Partridge
VU

Partridge

Perdix perdix

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_partridge

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Grey Partridge has experienced severe population declines across its range, primarily due to agricultural intensification that has eliminated the diverse weed communities and invertebrate prey essential for chick survival. Modern farming practices, including increased pesticide use and the shift from spring to autumn sowing, have reduced food availability during the critical breeding season. Habitat fragmentation through hedgerow removal and field enlargement has further reduced nesting sites and winter cover.

Threat summary

Habitat

Grey Partridges inhabit open agricultural landscapes, particularly mixed farmland with a mosaic of arable fields, grasslands, and hedgerows. They prefer areas with diverse crop rotations, field margins rich in weeds and insects, and adequate cover for nesting and roosting.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Phasianidae

Rothschild's Peacock-pheasantVU

Rothschild's Peacock-pheasant

Polyplectron inopinatum

Unknown
Manchurian Eared-pheasantVU

Manchurian Eared-pheasant

Crossoptilon mantchuricum

Unknown
Common QuailVU

Common Quail

Coturnix coturnix

Unknown
Dulit PartridgeVU

Dulit Partridge

Rhizothera dulitensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Partridge classified as Vulnerable?
Partridge is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Grey Partridge has experienced severe population declines across its range, primarily due to agricultural intensification that has eliminated the diverse weed communities and invertebrate prey essential for chick survival. Modern farming practices, including increased pesticide use and the shift from spring to autumn sowing, have reduced food availability during the critical breeding season. Habitat fragmentation through hedgerow removal and field enlargement has further reduced nesting sites and winter cover.
Where does Partridge live?
Partridge occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Partridge?
The main threats to Partridge are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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