HABITAT REQUIREMENTS OF THE BOBWHITE QUAIL IN NORTHERN ITALY

The habitat requirements of bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) were analy zed by correlation and multivariate analyses performed on density and habitat variables in order to understand why their introduction into I taly has been successful. Habitat selection was also studied by analys is of utilization-availability data. The presence of bobwhites was det ermined by the available surface area covered by woods and water, that were highly correlated variables. Densities were also positively infl uenced by these habitat variables and negatively influenced by crops ( maize and rice) and field boundaries. Woods and uncultivated areas wer e selected all year round and crops were avoided both in breeding terr itories and winter home ranges. The bobwhites studied showed changes i n habitat selection and requirements with respect to their original ra nge, but maintained some fundamental preferences. It was observed that their presence and the population levels were mainly conditioned by t he extent of winter cover.