New data on the status and ecology of a galliform at risk of extinction: the Pyrenean grey partridge (Perdix perdix hispaniensis) in the Iberian System (Soria, Spain)

J C Ceña,A Ceña,C Sánchez–García,V Salvador–Vilariño,J M Meneses

doi:10.32800/abc.2022.45.0001

Abstract

A study was conducted in 2008–2010 to gain knowledge on the status and ecology of the endangered subspecies of grey partridge (Perdix perdix hispaniensis), at its southernmost range edge. From an historic breeding range of 28,300 ha, 15 different coveys (adults with juveniles) were observed in an area comprising 5,550 ha, with an estimated minimum autumn population size of 103–113 birds and a maximum of 163–181 birds. Spring pair density was estimated at 2.3 pairs/1,000 ha, and when considering only coveys, 6.8 partridges/1,000 ha. The majority of birds were located at an altitude above 1,690 m a.s.l., mainly in mountain shrubland (especially Calluna vulgaris and Erica spp.). Habitat loss was the most important threat for the species’ conservation. In conclusion, efforts should prioritize urgent habitat recovery and monitoring in order to change the fate of the species.

Highlights

The grey partridge subspecies Perdix perdix hispaniensis, is a galliform occurring in three mountain ranges, the Cantabrian Mountains and the Iberian System in Spain, and the Pyrenees between Andorra, France and Spain (Lucio et al, 1992)
PGP is a game species in the French Pyrenees (Novoa et al, 2008) and Catalonia (Pagés, 2011) and both populations show favourable conservation status when compared to others (Martínez–Vidal, 2011)
This research was conducted in the Iberian System from 2008 to 2010, in the province of Soria

Summary

Introduction

The grey partridge subspecies Perdix perdix hispaniensis (hereafter referred to as Pyrenean grey partridge, PGP), is a galliform occurring in three mountain ranges, the Cantabrian Mountains and the Iberian System in Spain, and the Pyrenees between Andorra, France and Spain (Lucio et al, 1992). The PGP shows genetic and phenotypic characteristics (Castroviejo, 1967; Lescourret et al, 1987; Martin et al, 2003; Bech et al, 2020) that differentiate it from other subspecies, and it inhabits uplands from 1,300 to 2,700 m a.s.l., depending on the time of the year. It selects habitats dominated by shrublands and steep slopes (Lucio et al, 1992), in contrast with the vast majority of the species’ range in Eurasia and North America, where grey partridges mainly occur in lowland and farmland habitats (Potts, 1986). PGP is a game species in the French Pyrenees (Novoa et al, 2008) and Catalonia (Pagés, 2011) and both populations show favourable conservation status when compared to others (Martínez–Vidal, 2011)

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