Is predation the key factor of partridge ecology and management?

Ferreras, Pablo, Mateo-Moriones, Ainhoa, Duarte, Jesus, Fa, Julia E, Blanco-Aguiar, Jose Antonio and Villafuerte, Rafael (2022) Is predation the key factor of partridge ecology and management? In: The Future of the Red-legged Partridge. Wildlife Research Monographs, 6 . Springer, pp. 69-98. ISBN 9783030963392 (hardback); 9783030963415 (ebook)

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Abstract

Predation is just one of several possible causal factors of the red-legged partridge decline. It is a key factor affecting the success of red-legged partridge nests, but agricultural activities can be the main cause of nest loss in some areas. Because hatchlings are more vulnerable to predation, this stage represents a critical bottleneck for partridge populations. Most restocking programmes fail due to predation due to the partridges’ inability to adapt to the new situation. Although predator control is a widespread game management practice for the red-legged partridge it has limited effects in most management situations. Some measures indirectly affecting the effects of predation, such as habitat management, could represent a long-lasting measure for reducing partridge predation preferable over traditional predator control, and they could revert current negative trends.