Species protection program (Grey Partridge)

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Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)

Objective

The aim of the project was to create a various structured landscape with a mosaic of large optimal partridge habitats in the Vohnenbronnen quarry.

Context

The intensification of the agriculture and the growing use of pesticides lead to an alarming decrease of the grey partridge populations in central Europe. Large-scaled land consolidations caused the nearly completely lost of the partridge habitats. Therefore the cement plant started in 2008 the partridge project.

Yet eight years ago there could be observed some breeding pairs of the partridge in the close neighborhood of the quarry. But all of this animals disappeared in the last few years. The fact that the bigger part of the surrounding area around the quarry is determined by mixed forests and intensively used agricultural land makes the creation of rich structured open habitats so much more important.

Solutions

The western slopes had been reforested and partly new forests were established by sowing of forest plants. The upper parts of these woodlands are disrupted by thermopile semi-dry grassland, which are posing optimal feeding habitats for the partridge. To protect the breeding sites of the partridge and other bird species, over the whole area were established around 6 ha short term biotopes, which are out of work for a defined time.

Results

The measures within the partridge project led to the creation of a great variability of rich structured habitats with a huge number of borderline biotopes. Numerous other species, especially bird species, adapted to open habitats, and mammals like hares and roe deer are profiting of the measures. Since 2009 there will be started a monitoring to collect data about the partridge and the acceptance of their new habitat. The measures and successes of the project can provide an example for further actions to benefit the partridge with species protection programs in quarries and other landscapes.