Podoces
Volume:14 Issue: 2, 2019

In this study, we used a comparative approach to describe, for the first time, vocalizations of adults and nestlings in all four species of ground jays. The analysis of two main types of adult calls of the ground jays clearly separated them into two groups: black-breasted ground jays (– Iranian and Turkestan Ground Jays) and black-crowned ground jays (– Mongolian and Xinjiang Ground Jays). This separation was further supported by the marked differences between Turkestan Ground Jay and Mongolian Ground Jay in their nestling vocalization. These data along with earlier findings on morphology of adults and nestlings, structure of nest, and some biology and behavior features, could serve as a basis for altering the taxonomic status of these two groups, placing them in two genera: black-breasted ground jays (genus Podoces: P. pleskei and P. panderi) and black-crowned ground jays (genus Eupodoces: E. hendersoni and E. biddulphi).

In this study we investigated the egg and clutch size and nesting success of the Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina ceciliae in the wild. The study was carried out at Lake Tana area from August 2014 to January 2016. Result showed that the active nesting period was from September to October although extends to December. The average clutch size was two (N=92). The mean length of eggs was 76.9±0.22 mm, and the breadth was measured 54.05±0.07 mm. The mean weight of eggs (N=92) was 112.0±0.65g. There was no significant difference in all measurements at 5% level of significance (length, N=92, df=1, F=0.02, P>0.05; breadth, N=92, df=1, F=0.048, P>0.05; weight, N=92, df=1, P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between egg length and breadth (rs=0.219, P=0.036, P<0.05, N=92). There was not any significant correlation between egg length and weight (rs=0−0.019, P=0.857, P>0.05). There was also no significance difference between the egg breadth and weight (rs=0.04, P=0.694, P>0.05, N=92). The breeding performance was evaluated. From the total of 92 eggs, 84 eggs were hatched (39 in 2014 and 45 in 2015). Therefore, the hatchability percentage was 89% and 94% in 2014 and 2015, respectively (totally 91.3%). The hatching success was not significantly different between 2014 and 2015 (t=4, df=1, P=0.156). The total number of pre-fledged cranes in 2014 to 2015 was only 42 individuals. The mortality and pre-fledged proportion was equivalent (about 50%) which indicates that the overall breeding performance of cranes in the study area is poor. Agricultural encroachment, livestock pressure and human population growth accompanied by absence of alternative livelihood options, and poor awareness creation on the wetland ecosystem are the main threats to the survival of this species.