Gunnison mugwort

Gunnison mugwort
	Gunnison mugwort
Systematics
Class :	Birds (aves)
Order :	Chicken birds (Galliformes)
Family :	Pheasants (Phasianidae)
Genre :	Mugwort ( Centrocercus )
Type :	Gunnison mugwort
Scientific name
	Centrocercus minimus
	Young , Braun , Oyler-McCance , Hupp & Quinn , 2000

The Gunnison mugwort ( Centrocercus minimus ) is a species of pheasant. It is endemic to a small area in the United States and wasn't scientifically described until 2000. The species is very similar to the mugwort , but is about a third smaller than this. The courtship behavior is also less pronounced than with this species.

Gunnison sagebrushes are found only in the southwest of the US state of Colorado and in the extreme southeast of Utah. The largest population is found near the Gunnison River in Colorado. Although the species is found in a region where the avifauna is relatively well known, the species was overlooked until the 1990s. The description as an independent species was confirmed by genetic analyzes.

Similar to the mugwort, the Gunnison mugwort also has a relatively conspicuous courtship behavior. Every spring the males gather in a lek and show their courtship dances there. Females stay near these leks and choose the most attractive male to mate. Therefore, only a relatively small proportion of the total population is involved in reproduction. The courtship dances take place in the early morning and late evening and can last for several hours. Leks are usually found in open terrain that has a dense population of Artemisia shrubs.

The Gunnison mugwort is considered to be an endangered species. Today it only covers less than 500 square kilometers.

supporting documents

literature

Steve Madge , Phil McGowan, and Guy M. Kirwan : Pheasants, Partridges and Grouse. A Guide to the Pheasants, Partridges, Quails, Grouse, Guineafowl, Buttonquails and Sandgrouse of the world. Christopher Helm, London 2002, ISBN 0-7136-3966-0 .

Single receipts

↑ Kahn NW, Braun CE, Young JR, Wood S, Mata DR, Quinn TW (1999) Molecular analysis of genetic variation among large- and small-bodied Sage Grouse using mitochondrial control region sequences. The Auk 116 (3): 819-824.
↑ Madge et al., P. 381
↑ Felicity Barringer: Interior Official and Federal Biologists Clash on Danger to Bird . New York Times. December 4, 2004. Retrieved July 20, 2008.
↑ Juliet Eilperin: Bush Appointee Said to Reject Advice on Endangered Species . Washington Post. October 30, 2006. Retrieved July 20, 2008.
↑ Felicity Barringer: Interior Official Steps Down Over Rules Violation . May 2, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2008.

Web links

Commons : Gunnison mugwort ( Centrocercus minimus ) - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Centrocercus minimus inthe IUCN 2013 Red List of Threatened Species . Listed by: BirdLife International, 2012. Retrieved September 30, 2013.

[1] Kahn NW, Braun CE, Young JR, Wood S, Mata DR, Quinn TW (1999) Molecular analysis of genetic variation among large- and small-bodied Sage Grouse using mitochondrial control region sequences. The Auk 116 (3): 819-824.

[2] Madge et al., P. 381

[3] Felicity Barringer: Interior Official and Federal Biologists Clash on Danger to Bird . New York Times. December 4, 2004. Retrieved July 20, 2008.

[4] Juliet Eilperin: Bush Appointee Said to Reject Advice on Endangered Species . Washington Post. October 30, 2006. Retrieved July 20, 2008.

[5] Felicity Barringer: Interior Official Steps Down Over Rules Violation . May 2, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2008.