Djibouti is internationally important for more than just its raptor 
migration. The country has an endemic gamebird, the Djibouti Fran- 
colin Francolinus ochropectus, and it was our agreeing to undertake a 
search for this species which made our first visit possible. The species 
was discovered in 1952, but even today we know very little of its 
biology or conservation requirements. It is restricted to dense cover in 
forested areas above 700 m. Until 1985, the francolin was believed to be 
restricted to the Goda Mountains, principally the Foret du Day; but 
during bur second expedition a second population was found 60 km to 
the east, in the Mabla Mountains. Although this second population is 
thought to be very small, it offers some hope that the species can be 
saved from extinction - the habitat on Mabla is quite different from the 
primary forest area of the Foret du Day, and appears to be currently 
under less threat from human activities. 
Djibouti Francolin, Djibouti, March 1984 (Photograph Geoff and Hilary Welch) 
Any work to conserve the francolin must also concentrate on protect- 
ing the Foret du Day. This is a relict Mediterranean-type forest 
surviving as a mist oasis, receiving much of its moisture from early 
morning low cloud. The primary tree species is Juniperus procera but 
this is in decline because of climatic change, attack by a honey fungus 
and lack of regeneration. The whole of the forest area is suffering from 
human activities, especially removal of firewood and severe over- 
grazing. Since 1967, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the 
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