| Calayan rail | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Gruiformes |
| Family: | Rallidae |
| Genus: | Aptenorallus Kirchman, McInerney, Giarla,Olson, Slikas & Fleischer, 2021 |
| Species: | A. calayanensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Aptenorallus calayanensis (Allen, D, Oliveros, Española, Broad & Gonzalez, 2004) | |
| Synonyms | |
Gallirallus calayanensisAllen, D., Oliveros, Española, Broad & Gonzalez, 2004 | |
TheCalayan rail (Aptenorallus calayanensis) is aflightless bird of therail, moorhen, and coot family (Rallidae) that inhabitsCalayan Island in thePhilippines. It is the only member of the genusAptenorallus. Though well known to natives of the island as the "piding", it was first observed byornithologist Carmela Española in May 2004 and the discovery was officially announced on August 16, 2004.
The Calayan rail is a relatively largeflightless rail. Its plumage is dark grayish overall, with a blacker face and slightly browner upperparts. The bill and legs are bright orange-red, unique among similar-sized dark-colored ground-dwelling birds on Calayan. Its vocalizations are loud, harsh, and nasal-sounding.[2]
It was initially discovered by Carmela Espanola during fieldworlk in the area. The formal description as a speciesnew to science appeared in the journalForktail (Allenet al. 2004).
Prior to 2022, it was classified in the genusGallirallus. Following studies in 2012 and 2013, all recent species in the genusGallirallus aside from the Calayan rail and theweka ofNew Zealand were moved to the genusHypotaenidia. Following this, the Calayan rail and the weka were considered the two extant species of the genusGallirallus. However, a 2021 phylogenetic study found the Calayan rail to bebasal to the species classified inHabroptila,Eulabeornis,Gallirallus, andHypotaenidia, and thus classified it into its own genus,Aptenorallus.[3] This was accepted by theInternational Ornithological Congress in 2022.[4]
Stomach contents of a specimen contained various insects including snails, beetles and millipedes. This bird forages by pecking and turning over dead leaves. This species has weak wings and can barely fly. It is often observed alone or in small groups.
Nest found in June and contained 4 eggs. Lays on the ground at the base of a tree loosely made of dried leaves and stems. Eggs are pale pink and are blotched reddish brown and dark purple.[5]
It is found on theprimary andsecondary forest oncoralline limestone areas on Calayan.[6]
IUCN has assessed this bird asvulnerable with an estimated population of just 2,500 to 4,300 mature individuals. It was initially estimated by biologists in 2004 that there were just 200 pairs on the island. It has since been found to be locally common, with an estimated area of occupancy of 36 km2. However recent species distribution modelling estimated its area of occupancy at 90.2 km2 .
The species' main threat ishabitat loss with the clearance of forest habitats as a result of logging and agricultural conversion within its range. It is also occasionally caught in snares meant forred junglefowl. It is also threatened by introduced species such ascats,dogs andrats which could prey on these birds and their nests.
The Calayan municipal council has passed Municipal Ordinance No. 84, which prohibits the capture, sale, possession and collection of the species. There are currently many awareness campaigns using this rail as aflagship species. The municipality ofCalayan has passed an ordinance establishing the Calayan Wildlife Sanctuary which covers 29km2 of the island interior.
Conservation actions proposed include more research is needed to clarify the habitat requirements, range size and population size of the species. Promote the establishment of anenvironmental monitoring system. Conduct further community consultations and education campaigns. Set up a volunteer network for conservation activities. Develop capacity of local officials and community leaders in managing the recently established wildlife sanctuary and in enforcing its rules and regulations.[7]
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