Species

Species	Grey partridge - Perdix perdix, bird
Habitat	ARABLE FARMLAND, UNIMPROVED NEUTRAL GRASSLAND
Background and status	The grey partridge is a resident breeder, living on arable farmland and grassland. It prefers open mixed farmland with small fields and hedges with banks for nests; some nest in cereals which have insect food for the chicks. This species used to be very common and was the most abundant species on farmland in the East. However, it has declined over the last 40 years and has nearly disappeared; it used to be very common in Dorset (now only local), is now scarce in Cornwall and Somerset and is a declining resident breeder in Devon.
Main Threats	Loss of nest sites (such as hedge bottoms) to farm intensification. Reduced food supplies and sources for chick food through use of pesticides and herbicides, as well as the loss of winter stubble feeding grounds for overwintering birds. Vulnerability of nests to predators in farmland with poor cover. Nest destruction caused by early mowing and other farm operations.
Conservation and targets	Halt the decline by 2005 Ensure the population is above 150,000 pairs by 2010. Maintain, and where possible enhance, the current range of this species. A Species Action Plan has been prepared by the RSPB, and the Game Conservency Trust. The requirements of grey partridge need to be considered when establishing and reviewing agri-environment schemes, as well as within any changes to agricultural support.