The effect of predator control on populations of grey partridge (Perdix perdix).

Abstract

A six-year experiment to determine the effect of summer predation on Grey partridges (Perdix perdix) is described. Two study areas of 5km² each were located in central southern England. In 1984 both populations were left unmanaged. In 1985 key partridge predators - ie Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), Stoat (Mustela erminea), Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), Carrion crow (Corvus corone), and Magpie (Pica pica) were experimentally removed by a gamekeeper during spring and early summer from one area. The second area was left as a control. In 1986 and 1987 this was repeated using the same areas and procedures. In 1988 the experimental design was reversed so that the first area was left as a control and the second an experimental. Again the procedure was repeated in 1989 and 1990.
Where there was no reduction in predators the partridge populations on both sites declined and showed high nesting losses and poor hen survival. Where predator numbers were reduced partridge production significantly increased resulting in more than a threefold difference between the two populations at the ends of both phases of the experiment.