# Great argus > The great argus (Argusianus argus) is a large pheasant with eye-spotted wings from the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, and West Sumatra's identity animal. Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/great-argus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/kuau-raja/ _This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._ **Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist. ## Quick answer The great argus (*Argusianus argus*) is a bird in the family Phasianidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan). Diet: fruit, seeds, flowers, leaf buds and invertebrates; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018). | Fact | Value | |---|---| | Scientific name | *Argusianus argus* | | Indonesian name | Kuau raja | | Group | Birds | | Family | Phasianidae | | Range in Indonesia | Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan) | | Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) | | Diet | Fruit, seeds, flowers, leaf buds and invertebrates | | Range in Indonesia | Lowland forest of Sumatra and Kalimantan | | Key feature | Male's wing feathers covered in eye-like spots | | Provincial identity animal | West Sumatra province | | Other names | Kuau raja, kuau besar | | IUCN status | Vulnerable · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5227762) · checked 1 October 2026 | | Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 469 | | Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — fruit, seeds, flowers, leaf buds and invertebrates · [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) | | Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) | | Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [PLOS ONE](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246564) | ## What is the great argus? The great argus (Argusianus argus) is a pheasant of the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, famous for the male's wing feathers covered in eye-like spots. Clink and colleagues (2021) describe it as one of the largest pheasants in the world. Its scientific name refers to Argus, the hundred-eyed giant of Greek mythology. There are two subspecies: A. a. argus of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and A. a. grayi of Borneo. Also called kuau besar, the great argus is the identity animal (fauna identitas) of West Sumatra province, according to the provincial government's official website. BirdLife International assesses it as Vulnerable. Evidence: [PLOS ONE — Clink et al. (2021), Not by the light of the moon: circadian rhythms and environmental predictors of calling in Bornean great argus](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246564) · [Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Barat (Humas, 2017) — Fauna Sekaligus Maskot Prov. Sumbar](https://sumbarprov.go.id/home/news/11128-fauna-sekaligus-maskot-prov-sumbar) · [BirdLife DataZone — Great Argus Argusianus argus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) ## Where does the great argus live? In Indonesia, the great argus lives in the lowland forests of Sumatra and Kalimantan. According to BirdLife International, its global range is confined to the Sundaic lowlands: southern Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, Sumatra and Kalimantan. It lives in tall, dry primary, secondary and logged forest up to 1,300 m, but mainly below 900 m. It is much sparser in deciduous forest and rare or absent in peat swamp and heath forest. In south-western Sumatra, recorded densities ranged from 0.9 to 3.7 birds per km². Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Great Argus Argusianus argus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) · [Mongabay Indonesia — Kuau Raja, Sang Raja dengan Seratus Mata (2014)](https://mongabay.co.id/2014/09/15/kuau-raja-sang-raja-dengan-seratus-mata/) ## What does the great argus eat? The great argus eats fruit, seeds, flowers, leaf buds and invertebrates, according to BirdLife International, citing research by Winarni and colleagues (2009) in Sumatra. Mongabay Indonesia lists fallen fruit, seeds, snails, ants and various insects. The bird cannot fly far, but it runs well and can hop up onto branches. It nests on the ground. Because it lives in the forest understorey, it needs intact forest with large trees and an open understorey, conditions that BirdLife says both males and females prefer. Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Great Argus Argusianus argus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) · [Mongabay Indonesia — Kuau Raja, Sang Raja dengan Seratus Mata (2014)](https://mongabay.co.id/2014/09/15/kuau-raja-sang-raja-dengan-seratus-mata/) · [PLOS ONE — Clink et al. (2021), Not by the light of the moon: circadian rhythms and environmental predictors of calling in Bornean great argus](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246564) ## How does the great argus breed? The male great argus clears a patch of forest floor as a ‘dancing ground’ and courts females there with a dance and a display of his fanned wing feathers. According to Clink and colleagues (2021), males mate with several females (polygyny) and display at dispersed, exploded leks. Males give two call types. The long call is given from anywhere in the forest and is considered territorial, while the short call is given more often in the morning from the dancing ground. In captivity, females lay clutches of two eggs. The wild breeding season is not well known, and the birds can be heard all year. Evidence: [PLOS ONE — Clink et al. (2021), Not by the light of the moon: circadian rhythms and environmental predictors of calling in Bornean great argus](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246564) · [Mongabay Indonesia — Kuau Raja, Sang Raja dengan Seratus Mata (2014)](https://mongabay.co.id/2014/09/15/kuau-raja-sang-raja-dengan-seratus-mata/) ## Why is the great argus threatened? The great argus is threatened mainly by the continuing loss of lowland forest in Sumatra and Borneo. BirdLife International records that 16.4% of forest within its range was lost in 16.2 years, through logging, land conversion, oil palm and forest fires. The bird depends heavily on intact forest. A study cited by BirdLife found it absent from 11 of 13 forest fragments of 2.5–50 km², but present in every intact forest area larger than 50 km². It is also hunted for food, for ceremonial feather decoration and for the bird trade. BirdLife therefore assesses it as Vulnerable, and it is listed in CITES Appendix II. Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Great Argus Argusianus argus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) ## How can the great argus be protected? The most important way to protect the great argus is to keep large, intact lowland forests and never hunt or buy the birds or their feathers. The great argus is listed as a protected species in the annex to Indonesia's ministerial regulation P.106/2018 (entry 469). If you see a great argus or its feathers for sale, report it to the local nature conservation agency (BKSDA). BirdLife International recommends enforcing protection in protected areas, protecting further large forest areas and running local education to discourage hunting. As West Sumatra's identity animal, the great argus can also give residents a reason to learn about and protect nearby forests. Evidence: [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · [BirdLife DataZone — Great Argus Argusianus argus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) · [Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Barat (Humas, 2017) — Fauna Sekaligus Maskot Prov. Sumbar](https://sumbarprov.go.id/home/news/11128-fauna-sekaligus-maskot-prov-sumbar) ## Scientific classification of the Great argus | Rank | Name | |---|---| | Kingdom | Animalia | | Phylum | Chordata | | Class | Aves | | Order | Galliformes | | Family | Phasianidae | | Genus | *Argusianus* | | Species | *Argusianus argus* | Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Common questions about the great argus ### What is the scientific name of the great argus? The scientific name of the great argus is *Argusianus argus*, in the family Phasianidae. In Indonesian it is called Kuau raja. ### What kind of animal is the great argus? The great argus is a bird in the family Phasianidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a fruit, seeds, flowers, leaf buds and invertebrates. ### Where does the great argus live in Indonesia? In Indonesia, this guide records the great argus in: Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan). Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/). ### What does the great argus eat? Diet of the great argus: fruit, seeds, flowers, leaf buds and invertebrates. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus). ### How does the great argus reproduce? The great argus reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352). ### Is the great argus nocturnal? No. The great argus is diurnal (active by day). It also often calls at night: in Sabah about 20% of its calls were recorded between 18:00 and 06:00. Source: [PLOS ONE](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246564). See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/). ### What are the main features of the great argus? Key features of the great argus, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: male's wing feathers covered in eye-like spots. ### What is the scientific classification of the great argus? Scientific classification of the great argus: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, genus *Argusianus*, species *Argusianus argus*. Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology. ### Is the great argus endangered? Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the great argus is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5227762), checked 1 October 2026. This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the great argus protected in Indonesia?](#protected) ### Is the great argus protected in Indonesia? Yes. The great argus (*Argusianus argus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 469). Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests. If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ### Can the great argus be kept as a pet? No. Because the great argus is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited. If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ## Sources & references 1. [BirdLife DataZone — Great Argus Argusianus argus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/great-argus-argusianus-argus) 2. [PLOS ONE — Clink et al. (2021), Not by the light of the moon: circadian rhythms and environmental predictors of calling in Bornean great argus](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246564) 3. [Mongabay Indonesia — Kuau Raja, Sang Raja dengan Seratus Mata (2014)](https://mongabay.co.id/2014/09/15/kuau-raja-sang-raja-dengan-seratus-mata/) 4. [Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Barat (Humas, 2017) — Fauna Sekaligus Maskot Prov. Sumbar](https://sumbarprov.go.id/home/news/11128-fauna-sekaligus-maskot-prov-sumbar) 5. [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) 6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) 7. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Keep exploring - [Black-capped lory](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-capped-lory/) - [Blue-crowned hanging parrot](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) - [Common hill myna](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/common-hill-myna/) - [Crested serpent eagle](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crested-serpent-eagle/) - [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) --- Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Great argus. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/great-argus/