STUDIES ON TEE CEREAL ECOSYSTEM
181
TABLE XXI
Summary of estimates of prey populations (number per hectare) in the West Sussex
study area, 1971 and 1972. (This takes account of moat important prey species of
open ground, the exceptions being in order of abundance-Skylark (Alauda arvensis),
Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) and Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis).)
Note that prey species are less abundant in area (a).
Rest of
West SusElex
Area (a)
study area
@)/Rest
MAROH-APRIL
1971
Pheasant
(Phaeianua colchicus)
Grey partridge
(Perdix perdix)
Redleg partridge
(Alectoris Tufa)
Lapwing
( Vanellus uanellua)
JUNE 1971
Rabbit
(Oryotolaqua cuniculus)
DECEMBER 1971
Total small mammals on
Microtua agreatis alone
rough grassland
IKARCH-APRIL
1972
Hare
(Lepua europaeus)
MAY 1972
Total small mammals on
rough grassland
Harvest mouse alone
(Micrinnya minutua),
1971 and 1972 nests,
rough grass/scrub
0.06
0.18
0.33
0.08
0.12
0.67
0.02
0.10
0.20
0.02
0.03
0.67
approx.
approx.
0.026
0.0026% of
O - l O ~ o of
area grazed
area grazed
(no trapping)
(intensive
trapping
0.4/ha/a~um)
496.0
1314.0
88.0
409.0
0.04
0.06
0.38
0.22
0*80*
44.0
139.0
0-32
Generally
Locally
< 1.0
scarce
common
* Despite extensive shooting in rest of study area in 1971/72 winter.
a