Get reliable science

Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) habitat in the Edwards Plateau has been reduced by over-grazing, brush encroachment and fire suppression over the last century. Properties where extensive ash juniper (Juniperus ashei) stands have been cleared and excess livestock have been removed have experienced recolonization of Montezuma quail, presumably because herbaceous plant communities have once again become suitable for use by these quail. Our study objective is to document the herbaceous vegetation response to ash juniper clearing for Montezuma quail. In 2015, we initiated a 2 year study to quantitatively identify habitat suitability bounds of Montezuma quail habitat in the Edwards Plateau. Sixty points were stratified across 9 ranches with Montezuma quail, where call-back surveys were implemented and vegetation was sampled. In addition, 60 vegetation transects were randomly established on 2 separate ranches where juniper was cleared 1, 3, and 5 years prior. Important vegetation variables such as percent bareground, herbaceous cover and height, and food plant and bunchgrass density are being measured. These vegetation data are being compared between these cleared sites and call-back sites were Montezuma quail have been detected. Data analyses are currently ongoing. We will present preliminary information from this study.