VOLUME 37 - N. 2

Abstract:

Data on the presence of the rock partridge were collected in suitable areas of Frosinone and Rieti provinces. The feld survey lasted from 2005 to 2011. Suitable areas were investigated with a pre-reproductive (playback) and post-reproductive (with the aid of pointing dogs) census. To avoid under- or double-counting, counts in adjacent areas were performed simultaneously by different teams of censors. Using the technique of playback in the province of Rieti, 153 territorial males were detected. Between 2005 and 2011, the number of territorial males intercepted varied between 4 and 33 per year. The estimated density in protected areas varied between 0.12 and 0.62 territorial males per km-2 of area suitable for the species. The estimated density in the hunting areas ranged between 0.12 and 0.45 territorial males per km-2 of area suitable for the species. In the province of Frosinone, 67 territorial males were counted. The estimated density on Private Hunting Farms bordering Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park varied from 0.58 to 0.73 territorial males per km-2 of area suitable for the species. The estimated density in the hunting areas varied between 0.25 and 0.30 territorial males per km-2 of area suitable for the species. The density of rock partridge in the region was not quite as high. In the early survey years (2005/2007), we highlighted the limiting factors for the presence of rock partridge. This information allowed for the drafting of a specifc action plan for the conservation of the species.