Range extension of the Grey-necked Rockfowl Picathartes oreas Reichenow, 1899 in both Congos, evidenced by camera traps

Abstract

The Grey-necked Rockfowl Picathartes oreas Reichenow, 1899 is a flagship African bird associated with rocky areas in evergreen forests. This paper reports the first confirmed detection of the species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a new camera trap record in the Republic of Congo (RoC), suggesting a potential range extension of over 390 km south of its previously known distribution area. Between December 2020 and February 2021, five camera trap events confirmed the presence of at least one individual in the core zone of the Luki Biosphere Reserve (DRC). Further surveys in February 2023 and September 2024 documented at least three individuals in Conkouati- Douli National Park (RoC). Further research is needed to assess population viability in these two protected areas.