Agelastes

Agelastes is a small genus of birds in the family Cracidae, the group that includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows. The genus is restricted to the tropical rainforests of central and western Africa and currently comprises two recognized species: the white‑breasted guan (Agelastes meleagrina) and the black guan (Agelastes niger). Both species are medium‑sized, ground‑dwelling birds with compact bodies, short tails and relatively long legs adapted for moving through dense undergrowth.

Members of Agelastus display muted plumage; A. meleagrina has a primarily brown body with a distinctive white breast and belly, while A. niger is largely black with subtle iridescent highlights on the neck and wings. Their calls consist of low, resonant notes that are often heard at dawn and dusk, serving to maintain pair bonds and defend territories.

The genus inhabits lowland and sub‑montane rainforest, preferring areas with thick leaf litter and a rich supply of fallen fruit, which forms the core of their diet. In addition to fruit, they consume seeds, leaves and occasional insects. Breeding is seasonal and correlates with periods of fruit abundance; nests are simple platforms of sticks placed in low trees or dense shrubs, where a single egg is typically laid.

Both species face pressures from habitat loss due to logging, agricultural expansion and hunting. The white‑breasted guan is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, while the black guan is classified as Vulnerable. Conservation actions focus on preserving large tracts of primary forest and enforcing anti‑poaching regulations within protected areas.