Redescription and Review on the Ecology of Rare and Endangered Bird Jerdon's or Double Banded Courser, <I>Cursorius bitorquatus</I> (Blyth) from Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The Jerdon's or Double banded Courser Cursorius bitorquatus last recorded in nineteenth century, is one of the rarest birds in the world. This bird is indigenous to Andhra Pradesh and is restricted to Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary of Cuddapah District. This rare bird, believed to be extinct, has been rediscovered and found to be surviving in restricted habitats and in small populations. Surveys carried out in 1985 and 1986 finally established the presence of the species in the scrub jungles near Reddipalle village of Cuddapah District (Andhra Pradesh). In the present article redescription and review on the ecology with some more new findings are discussed.