Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

Demographic Changes of a Scaled Quail Population in Trans-Pecos, Texas

by Hector Hernandez and Louis A. Harveson

Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), one of four quail species that occur in Texas, are the second most abundant found in Texas. However, recent quail estimates show that their numbers are declining.

Some wildlife biologists theorize that there is a direct correlation between scaled quail numbers and rainfall in the Trans-Pecos Region. The objectives of this study are to determine the difference (if any) in (1) food habits (arid vs. wet years), (2) covey density (arid vs. wet years), (3) distribution and home range (arid vs. wet years), and (4) survival rate (arid vs. wet years).

The fifth and final objective is to determine whether there exists a direct correlation between scaled quail estimates and rainfall patterns in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas.

As many scaled quail as possible, and from as many coveys as possible, will be caught on the Sul Ross State University Ranch, located across from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. Each trapped quail will undergo sexing, aging and various morphological measurements, as well as being fitted with a radio collar. Daily radio telemetry will be used to determine their locations.

Adaptive kernel (75, 95 and 100 percent) and minimum convex polygon will be used to find out the home range size using one location/day/covey. Radiotelemetry will be used to estimate activity patterns and movement rates. Mark-recapture data will be used to estimate covey density. 

Cooperative funding provided by Sul Ross State University and the United States Department of Agriculture.