Bokikokiko

Bokikokiko
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Acrocephalidae
Genus: Acrocephalus
Species: A. aequinoctialis
Binomial name
Acrocephalus aequinoctialis
Latham, 1790
Synonyms
  • Acrocephalus pistor

The bokikokiko, Kiritimati reed warbler or Christmas Island warbler (Acrocephalus aequinoctialis) is a species of warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It is found only on Kiritimati (Kiribati). The bokikokiko's diet has been composed largely of the weed Tribulus terrestris since the plant's introduction by European settlers in the late 18th century.[2] The intricate feather pattern on its head has notably been considered an aphrodisiac by the indigenous population; in ancient times, the feathers were correlated with penile growth, a belief that likely has some factual basis considering the testosterone-enhancing properties of Tribulus terrestris.[2] Due to this, the bokikokiko has been hunted to endangered levels, despite its long-lasting cultural significance within the region, and remains as one of the most symbolically and medicinally important birds in Kiribati.[2]

Subspecies

The species may be divided into the following subspecies:

References

Wikispecies has information related to: Acrocephalus aequinoctialis
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bokikokiko.
  1. ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Acrocephalus aequinoctialis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Tudge, Colin (2010). The Bird: A Natural History of Who Birds Are, Where They Came From, and How They Live.


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