Abstract
This paper describes and analyzes floristic, structural and conservation features of the shrubland occupied by Chersophilus duponti in the northwest corner of its world distribution range. This study relates the coverage, floristic composition with estimated lark density in the area. We identified four types of shrublands, three of them varied significantly in floristic composition for the habitats of this species in contrast with those of their world distribution: Cistus ladanifer scrubs; heaths dominated by Ericaceae, and scrubs dominated by the genera Lavandula, Thymus and Cytisus. The fourth type, dominated by aromatic chamaephytes and grass, fits descriptions of the bird’s typical habitat. The areas sampled are subject to different categories of threats, the most significant being the natural succession process due to the cessation of grazing, reforestation measures and the use of flat areas for farmlands or other uses. The density of larks in this area was directly related to coverage-composition of plant community.
Highlights
Among the steppe birds with current population decline are several members of the family Alaudidae [1]
The study area was the northwestern quadrant of Spain spanning the provinces of Zamora and Palencia (Spain)
Group CIS gathers scrubs dominated by Cistus ladanifer, whose typical companion species are Lavandula pedunculata and Quercus rotundifolia sprouts
Summary
Among the steppe birds with current population decline are several members of the family Alaudidae [1]. Larks have been the victims of niche separation caused by ever changing dryland agricultural practices [3]. This has meant that many conservation strategies pursue the preservation of crop edges, which offer both food and protection for birds [2] [4]. Not all species depend on these sites for nesting and seek out more natural spaces during the breeding season [3]. This means a need for detailed knowledge of the preferred habitats of each species throughout its life cycle
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