Floristic, Structural, and Conservation Analysis of the Habitats Occupied by Dupont’s Lark, <i>Chersophilus duponti</i>, in the Northwest Edge of Its Distributional Range

Abstract

This paper describes and analyzes floristic, structural and conservation features of the shrubland occupied by Chersophilus duponti in the northwest corner of its world distribution range. This study relates the coverage, floristic composition with estimated lark density in the area. We identified four types of shrublands, three of them varied significantly in floristic composition for the habitats of this species in contrast with those of their world distribution: Cistus ladanifer scrubs; heaths dominated by Ericaceae, and scrubs dominated by the genera Lavandula , Thymus and Cytisus . The fourth type, dominated by aromatic chamaephytes and grass, fits descriptions of the bird’s typical habitat. The areas sampled are subject to different categories of threats, the most significant being the natural succession process due to the cessation of grazing, reforestation measures and the use of flat areas for farmlands or other uses. The density of larks in this area was directly related to coverage-composition of plant community.