Population Ecology of Chakor Partridge (Alectoris chukar) in District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The population density and ecological factors affecting chakor partridge (Alectoris chukar) were studied in district Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during May, 2017-April, 2018. Known habitats were divided into three categories: 1) vertical barren rocks 2) rocky vegetation slopes and 3) grassy mountainous slopes near agricultural fields. The average monthly population density was 0.198±0.04/ha by line transect method. During the period June, July, September and October 2017, significantly (P<0.05) high population density was recorded as compared to the population density recorded during May, August, November and December 2017and January-April 2018 both in the morning and evening. Significantly (P<0.05) high population density (0.0060±0.002/ha) was recorded during the autumn season. Different ecological factors possibly affect the population of chakor partridge include illegal hunting, eggs collection from their nests, nest destruction, predators, fire, habitats loss, overgrazing, disease and harsh environmental conditions. Awareness campaigns and enforcement of legislation are recommended to save the population of chakor.