Abstract: Habitat selection is essential for the survival and reproduction of animals. Studying species habitat selection in different seasons not only benefits thorough understanding of its ecological habits and resource requirements, but also provides fundamental information for conservation. Buff-throated Partridge (Tetraophasis szechenyii) is a typical alpine bird species endemic to China and a firstclass national protected wildlife species. Yet, variation in microhabitat selection of Buff-throated Partridge has been poorly understood. During 2014 and 2015, we investigated its microhabitat selection in breeding season (April-July) and nonbreeding season (August-March) in Gexigou National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. The results showed that the species preferred microhabitat with low tree coverage and high grass height during breeding season, but selected microhabitat with high proportion of bare soil and low tree coverage during non-breeding season. They select microhabitat that simultaneously meet the demands of food resource and conditions for rearing chicken during breeding season, and use microhabitat with high food accessibility and concealment to overcome food shortage, reduce predation risk, and preserve body heat during non-breeding season. The seasonal variation in microhabitat selection of Buffthroated Partridge is related to resource requirements in different periods of life history, indicating its adaption to environmental change. For effective species conservation, we recommend restriction of free-ranging yak grazing in the habitat of Buff-throated Partridge.

Key words: Galliformes, breeding season, non-breeding season, habitat management, plant community structure.