Reproductive ecology and survival of scaled quail in the trans-Pecos region of Texa

Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) populations declined markedly across most of their range in Texas from 1988--2001; the reasons for this decline are unknown. This study was initiated in 1999 on a ranch in Pecos County, Texas to test the hypothesis that moist-soil management increased reproductive success and survival in scaled quail. A total of 207 female scaled quail were radiomarked and monitored through 1999 and 2000. Nest success and hatch rates were 77 and 75% respectively, and the predominant nesting microhabitat (accounting for 85% of nests) was tobosa (Hilaria mutica). A total of 276 simulated nests were monitored for 28 days indicating high nest survival (78 and 82% for 1999 and 2000, respectively). Scent station visitation rates did not differ among sites or across years (P > 0.05). While moist soil sites supported greater vegetation biomass and arthropod abundance, nesting success and hen survival were similar among sites with and without moist-soil sites.