Abstract

Understanding the habitat preference of the Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) is a crucial step for its conservation and management across different ecosystems. This study was focused on the environmental factors and the vegetation data of the species habitat which were collected from 60 plots surveyed along 6 perpendiculars transects. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the Stone Partridge and the environmental variables. Phytoecological data were analysed using a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) to identify the different plant communities from which Shannon and Pielou indices have been measured. The analyses identified the proximity of the rocks as the environmental variables which determine the Stone Partridge presence. Three plant communities were associated with the Stone Partridge presence. The plant families most represented were the Poaceae followed by Leguminosae-Papilionoideae, Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae, Rubiaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Leguminosae-Mimosoideae and Cyperaceae. The phanerophytes and therophytes were the life forms most represented. The Shannon diversity indices for the plant communities varied from 2.12 at 4.53 bits. The identification of preferred habitats are a valuable tool for managers interested in the conservation of this species, however constant monitoring that identifies changes in the habitats is required to identify detrimental habitat change.

Key words: Ptilopachus petrosus, Logistic regression, plant communities, conservation, Benin.