Occurs in evergreen forest on slopes and plateaus, and has also been recorded in open areas. It is generally found in mountains from 700-1,400 m in Thailand, and on plateaus (up to 1,000 m) in Cambodia, although it has been recorded down to 300 m and 400 m in both countries, and 200 m in Cambodia (S. Browne in litt. 2004, C. Samnang in litt. 2004). It commonly forms groups of 5-6, although up to 30 individuals have been observed together. The diet includes ants, termites and other invertebrates which are obtained by scratching in the leaf-litter (C. Samnang in litt. 2004). It has been observed feeding in rice-paddies in the foothills between November and January (C. Samnang in litt. 2004).

Endemic to south-east Thailand (subspecies diversa) and the Cardamom mountains of south-west Cambodia (subspecies cambodiana and the recently described chandamonyi known only from the Samkos Range [Eames et al. 2002]). In Thailand, it is known from Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Khitchakut National Park (eBird 2025), and possibly Namtok Phlio National Park (Carroll 2001).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species is afforded full legal protection in both Thailand and Cambodia. It occurs within Namtok Phliu National Park and Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. In the Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia, the species is protected in the Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary, Central Cardamom Protected Forest, Southwest Elephant Corridor and the Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary (S. Browne in litt. 2004, C. Samnang in litt. 2004). It also occurs in Bokor and probably Kirirom National Parks, Cambodia. Political instability and uncleared landmines in Cambodia have made conservation difficult, but surveys have been carried out and further research is planned. The World Pheasant Association and Forestry Administration of the Cambodian Government have established a Cambodian Galliformes Conservation Programme (S. Browne in litt. 2004). Bird tours and individuals regularly visit Bokor National Park to search for this species, generating revenue for the species' conservation.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Promote public awareness of the species' conservation and protected status in Thailand and Cambodia. Lobby for a moratorium on logging throughout the Cardamom Range, including Bokor and Kirirom National Parks, Cambodia. Identify and implement management requirements for the species within protected areas in Cambodia, especially Bokor National park and Phnom Aural. Encourage community-based conservation groups at key sites. Complete surveys to clarify its distribution, status and habitat requirements. Investigate the species' ecology, in particular sensitivity to habitat degradation and disturbance, and altitudinal distribution. Monitor the Khao Soi Dao population. Continue to monitor changes in forest cover.