thirds of the year and are thus unlikely to support significant populations. Livestock grazing poses a threat throughout its range. An inappropriate fire regime coincides with the species' breeding season (A. Rahmani in litt. 2012); grass in the protected areas of Assam and northern W Bengal is burnt annually as part of management, potentially restricting available habitat for grassland specialist birds and increasing the risk of predation (A. Choudhury in litt. 2016). Its habit of running in tightly-knit groups when fleeing disturbance made it easy to kill several birds with a single shot, a factor likely to have contributed to its decline, in conjunction with a dramatic rise in hunting levels during the 20th century; while hunting rarely occurs in Assam (particularly within the protected area network which is most likely to host a remaining population of this species), hunting does occur in Manipur and Nagaland (A. Rahmani in litt. 2024). Its habitat at Mornoi, Assam, which was a major site of specimen collection in the past, has now been replaced by tea plantations (A. Choudhury in litt. 2012).
Conservation Actions Underway
Some survey work for this species has been carried out, but is hampered by access to the Manipur region, as well as the difficulty of accessing likely sites due to the danger posed by tigers and elephants.
Conservation Actions Proposed
The most urgent action needed is to rediscover this species by surveying likely sites. Depending on the outcome of these surveys, a conservation action plan that prioritises site and population protections will be key. Threats will need to be identified and appropriately mitigated, ensuring local community support. If surveys for the species continue to be unsuccessful, extinction probability analysis may become appropriate.
20 cm. Distinctive, dark bush-quail with rich buff belly and vent. Mostly dark greyish, with whitish loral patch, faint eyebrow, and golden-buff belly and vent with heavy, blackish markings. Male has chestnut forehead and throat.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Choudhury, A.U., Rahmani, A. & Praveen J
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Manipur Bush-quail Perdicula manipurensis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/manipur-bush-quail-perdicula-manipurensis on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.