Mr.
Russell Parker
P.O. Box 242
Tenterfield
NSW 2379 - AUSTRALIA
Date:
27/3/96
Dear
Mr Parker,
I
have your letter regarding the jungle fowl and will attempt to provide the
information requested.
Known
locally as Santa Cruz Chicken, bush fowl, Temotu game fowl and probably other
names, it is found almost exclusively in Temotu Province. They were said to
have been introduced by Captain Mendana when he attempted to start a
settlement in Graciosa Bay on Santa Cruz (Nendo) Island in 1595. They have
flourished in the environment due to their flying ability and lack of natural
predators. It is said that similar chickens are seen in the Banks group of
Islands, Northern Vanuatu.
These
chickens are commonly seen in villages on Santa Cruz, tethered by a leg. They
are caught by snares or nets in the bush. Several I have seen look like
crosses between game fowl and domestic poultry. There is apparently no lack of
the birds in the wild on Santa Cruz
As
a trial of their usefulness in crossbreeding for village type of dual purpose
bird, I arranged the purchase of 4 hens and 2 roosters from Santa Cruz in 1995
($12 Solomon each). These are now at Tenavatu farm near Honiara but to date we
have no progeny. I have no knowledge of any other captive breeding programs.
For
more information you can write to:
Chief
Field Officer Agriculture Division
Lata
Temotu Province
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Mr
Peter Haeo, the Manager of Tenavatu Farm has agreed to take some photographs
of the Santa Cruz chickens for you , he will forward them on when developed.
Perhaps you could pay him film and processing costs when completed.
I
hope you find this information of interest.
Yours
faithfully,
Don
Moir
Director of Livestock
for: Permanent Secretary
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
4-4-1996
Dear
Bill,
Looks like I have finally got somewhere. I will keep you informed and get photos when received. I am trying to get $ 1500 together for a quick trip to Solomon Islands. Difficult will my son now at University. Best wishes.
Russell