Estimation of Houbara Bustard, Chlamydotis macqueenii, population density in the central Iranian steppes

Abstract

Iran hosts both resident and migratory populations of the vulnerable Houbara Bustard, Chlamydotis macqueenii, especially in the region of Yazd where resident birds occur. For investigation of its density and abundance, 8000 ha of the Harat area in Yazd province were studied from February to March 2006. The distance sampling method (line transect) in different plant communities, with a completely randomized sampling design, was used. In total, 766 km of transects were surveyed and 147 individuals were counted. Based on distance sampling analysis we found that the Houbara Bustard density is 0.87 individual per km2. The highest density was recorded in Seidlitzia rosmarinus and Artemisia sieberi plant communities.