Abstract Over the last past 25 years, Siamese fireback appear to have undergone a range extension,
expanding into higher elevation habitat in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, where previously silver
pheasant predominated. To investigate this expansion, thought to have been triggered by climate
change and subsequent changes in forest microhabitat conditions, a long-term project was initiated.
The aim of this study was to investigate the altitudinal use of habitat of the two Lophura species. We
used colour bands (rings) and radio-collars to study the birds. In the areas where pheasants were
observed, we collected data on elevation and slope. The results reveal a distinct difference in habitat
use and elevation between the two species, although Siamese fireback were observed at higher
elevation, they prefer level areas while silver pheasant were found mainly on slopes. The results
indicate differences in suitable habitat for each of the two sympatric species which appeared to be
separated along an elevational gradient of approximately 15 degrees with a small overlapping area
where both species cohabit in close contact. However, all nests of both Siamese fireback and silver
pheasant were found on steep slopes (above 15 degrees). This is interpreted as a strategy to minimize
predator access to nests and to permit easy flight to avoid predation.
Abstract Over the last past 25 years, Siamese fireback appear to have undergone a range extension,expanding into higher elevation habitat in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, where previously silverpheasant predominated. To investigate this expansion, thought to have been triggered by climatechange and subsequent changes in forest microhabitat conditions, a long-term project was initiated.The aim of this study was to investigate the altitudinal use of habitat of the two Lophura species. Weused colour bands (rings) and radio-collars to study the birds. In the areas where pheasants wereobserved, we collected data on elevation and slope. The results reveal a distinct difference in habitatuse and elevation between the two species, although Siamese fireback were observed at higherelevation, they prefer level areas while silver pheasant were found mainly on slopes. The resultsindicate differences in suitable habitat for each of the two sympatric species which appeared to beseparated along an elevational gradient of approximately 15 degrees with a small overlapping areawhere both species cohabit in close contact. However, all nests of both Siamese fireback and silverpheasant were found on steep slopes (above 15 degrees). This is interpreted as a strategy to minimizepredator access to nests and to permit easy flight to avoid predation.
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