Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2008 |
Authors: | Šálek, M, Marhoul, P |
Journal: | Journal of Ornithology |
Volume: | 149 |
Issue: | 3 |
Date Published: | 2008 |
ISBN Number: | 2193-7192 |
Keywords: | Czech Republic, Europe, Francolinus, Francolinus pondicerianus, Perdix, Perdix perdix, Phasianidae |
Abstract: | The Grey Partridge Perdix perdix is a sedentary species with a surplus of males in spring populations. It experienced a dramatic decline in Europe primarily due to habitat loss that may have forced the species to modify its dispersal behaviour, a less transparent source of populations threats. We analysed the dispersal patterns of Grey Partridges during pre- and post-breeding periods in two landscapes with different habitat quality in the Czech Republic. Grey Partridges tended to pair off quickly, with most pre-breeding movements executed in pairs. The birds usually dispersed over a few hundred metres indicating that the habitat conditions in a landscape with a carrying capacity of 2–5 pairs/1 km 2 was not below the threshold initiating strong dispersal, as observed in extreme habitats and at the northern limits of the species´ distribution range. A few single males that had remained unpaired until April also finally bred. However, the high level of sedentariness of males in a good landscape suggested that males prefer to stay near wintering sites unless habitat sources become limited. Unlike the males, the females dispersed in a wide range of distances with an extensive overlap in both landscapes. Autumn movements did not differ between the sexes, but were longer than the pre-breeding movements and increased in a poor landscape. We conclude that both reduced habitat availability and reduced mating opportunities initialise primarily male-biased breeding dispersal in Grey Partridge populations. |
URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10336-008-0279-9 |
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