Population regulation mechanisms in partridges and the use of computer simulation models

Abstract

The technique of simulating population fluctuations with the use of computer models has been very useful in studies of the factors which limit gray partridge (Perdix perdix) density.

Attention is drawn to the fundamental and practical differences between density-dependent factors which regulate the density of game populations about a long-term mean and density-independent factors which disturb the density from its long-term mean.  The former are more important in management whereas the latter are usually attributable to variations in the weather.