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Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2003 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 5 | Page No.: 484-495
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Research Article

On Biology of Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii) in Balochistan, Pakistan: Influence of Vegetative Characters on Distribution

Afsar Mian

ABSTRACT

The analysis of 53 stands established in the Houbara wintering habitat in Balochistan suggests that vegetative diversity may increase the chances of finding Houbara, yet it has no effect on its density or constancy of appearance. The optimal Houbara density is recorded at 6-11% absolute vegetative cover (shrub cover) and both increasing and decreasing cover decreases Houbara density with very low densities at >24% cover. The increasing minimum shrub height had a direct effect on increase in Houbara density, while maximum height did not give a consistent pattern. The average minimum distance between plants/groups of plants in the stands having significant Houbara population, is 2.5±0.2 m (range 1-5 m). Houbara density shows a linear rise with increasing degree of foliage on the plants. Houbara density and constancy variation had different patterns of distribution in different vegetative communities.
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