Seasonal changes in habitat use by Houbara Bustards Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii in northern Saudi Arabia

Habitat preferences by Houbara Bustards Chlamydotis undulata] macqueenii in Harrat al-Harrah reserve, in northern Saudi Arabia were determined from sightings of birds in all seasons over three years. Vegetation and crawling invertebrate abundance were sampled in each habitat. Houbara Bustards showed seasonally changing habitat preferences that appeared to be influenced primarily by vegetation phenology, abundance and cover. More densely vegetated areas (10–17% cover) were preferred. Seasonal and inter-habitat variations in invertebrate numbers were not reflected in differential habitat use by Houbara Bustards. The highest selection ratio for a single habitat (dry lakes) occurred in summer, coinciding with the fruiting of Shafallah Capparis spinosa. Selectivity of habitats was least in spring, when green vegetation was most widespread. Changes in Houbara Bustard habitat preferences in response to marked seasonal changes in habitats brought about by well-defined patterns of rainfall indicate that studies of habitat selection should consider the entire annual cycle. The importance of vegetative cover and the sensitivity of Houbara Bustards to human disturbance suggest that reserves set aside for Houbara Bustards should be extensive, diverse and largely free of livestock, human occupation and its associated disturbances.