Current Population Status, Habitat Distribution, and Threats to Black (Francolinus francolinus) and Grey (Francolinus pondicerianus) Francolins in Nara District, Khairpur, Sindh

The ecological importance of the francolins in the South Asian ecosystems is the game birds, which are well known to play a role in the agro ecological system and also in providing a culture. The Black (Francolinus francolinus) and the Grey (Francolinus pondicerianus) Francolins are however becoming extinct due to hunting, habitat destruction as well as agricultural intensification. This research is a case study carried out in Nara District, Khairpur, Sindh which assesses the present population status, distribution of habitat and other threat to the species. International surveys were conducted in semi-arid croplands, scrublands, desert margins, irrigated croplands and riverine belts in the form of transects and point counts. The findings explores that the Grey Francolin is extensive with the greatest densities in semi-arid croplands and scrublands due to its flexibility towards fragmented habitats and to the capacity to survive human activity. Although Black Francolins were restricted in a few areas told by the irrigeable crops and along rivers and highlighted their reliance on water and thick cover. Statistical tests showed that the two species have a major difference in the choice of habitat. Comparative evaluation of previous regional survey indicates that the population of the Grey Francolin is relatively steady, on the other side, the population of Black Francolin is more sharply decreased in Sindh, which indicates their susceptibility. These results highlight the importance of target species conservation, which involves habitat restoration, regulation of hunting and enlightenment programs. The research would serve as a base reference to the ecology of birds in the Sindh region and be used in greater management projects of biodiversity in Pakistan.