Habitat use by Persian Gazelle (Gazella Subgutturosa) in Kalmand Protected Area, Iran

Persian gazelle is considered one of the indicators and vulnerable species in Iran. Although, several studies have been so far conducted on this species in different areas of Iran, there is no complete ecological information about the species habitat selection. This study tried to examine the habitat selection of the Persian gazelle based upon quantify habitat variables (pellet groups) in the areas of animal's presence

Sampling was done in each habitat type using random steady transects with 200 meters' length and 2 meters width, and such habitat variables as percentage of vegetation cover, species richness, and distance from the nearest water source, farms, roads, and areas of human development were measured.

Results and conclusion:

The results indicated that the density of pellet groups was different between different plant communities. It was also shown, that habitat variables such as percent cover of plant species Artemisia siberi, species richness and distance to road are important factors that influence the habitat selection of this species in Kalmand protected area.