The seasonality of group size and group composition of sand partridge (Ammoperdix heyi heyi Temminck, 1825) in the Ibex Reserve, Saudi Arabia

Authors : Torsten Wronski

Pages : 223-229

Doi:10.3906/sag-1204-7

View : 15 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The seasonality of group size and composition in sand partridges was studied at the Ibex Reserve in central Saudi Arabia. Mean group size and flock encounter rate were significantly related to rainfall and temperature. During winter and the breeding season insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(March to April);, the encounter rate on the valley floors was distinctly lower than that observed during summer. Although encounter rates did not differ significantly between valleys, sand partridges were more likely to be encountered in narrow, stony valleys. Correcting for valley width, encounter rates did not differ between valleys. Male and female encounter rates were constant throughout the reserve, indicating a constant sex ratio throughout the year. Results are in line with earlier findings reported from more northern habitats such as the Eilat Mountains insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Israel); and the Rum Wildlife Reserve insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Jordan);. Human disturbance in parts of the reserve is high and may have an impact on group size and composition.
Keywords : Key words Sand partridge, group size, Ibex Reserve, Saudi Arabia