Distribution, population and ecology of Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus bogdanovi in Sistan Plain, in relation to plant coverage and drought

The population of Black Francolin was studied during the 2007–2008 period inSistan Plain in relation to plant vegetation and drought. The distribution of the species was mapped for the periods of before (2000) and after the drought (2000–2008) divided into three groups of habitats. Monthly Black Francolin number in Sistan is given for the 1995– 2007 period based on data obtained from Zabol Office of the Department of theEnvironment with a maximum number of 2,740 recorded in December 1999. Details of bird number are also given for some areas during the 2004–2007 period. Additionally plantcoverage preferred by Black Francolin was studied in two areas of Niyatak Forest andDoost Muhammad Khan. A total of 33 plant species was identified in Niyatak and 28species in Doost Muhammad Khan. The dominant plant species in spring was Phragmitesaustralis in Niyatak and Stuvvie sp. in Doost Muhammd Khan; however Alhaji camelorumwas the dominant species in summer and overall in both areas. Of 23 plots in Niyatak,crown cover of 30–40% and height of 50–60 cm had more birds and of 59 plots in DoostMuhammad Khan, crown cover of 20–30% and height of 20–30 cm also had more birdsdetected. Of 18 nests, clutch size varied from 4 to 11 eggs. Drought and illegal hunting are two main threatening factors for the Black Francolin population in Sistan Plain.