Table 2 Differences in vegetation characteristics in 5 × 5 m sample plots around nests of the Tibetan Partridge, and in control areas

Vegetation cover (%)

82.89 ± 10.64

78.12 ± 11.70

2.26

110

0.03

Herb cover (%)

44.16 ± 19.05

53.28 ± 16.09

−2.74

110

< 0.001

Shrub cover (%)

32.88 ± 19.14

18.57 ± 8.99

5.06

110

< 0.001

Bare ground (%)

11.84 ± 7.11

17.63 ± 10.50

−3.42

110

< 0.001

Height of herbs (cm)

9.29 ± 2.97

9.38 ± 3.74

−0.15

110

0.88

Herb diversity (n species)

10.14 ± 3.01

10.13 ± 2.49

0.03

110

0.97

Shrub height (cm)

44.23 ± 17.26

41.26 ± 16.44

0.93

110

0.35

Shrub diversity (n species)

2.73 ± 1.15

2.83 ± 2.68

−0.25

110

0.80