Declining populations of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) in Bulgaria

Authors: GRADIMIR GRUYCHEV

Abstract: Between 2007 and 2011, the distribution and breeding density of Chukar Partridges in Bulgaria were examined. Seventy-six UTM squares of the study area were deemed as including suitable habitat for the Chukar. In 14 of them varying degrees of breeding evidence of the Chukar Partridge were observed. Confirmed breeding was found in only 6 habitats, with breeding densities of 2 to 4 pairs/100 ha. In applying the IUCN criteria to data from this study, the Chukar Partridge falls within the category of critically endangered species in Bulgaria.

Keywords: Alectoris chukar, Chukar Partridge, distribution, population trend, IUCN criteria, breeding density

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