Abstract
Abstract The field biology of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) was studied in Malakand division, which is an important range of its distribution in Pakistan. The abundance of the species at different altitudes was studied using both transect trails of various lengths and point counts at certain spots. The average monthly population density was estimated to be 1.448±0.466 birds/ha. The population density in August, September, and October 2020 was significantly (P<0.05) higher, as compared to the rest of the months. Chukar Partridge sightings were the lowest in December, with mean±SD = 0.996±0.147 birds/ha and the highest in October 2.333±0.202 birds/ hae in all the study sites. At each study site, maximum activity habitats were marked and selected for breeding ecology study. Data was collected on breeding time, nest site selection, nest size, incubation period, and hatching success. The breeding season in this species starts in February, with the peak months being March and April, when calls are frequently heard. The frequency of calls varied from 0.15 to 0.3 per minute. Throughout the breeding season, twelve nests were observed using binoculars and camera traps from a distance to avoid disturbance, wherever possible and without disrupting the species. Nesting sites were mostly on slopes under the eaves of Dodonea viscosa, Calotropis procera and Zizyphus oxyphylla. Dry leaves of Poa annua, Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium annulatum, small twigs of bushes, and downy feathers were used as nesting materials. The average diameter of nest (n=12) was 25.43±3.4 (mean±SD) cm. Overall, the mean clutch size was 94.5±30.187 egg/nest with an incubation period of 22–24 days. The hatching success rate was 82% with 315 successfully hatched chicks, while the fledging rate was 83% (265 fledged out of 315 hatched in, n=42 nests).
Highlights
Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar Gray, 1830) is a game bird belonging to the order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, and subfamily Phasianinae. (Ahmad et al 2017)
Males were extremely vocal during the breeding season, and were seen consistently calling throughout the habitat. We first assessed their abundance at all sites, based on direct encounter or male breeding calls, in order to investigate some aspects of Chukar Partridge breeding ecology (Table 2)
There have been reports of a population decrease in some parts of the world; for example, a small population in Europe is projected to decline at a rate of nearly 30% in 11.7 years (BirdLife International 2015)
Summary
Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar Gray, 1830) is a game bird belonging to the order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, and subfamily Phasianinae. (Ahmad et al 2017). Chukars are upland birds that prefer dry rocky hills and ravines with little vegetation or scrub In cold season they inhabit low altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 m. During the summer they inhabit high elevation areas up to 4500 m They prefer areas mostly close to crop fields on steep slopes and forage in the mountains and gorges cultivated in the hills. They live in groups in the spring and late summer, but this is not the case in the fall. The aim of this study is to analyses the population density, habitat preferences and some aspects of Chukar Partridge breeding biology in the Malakand division. Favored environments have been established, and breeding populations have been identified for long-term tracking studies to determine nesting, incubating, and reproductive success
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