Habitat selection and density of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Northern Italy: effects of land use cover and landscape configuration

Abstract Knowing the ecology of game species is important to define sustainable hunting pressure and plan management actions aimed maintain viable populations. Common pheasant ( Phasianus colchicus ) one main gamebird in Europe North America, despite its native range extending from Caucasus Eastern China. This research environmental variables shaping spatial distribution male pheasants estimate their breeding density an agroecosystem northern Italy. During season, 2015, we carried out 372 point counts with unlimited distances, randomly placed following a stratified sampling survey design. The habitat requirements were evaluated presence vs. availability approach, using related land use cover landscape configuration. We built generalized linear models binary distribution, selecting information-theoretic approach. Densities estimated through both conventional multiple-covariate distance sampling. 1.45 males/km 2 , 4.26 suitable areas 0.91 unsuitable ones. found meadows tree plantations, which used find food refuges predators bad weather conditions. Similarly, woodlands have positive effect on occurrence, whereas arable lands avoided, specifically maize paddy fields. little evidence that configuration affects occurrence. be negatively affected by length edges between lands, grasslands seem beneficial for species. These findings could help wildlife managers improvement useful self-sustaining populations this species, increasing woodlands, meadows, plantations.