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Common Name : Indian Grey Partridge     -       Scientific Name : Francolinus pondicerianus       -       Other Name : Grey Francolin (E), Uswatuwa (S)
Kudiramale Point
02/08/2015
Kudiramale Point
02/08/2015
Kudiramale Point
02/08/2015
Kudiramale Point
02/08/2015

This is a common breeding resident found mainly in areas close to the sea from Chilaw up to Jaffna peninsula and down on the east coast up to about Trincomalee. Other than in Sri Lanka this species is found in India, Pakistan, Iran and Baluchistan. Three subspecies have been recognized. The nominate race F.p. pondicerianus is found in southern India and Sri Lanka. F.p. interpositus is found in northwest India and Pakistan. The third F.p. mecranensis is found in southeastern Iran and southern Pakistan.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Near Threatened (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species in Nawadankulama, Madurankuliya, Mahakumbukadawala, Puttalam, Arippu, Vankalai, Mannar Island, Vedithalthivu, Veravil, Jaffna Peninsula and Delft Island. I have found it to be most common in the Mannar area and the Mannar Island.

In Wilpattu I have seen them only at Kudiramale Point and after much effort managed to get some photographs.