Productivity of New Zealand Pheasant Populations: a Study of the Pheasant, Phesisnus Colchicus, Under New Zealand Conditions, its Reproductive Capacity, Taxonomy, Distribution, and Management

Abstract

Three subspecies of the pheasant, Phesisnus colchicus, have been introduced into New Zealand, but the present hybrid population is phenotypic ringneck. Pheasants are most common in the North Island, and particularly in Northland, South Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the East Coast, but nowhere abundant; there are very few in the South Island. The reproductive cycle in New Zealand pheasants is discussed and compared with that of overseas populations. Detailed studies are made of sex and age ratios, extent of breeding season, clutch-size, egg fertility, development of the chicks, and breed mortality. The reproductive rate of New Zealand pheasants is found to be low. The pros and cons of pheasant liberations are discussed; results of banding records of 16,000 birds are presented. Various recommendations for management are given.