A fürj Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758) élőhelyválasztásának vizsgálata agrárkörnyezetben

Abstract

The present study investigated the habitat selection of the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) in both intensively (LAJTA Project) and extensively managed (MOSON Project) agricultural environments in North-West Hungary. In order to assess the habitat preferences of the Common Quail, habitat composition around occupied plots were compared with unoccupied control plots. Multivariate methods (PCA, DFA and GLMs) were used to distinguish the main factors influencing the habitat selection and to model the presence of the Common Quail. To characterize the habitat, variables related to vegetation structure and diversity, food availability and landscape were quantified. Based on the results, high probability of Common Quail presence can be predicted in plots with higher herbaceous cover and more abundant arthropod communities. The network of ecotone habitats, particularly the proximity to woody habitats, also appeared to have significant importance during the breeding season.