Habitat selection of grey francolin in Sweagali game reserve of Swat district Kyhber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan
Habitat selection of grey francolin in Sweagali game reserve of Swat district Kyhber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan
Fazal Baqi Kakakhel
ABSTRACT
This paper is based on a research project carried out to study comparative ecology of Black francolin, Grey francolin and Chukar partridge in Swegali Game reserve District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Animals select habitats for cover, food, water and breeding. We examined habitat selection of Grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) in Sewagali Game Reserve. The main method used for collection of data was line transects. We observed 58 Grey francolins; identified six habitat types and were mapped using GIS and field surveys. The species was observed in three of the available six habitat types including woody ravines, shrub land and agricultural fields. Chi-square tests showed the species displayed significant habitat selection in relation to the availability. The species showed highly significant habitat selection for woody ravines, preferred northerly aspects and foraged in the morning and evening. The findings conformed generally to other studies on the species.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
March 2013
Vol. 63, Iss. 1
