秦岭西麓勺鸡巢及卵的初步观察

Nest and Egg of Koklass Pheasant(Pucrasia macrolopha) in Western Slope of Mt.Qinling

2006年在秦岭西麓林区,观察到4个勺鸡巢呈典型的深碗形,开口向上,圆形或近圆形,巢深8.60±0.33cm,巢口外径为21.50±0.41cm,巢口内径为14.75±0.96cm,巢材厚度为2.5～4.0cm。巢材质主要由枯叶、枯草及勺鸡自身掉落的羽毛构成。勺鸡卵近似椭球体,卵壳呈淡黄色,并伴有紫褐色斑点,平均长径为49.85±2.48mm;平均短径为36.00±1.41mm;窝卵数4～6枚。在秦岭西部山区,勺鸡喜欢选择栖息于1861～2100m之间的阔叶林或针阔混交林生境。由于森林的过度开发与人为捕猎,勺鸡野外生存状况不容乐观,亟需制定有效的措施加以保护。

Koklass pheasant is listed as Class Ⅱ protected species under China＇s Wild Animal Protection Law and hunting of it in China has been banned. The bowel-shaped nest of Koklass pheasant is made on the ground, with the materials of dry leaves, dry grass and fallen feather. The outer diameter is 21.50 ± 0.41cm,the inner diameter is 14.75 ± 0. 96cm, thickness is 2.5 -4.0cm and the depth is 8.60 ±0.33cm. The egg of Koklass pheasant is light yellow with lots of purple brownish spots on the surface. The size of egg is 49.85 ±2.48 mm long and 36. 00 ± 1.41mm wide . The egg volume varies considerably among different nests in the western slope of Mt. Qinling, with the average value of 46980.82 ± 5337.27 mm^3. There are 4 - 6 eggs per nest. Koklass pheasant prefers to inhabit broad-leaved forest or conifer-broad-leaf mixed forest at the altitude from 1861 to 2100 m. Habitat loss and excess hunting are mentioned as two key factors threatening the wild population. Some urgent steps should be taken to protect Koklass pheasant and its habitat existed.