The assessment of morphometrics characteristics of Clapperton’s francolin (Francolinus clappertoni) in the Sudan-Sahel Savanna of Nigeria

Studies on morphometrics, characteristics of Clapperton’s Francolin the study conducted in Dala Village of Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State between August 2012 and April 2013. The study aimed at filling in the missing gaps in the knowledge of the species. Sixty (60) individuals’ birds were collected by being shot and morphometric measurements taken using mettler weighing balance and a meter rule. The birds were cut open to collect the gut contents for food habit study. The average weight of the bird was 1.03±0.43 kg, while the mean length of the species was 361±30mm. The body weight of the species showed a significant positive correlation with crook of wings (r = 0.4, p = 0.002). This was probably an adaptation for sustained flight. Total body length also showed a significant positive correlation with length of tarsus (r = 0.3, p = 0.004). This might also be an adaptation for flight and fast running.