The Significance of Seasonal Weather Changes on Francolins (Francolin bicalcaratus) Activity in the Rainforest Area of Bangem, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Melle Ekane Maurice*, Colins Mesue Kome, Mesumbe Bernsirene Ewange, Kome Elvis Ngome, Blandine Lenyonga Tutuwan, Arrey-tabot Chenilie Nena, Nkamta Eric Junior Tchek, Tebah Ruth Enjoh, Ngounoun Kangmeni Bernard and Ochiafor Nelvis Onorakwa

Francolins are an important group of ground-dwelling game birds that play a key role in the ecology of many African forest and savanna ecosystems. However, their behavioral responses to seasonal variations in weather and environmental conditions are not well understood, particularly in the context of tropical rainforest habitats. This study examined the impacts of seasonal weather changes on the activity patterns of the double-spurred francolin (Francolin bicalcaratus) in the rainforest area surrounding Bangem. Systematic observations and audio recordings were conducted over the course of 5 months to document francolin vocalizations, movements, and other behaviors in relation to daily and seasonal fluctuations in temperature, rainfall, and other meteorological variables. The results indicated that francolins exhibited distinct shifts in activity levels, habitat use, and social interactions during the wet and dry seasons. Seasonality revealed a significant association on birds’ aggregation X2 = 53.326 df = 2 P = 0.000, climatic conditions X2 = 36.093 df = 3 P = 0.000, and vegetation X2 = 38.385 df1 P = 0.000, respectively. Additionally, seasonality is significantly associated with different food types consumed by the birds, X2 = 70.217, df = 4, P = 0.000. There is also a significant relation between seasonality and the hourly activity periods of the day, X2 = 57.529, df = 2, P = 0.000. Furthermore, seasonality showed a significant link with vocalization communication of francolin birds r = 0.647, P = 0.000. Also, the aggregation birds revealed a significant link with vegetation, r = 0.650, P = 0.000. Francolins are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in a variety of habitat types, from open grasslands to dense, wooded areas. Francolins are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in a variety of habitat types, from open grasslands to dense, wooded areas. These findings suggest that seasonal weather changes play an important role in regulating the behavioral ecology of francolins in tropical rainforest ecosystems. Understanding these seasonal activity patterns can provide important insights for the effective management and conservation of francolin populations, which are threatened by habitat loss and overhunting in many parts of West and Central Africa. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying physiological, social, and ecological mechanisms driving the observed seasonal variations in francolin behavior.

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Published on: Nov 20, 2025 Pages: 1-8

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/gjz.000033
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