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