Habitat use by Orange River Francolin <i>Scleroptila levaillantoides</i> on farmland in the Heidelberg district, Gauteng province, South Africa

Abstract

This study describes the use of habitat by Orange River Francolin Scleroptila levaillantoides on farmland where grazing, grass burning, grass cutting for fodder and daily human interference (e.g. vehicular movement) occur. Fieldwork was mainly conducted on the farm Elandsfontein near Heidelberg, Gauteng province, South Africa, during January 2010 to April 2011, but ad hoc notes taken during the previous 10 years were also used. Orange River Francolin can survive in an area modified by farming practices, provided adequate natural grassland exists that is situated outside of floodplains and wetlands. Both subadult groups and coveys with offspring avoided the use of cut-grass areas during and just after breeding. Orange River Francolin bred and raised their chicks in natural grassland, because it provided cover and presumably the food plants necessary for nourishment. The population of Orange River Francolin would have reached critical levels in the study area had it not been for non-arable areas of stoneveld and rocky outcrops (headlands) that could not be ploughed by farmers. Four conservation management guidelines are offered.

OSTRICH 2012, 83(1): 43–49