Reproductive parameters in captive hand-reared black-bellied sandgrouse

Flock breeders of black-bellied sandgrouse originated from wild-laid eggs collected in west central Morocco in 2003 and 2004, were hatched, and hand-reared in captivity in the framework of a reinforcement population program. Three to five pairs of different ages were housed in an aviary. Egg-pulling procedure was used and eggs incubated artificially. Breeding parameters, hatchability, and posthatching mortality were recorded. The black-bellied sandgrouse showed a seasonal breeding pattern with a laying period extending from 7 to12 weeks. The clutch frequency varied from 3 to 7 clutches per female per season. The mean clutch size was 2.66+/-0.47 eggs, and the mean interclutch interval was 10+/-2.7 days. The average total egg production was 12+/-5.83 eggs per female varying with age from 8 to18 eggs per female. Egg hatchability of incubated eggs increased with age and varied from 37.5 to 72.2%. Chick mortality occurred only in the first week after hatching, averaging 60.5%. The obtained results showed that black-bellied sandgrouse can be successfully bred in captivity and opened the possibility of controlling, managing, and maximizing their production for the reinforcement of the local declining wild populations. Zoo Biol 27:269-281, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.