Preliminary study of the avifauna of the families Numididae and Phasianidae (Galliformes) of the Bombo-Lumene hunting area and reserve in Kinshasa (DR Congo)

Abstract

The present study consisted of the identification of <em>Numididae</em> and <em>Phasianidae</em> birds of the Bombo-Lumene Hunting Estate and Reserve with a view to a domestication trial of one or two of their species. It focuses on direct field observations and trapping of birds. The following parameters were targeted in relation to domestication: weight, size, diet of these birds. A total of 468 bird specimens were observed (105) and captured (363) in various habitats. Of the individuals captured, 31 or 8.5% were <em>Numididae</em> and 332 or 91.4% were <em>Phasianidae</em>. The identification revealed five (5) species, three (3) genera, two (2) families and a single order. The species <em>Francolinus afer</em>, <em>Numida meleagris</em> and <em>Francolinus coqui</em> are the richest with respectively 364 individuals, 58 individuals and 42 individuals. On the other hand, the species <em>Guttera pucherani</em> and <em>Francolinus streptophorus</em> are the least rich with three individuals and one individual respectively. As millet farming has already been successfully experimented elsewhere and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the results obtained from the targeted parameters indicate that among the species identified, only the species <em>Guttera pucherani</em> (<em>Numididae</em>) and <em>Francolinus afer</em> (<em>Phasianidae</em>) are eligible for a domestication trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo.