3.1. Investigating habitat use
The field survey was carried out between 1 February
and 4 May 1998. A point-count methodology (see Bibby
et al., 2000) was used, based on calls, to investigate habitat
use and distribution. Green peafowl make a range of
calls, the commonest being the so called ‘wail’, which is
audible from up to a kilometre away and generally
attributed to breeding males (Indrawan, 1995). The survey
was timed to take place at the period of maximum
calling in the run up to the breeding season (Indrawan,
1995) and was thus deliberately aimed at breeding males.
Counts of two hours duration were made in the
morning and the evening. Dawn counts extended from
before sunrise (0530–0730) and dusk counts until after
sunset (1630–1830). Green peafowl do not call frequently
and so a deliberately long count period was
chosen to maximise the chance of recording birds.
Counts were made by two observers. For each call
heard the following were recorded: approximate distance,
compass bearing, call type and the time. At the
end of a 2-hour recording period an estimation was
made of the minimum number of calling birds present.
This was based on direction and timing of calls. For
example, if two calls were heard in succession at widely
differing compass bearings or distances, two birds
would be assumed to be present. However, if two calls
in succession could not confidently be attributed to two
birds, then the minimum number present was recorded
as one. Whenever there was doubt over the number of
birds, the minimum number was always assumed.
Counts that were to be treated as independent samples
were not made closer than 2 km from another count
site. To test the repeatability of point-counts, eight
repeat counts were made. These are analysed separately.
Six habitat variables were recorded at the location of
each point-count: