# Integrating Multiple‐Covariate Distance Sampling and Habitat Modeling to Inform Conservation of the Asian Houbara in Central Iran

## TL;DR

Researchers estimated the population and habitat preferences of the Asian houbara in Iran, finding that gravel cover and low vegetation are important for their survival.

## Contribution

The study integrates multiple-covariate distance sampling with habitat modeling to improve conservation assessments for low-density species.

## Key findings

- The estimated houbara density was 0.53 individuals/km² with a total of ~5293 birds in the study area.
- Fine gravel cover and vegetation height were identified as key predictors in habitat models.
- Population estimates from MCDS and conventional distance sampling were nearly identical, suggesting limited improvement from detectability covariates.

## Abstract

Reliable estimates of abundance and habitat associations are critical for conserving low‐density species such as the Asian houbara (
Chlamydotis macqueenii
). Despite its vulnerable global status, robust estimates of houbara population size and habitat requirements remain scarce across much of its range. We combined multiple‐covariate distance sampling (MCDS) with habitat modeling (Random Forest, GAMs, and GLMs) to estimate density and identify habitat relationships of houbaras in central Iran. In spring 2022, 223 line‐transect surveys (1449 km) covering a 10,000 km2 area yielded 205 individuals across 67 detections. The best‐supported MCDS model included fine gravel cover (positive) and vegetation height (negative) as detectability covariates, though their effects were weak. This model estimated a density of 0.53 individuals/km2 (95% CI: 0.37–0.75), corresponding to ~5293 individuals (95% CI: 3778–7473). Estimates were nearly identical to those from the best conventional distance sampling (CDS) model, indicating that detectability covariates did not materially improve model accuracy. However, habitat models consistently identified fine gravel cover and vegetation height as the most influential predictors, underscoring their ecological relevance for habitat use. Results indicate an ongoing population decline relative to previous regional estimates, highlighting the need for continued monitoring. Integrating population estimation with habitat modeling provides a practical framework for improving conservation assessments of the Asian houbara and other ground‐dwelling birds in open habitats. Conservation actions should prioritize the protection and management of suitable habitats, supported by standardized survey protocols that improve population assessments and inform management decisions.

We combined multiple‐covariate distance sampling (MCDS) with habitat modeling to estimate the abundance and habitat associations of the vulnerable Asian houbara (
Chlamydotis macqueenii
) in central Iran. Line‐transect surveys in spring 2022 yielded an estimated density of 0.53 individuals/km2 (~5293 birds), with nearly identical results from conventional distance sampling, indicating that detectability covariates did not substantially improve model accuracy. However, fine gravel cover and vegetation height consistently emerged as key predictors in habitat models, underscoring their ecological importance and demonstrating the value of integrating distance sampling with habitat modeling for conservation of low‐density species in arid ecosystems.