A comparative study on the populations and habitats of the Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus and the Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus in Lehri Nature Park, Punjab, Pakistan

The population and habitat preferences of the Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus and Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus were studied in three different habitats in Lehri Nature Park, Jhelum, Pakistan. The populations of the two species were estimated using direct (Line transect method) and indirect methods (“calls” of the two species). Data were collected monthly from September 2008 to July 2009. The results showed average population densities of 0.47±0.09/ha and 0.06±0.01/ha for Grey and Black Francolin, respectively. A noticeably higher population was found in the morning compared to that of the evening. Maximum densities at both morning and evening were found in October 2008 with significant differences (P<0.01). Maximum seasonal populations were recorded during autumn 2008 - 0.76±0.26/ha and 0.07±0.02/ha for Grey and Black Francolins, respectively. For an assessment of the habitat preferences of the two species, relative density, relative frequency and relative dominance were calculated for trees, shrubs and herbs species in the three selected habitats. The Importance Value Index (IVI) for tree species was also determined. The most preferred habitat of Grey Francolin was habitat-II having maximum IVI for trees (31.18) and maximum frequency of shrubs (52.5) while for Black Francolin, Habitat-III was most preferred, having maximum frequency of herbs and shrubs (36 and 37.3, respectively).