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The genus Francolinus belongs to Order Galliformes and Family Phasianidae and is diverse genus of game birds. Grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) belongs to this genus and is a medium size game bird, serving as an operator of biological control. Population of grey francolin has declined over the time mainly due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction. Research studies have not been carried out on Grey francolin in the Salt Range and data on their biological and ecological aspects is lacking. The current study was conducted in two protected areas i.e. Chumbi Surla Wildlife Sanctuary (CSWS) and Diljabba Domeli Game Resrve (DDGR) to generate information about population density and distribution pattern of Grey francolin in the Salt Range. For population estimation, 40 transects were laid in the both areas and Grey francolin population were recorded both by direct sighting and calls and data was analyzes by DISTANCE Software 6.0. Significant difference was recorded in population densities among different sites both by sighting and calls method. In CSWS, population density by sighting was the highest at Open land habitat (3.23 individual ha-1) while lowest at cultivated habitat (1.58 individual ha-1) and by calls was the highest at (2.87 individual ha-1) from natural forest habitat, while lowest at (1.59 individual ha-1) from cultivated habitat. In DDGR population density by sighting was highest from wetland (2.47 individual ha-1) and lowest at (2.09 individual ha-1) from natural forest habitat, by calls highest from open land habitat (2.45 individual ha-1) and lowest from wetland habitat (1.10 individual ha-1). This study would provide essential scientific base about population and distribution patterns of grey francolin in the study area that is required for the conservation of grey francolin, ultimately helping in sustaining the population of this important game bird in the Salt Range.

Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.