Showy males are easy to identify, but their camouflaged females can look very similar. How can you tell which is which or if there is cross-breeding? The only guaranteed test is DNA.
Aviornis and WPA have DNA tested wild specimens creating a base reference for these 3 species: The Temminck’s, Satyr and Cabot’s Tragopans. Private collections were able to submit samples, verifying their purity. Offspring from these pure birds are being close ringed in a special scheme, enabling pure lines to be verified. Additionally, there’s a studbook for sourcing the lines.
Close ringing, along with faultless record-keeping is so important for serious breeders.
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Thanks to Tragopan expert Huub Dijcks for the pictures.
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