Language: English
The WPA (World Pheasant Organisation) have been working with authors Alain Hennache and Michel Ottaviani to translate their acclaimed two-volume Monographie des Faisans into a single English volume. This book presents the latest information available in 2019 on all of the currently recognised pheasant species and includes an annexe with information on the four species of Junglefowl.
It begins with detailed chapters on taxonomy, conservation and the captive breeding of pheasants. After which the genera, ranging from Tragopan through to Afropavo and finally Gallus are discussed. For each species, the authors have detailed the most up to date information on the description, the geographical distribution, the origins of the denomination, the subspecies, the habitat, the feeding, the non-social behaviour, the social behaviour, courtship display, nesting, predation, conservation status, legislative status, the captive population and breeding.
The species are generously illustrated with photographs provided by the authors and many photographers from around the world, some whose work has not been previously shown. This book represents a unique look at the pheasants and is the only complete work on the subject to consider the DNA research up to the present day.
"[...] My hope is that this book, illustrated with some stunning photographs of the (predominantly male) plumages of the group, will stimulate wider interest in these birds and both fill in these gaps in our knowledge and focus international efforts on preservation across their natural ranges."
– Joah R. Madden, Ibis 163(2), April 2021