Behavior of captive Bulwer's wattled pheasants, Lophura bulweri (Galliformes: Phasianidae)

Bulwer's wattled pheasant (Lophura bulweri) have traditionally been housed in pairs in captivity, although it is unknown whether monogamy is the species' natural mating system. In 1998 we placed our group of 3.3 L. bulweri together in a complex outdoor habitat, in order to investigate several questions. These included whether monogamous pairing was the natural mating system for the species, how the new grouping would affect their behavior, and what microhabitats the individuals preferred within the complex habitat. Initially, all six individuals remained in the same enclosure without conflict. After a period of approximately 6 weeks, 2.1 of these individuals were removed for their safety, due to increasingly aggressive interactions. The data we collected indicate that the species may have an exploded lek type of mating system in the wild and that individuals may flock together in the nonbreeding season. In addition, males and females seem to prefer different types of shade regimes. These results suggest ways to improve husbandry and breeding success of the species in captivity. Zoo Biol 20:15-25, 2001. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.