
Love The Bengal Florican
Dimensions
Sculpture
31.5 x 86.6 x 35.4inch (H*L*W) 220.5lbs
0.8 x 2.2 x 0.9m (H*L*W) 100kgs
Base
51.2 x 35.4 inch (L*W)
1.3 x 0.9m (L* W)
Medium
Bronze
Style
Contemporary Sculpture, Wildlife, Activist Art
Edition Number
/6
Description
This 3-year-old male has got his courtship dance down. He can make his feathers puff the most, swoop the most elegantly, and make some pretty cool low humming. But it’s getting a bit depressing each time he migrates back to the breeding sites. His home has been changed from a beautiful wild wonderland to one covered in human farms with more weird species taking over. There aren’t too many of his kind left so he wonders if his dance will help the humans see him as an important thing to protect.
This critically endangered bustard is the only surviving member of the genus Houbaropsis. Only found in two populations, one in the Himalayas between India and Nepal and the other in Cambodia with a few individuals potentially in Vietnam, these birds are well known for their stunning courtship displays. The males who are smaller but have handsome black and white plumage which he shows off the best he can with choreographed strutting, display flights, and some head pumping to attract the attention of the ladies. This is the only time the birds come together, competing in groups of at least 7, but nicely spaced apart.
They live reclusive lives in subtropical riverine grassland where they breed near the end of the dry season, after which they migrate 100km to open forest. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, seeds, fruits, flowers, and even small lizards and snails.
Both populations are in danger with their biggest threats being habitat loss. Their homes are being drained, converted to agricultural land and plantations and having alien species introduced. Poaching for sport and food has thankfully been made illegal and has been reduced but not eliminated. There are also issues of humans and livestock trampling nests. There is estimated to be less than 1,000 of these birds remaining.
Artwork Features
Gillie and Marc love working in bronze for many reasons. Bronze is a very hardy material and will last forever. As experts in coloring bronze, Gillie and Marc enjoy experimenting with their sculptures, adding a splash of color to brighten the work, making it even more unique. > Read more
For every purchase of a bronze sculpture you will receive a certificate of authenticity, titled, signed, dated and editioned by the artists.
Care Instructions
Bronze is very easy to clean, allowing you to enjoy your precious sculpture with minimal upkeep. > Read more
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