Disentangling the drivers of Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis nesting habitat use in a Mediterranean arid environment

Abstract

ABSTRACTCapsule: Nest site selection of Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis in an Algerian arid environment is dictated by a combination of topography, human presence, landscape and space.Aims: To disentangle the drivers affecting Black-bellied Sandgrouse nest habitat use in an Algerian arid environment.Methods: We used data on a series of topographic, anthropogenic, landscape and space variables, to identify the predictors of the occurrence probability of Black-bellied Sandgrouse nests. These variables were measured at nests (n = 33) and random points (n = 33) within landscape plots of 250 m radius.Results: The probability of a site being selected for nesting by Black-bellied Sandgrouse was negatively related to distance to the nearest cereal crops, but positively associated with the cover of natural water, cover of rocks, and distance to the nearest road. This probability was also high at elevations between 251 and 289 m.Conclusion: From a practical perspective, it would be interesting to reproduce the same investigation in other Mediterranean arid environments to find out if this species follows a similar pattern of nesting habitat use. This would provide guidance for future conservation actions and inform appropriate habitat management for this species.