European Journal of Experimental Biology Open Access

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Abstract

An overlook to Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) status in center of Iran (Case study: Shahrood County)

Hassan-Ali Laghai, Naser Moharamnejad, Hooman Bahmanpour

The purpose of this research was to assess various habitats for the Houbara, their role in the conservation of this species, and identification of threats to Houbara Bustard habitats in the Touran protected area (2001 to 2010). The threats identified were prioritized based on the factor analysis method in order to determine the most important ones. By using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Index Overlaying (IO), 12 important plains with the highest possibility of Hubara distribution were identified and field surveys were carried out in these sites. The field studies were mostly based on line and point transects to investigate the birds in each site. The optic equipment for observations includes binoculars with specification of 8×30 and 10×42. In addition, binoculars telescope with 20×50 specification was used for long range viewing. In the next step, an open questionnaire was administered in each site to identify the major threats to the habitats. The interviewees consisted of Department of the Environment guards, experts, eco-volunteers and interested people. The results showed that the habitats for Houbara bustuard were degrading. The low diversity of Houbara habitats lead to vulnerability to threats. Concerning present condition, if there is no suitable conservational act, the population would be in great danger and jeopardy.