-

The Houbara Bustard is the only species of the genus Chlamydotis, which is subdivided into three sub-species, and the nominate race of Chiamydotis undulata macqueenii is a familiar bird of the desert plains of Iran.
The purpose of this research was to find out the suitability and importance of various habitats for the Houbara, and the role of habitat in the conservation of the species. Relevant information from 30 areas was collected, analysed and ranked respectively according to suitability for Houbara protection.
The results showed that Dasht-e-Mobarakeh and Siah Kuh (35 15 N, 50 40 E) with HIS=0.84 was identified as having the best habitat conditions with the fewest threat factors, while the Mogham plain (27 20N, 56 50E) with HIS 0.51 was the least suitable and was faced with severe threat elements. A map showing the distribution of the Houbara in Iran was carefully prepared.