The Kambul is an endemic bird of the Mayan jungle that warns about the presence of jaguars, since this last species is its main predator.
Al kambul are also known as pheasant (Crax rubra)are characterized by being a kind of land birds; that is to say that they do not fly. For this reason they carry out most of their activities at ground level, although they are also capable of climbing trees.
In Mexico the kambul mainly inhabits the tropical forests of the Yucatan Peninsula. However, they also distribute in the Cozumel Islandas well as in some areas of Panama, Colombia Y Ecuador.
It’s important pointing that the sighting of Kambul not only alerts the presence of jaguars, but also indicates that the jungle is in “good health”. This is due to the benefits that the hocopheasant offers to its habitat.
Through its diet, the kambul reduces insect populations in the jungle, as well as the dispersal of seeds in the surroundings, since it feeds on the sapote, the “tauch”, among other fruit trees.
Kambul characteristics
The kambul males They grow between 80 and 90 centimeters. They have a black coloration and some greenish tones, as well as a white belly. They also have a tuft of ruffled feathers and a yellow bump on their upper jaw.
On the other hand, the kambul females are usually smallerThey measure between 70 and 80 centimeters. Its plumage is reddish brown with black bars. Its neck is barred white with black and lacks a bulge.
Kambul females can lay two to three eggs.. These birds are found in pairs and after their reproduction they look for food in small family groups.
a mayan delicacy
In the Yucatan Peninsula region, the Kambul is usually a bird of consumption, It is one of the favorite dishes of the Mayan communities in the area. Many of them hunt them to eat their meat during family parties or other celebrations.
According to the government of Yucatan, the conservation status of the hocopheasant is listed as “in danger of extinction”, according to the NOM-059 from Semarnat. While that of the International Union for Conservation of Naturecategorizes it as “vulnerable”.
Do you know the ring of Cenotes of Yucatan? Check our guide here
However, the hocopheasant is not exempt from being a victim of illegal hunting for ornamental purposes, which is why some specialists are in charge of reproducing them in captivity.
This species is threatened by the loss of its habitat, due to factors such as deforestation, population expansion, forest fires and harmful agricultural practices.
Did you already know this peculiar bird of the Mayan jungles?