Alula XIX (1-2): (2012)
BIOLOGIA RIPRODUTTIVA DELLA GALLINA PRATAIOLA
Tetrax tetrax NEGLI ECOSISTEMI ERBACEI DELLA SARDEGNA
Andreina Concas & Francesco Petretti
Università degli Studi di Camerino, Facoltà di Scienze e Tecnologie
Summary
Reproductive biology of the Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax in grassland ecosystems of Sardinia
Population decline of Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax has been related to habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and to human disturbance. This study found a significant relationship between habitat and anthropic factors with male distribution and density in an agricultural area of North Sardinia during the breeding season. A total of 18 breeding males were found in a area of 673 ha, with an average density figure of 2,67 males/100. Findings indicated that males prefer farmland with leguminous crops and natural pastures. Displaying males of the Little Bustard seem to prefer fallow fields and leguminous crops rather than wheat/barley fields. The study shows that roads (p=0,004) and power lines (p=0,016) are avoided by displaying Little Bustards. These results suggest that also when the birds exploit intensive agricultural areas, they are highly influenced by anthropic factors that might limit successful patterns of breeding activity.
