The Relationship Between Composition of Undisturbed Grassland Cover and the Presence of the Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Northern Ohio

Pheasant research has largely looked at grassland habitat throughout the landscape as an indicator of suitability of ring-necked pheasant habitat. Empirical and anecdotal evidence shows that increased grasslands percentages has a positive affect on pheasant presence or abundance. This study examines the differences in grassland percentages in two study areas in Northern Ohio, Williams/Defiance and Erie/Ottawa/Sandusky, to suggest reasons for the lack of pheasant presence in the Erie, Ottawa, and Sandusky area. The results showed no significant difference between the mean grassland percentages in the two areas (=0.05, d.f.=3, p=.1175), however in comparison to the literature and qualitatively there seems to be a difference. These results will be useful in habitat management recommendations in the area of Erie, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties.