Chlamydotis macqueenii

(Gray, 1832)

Vernacular names
English : Macqueen’s bustard, Asian houbara
French : Outarde de Macqueen

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Otidiformes
Family : Otididae
Notes : No other subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 75 cm in height for a weight up to 1.7 kg. Strong yellow legs, black and grey bill. Belly and breast white, wings and back beige brown with black and white mottling. Blue-grey neck with long black fringes on sides.

Range and habitat
The species breeds from the Nile Valley and Arabian peninsula to north China. It winters from the Persian Gulf to Pakistan and north-west India. Lives in sandy semi-desert areas with arid type of vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species’ status is very difficult to assess because of its shy behavior and remoteness of its habitat. It is still heavily hunted despite protection.
Ex-Situ Programs : National breeding program in UAE

Observation
Arabian Wildlife Center (UAE), Nakhlee Breeding Center (UAE), Al Marmoom Conservation Area (UAE), Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes (France)

 

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