Status of rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) in a portion of Central Apennine

Abstract

We present the results of a monitoring plan concerning the status of rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) in a portion of Central Apennine. The results are expressed on the basis of habitat suitability models for the species in order to standardize the results and make it comparable. The presence of the species was detected by playback censuses in spring (breeding season) and with trained dogs in summer (post-breeding). In the Province of Rieti in the period 2005-10 have been heard/seen 148 male using the technique of playback, the sightings of breeding pairs ranged from 32 to 40/year with an estimated density ranging from 0.50 to 0.62 and from 0.12 to 0.15 breeding pairs/100 ha of suit-able nesting areas, in the ban hunting areas and hunting one respectively. In the province of Frosinone, in the period 2007-10, had been heard/seen 49 territorial males, the sightings of breeding pairs ranged from 15 to 17/year with a density ranging from 0.62-0.54 and 0.27-0.31 breeding pairs/100 ha of suitable nesting areas, in the ban hunting areas and hunting one respectively. The lack of rock partridge in the investigated area of the Apennines is probably due to several factors, including changes in habitat, reduced livestock use of upland areas, poaching, stressing the need to implement the indications of the Action Plan for conservation of the species in the Apennines.