Sourcebook: Summer 2020, Special Edition: Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative

REVERSING THE QUAIL DECLINE INITIATIVE

SOURCEBOOK

SUMMER SPECIAL EDITION

SPECIAL EDITION: REVERSING THE QUAIL DECLINE INITIATIVE

TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 1, Special Edition 1

KEY PROGRAMS ABOUT THE REVERSING THE QUAIL DECLINE INITIATIVE/THE RQDI SOURCEBOOK

1

ABOUT THE QUAILMASTERS PROGRAM

2

ABOUT THE TEXAS QUAIL INDEX

3

TEXAS QUAIL INDEX SUMMARY ARTICLES

4

ABOUT QUAIL APPRECIATION DAYS

5

ABOUT THE STATEWIDE QUAIL SYMPOSIUM

6

KEY RESOURCES BLOG ARTICLES AND OTHER ARTICLE RESOURCES WEBISODES AND OTHER VIDEO RESOURCES PRIVATE LAND STEWARDSHIP LESSONS

7-8 9-10 11

RESEARCH DISTANCE SAMPLING TO ASSESS POST-GRAZING NORTHERN BOBWHITE RECOVERY IN SOUTH TEXAS

12

IS CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO LOW LEVELS OF AFLATOXINS INVOLVED IN THE QUAIL DECLINE?

13

AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION WITHIN COMMON STORAGE PRACTICES OF GRAIN

14

HABITAT, CLIMATE, AND RAPTORS AS FACTORS IN THE NORTHERN BOBWHITE DECLINE: A MULTI-SCALE ANALYSIS

15

OXYSPIRURA PETROWI AND AULONOCEPHALUS PENNULA INFECTION IN WILD NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL IN THE ROLLING PLAINS ECOREGION, TEXAS: POSSIBLE EVIDENCE OF A DIE-OFF

16

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF NEONICOTINOID USE ON NORTHERN BOBWHITE (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS) IN TEXAS: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

17

INADEQUATE THERMAL REFUGE CONSTRAINS LANDSCAPE HABITABILITY FOR A GRASSLAND BIRD SPECIES

18

TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 1, Special Edition 1

RESEARCH (CONTINUED) THE EFFECTS OF NEONICOTINOID EXPOSURE ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AND ORGAN MASS IN NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS)

19

EFFICACY OF A SOFT RELEASE STRATEGY FOR TRANSLOCATING SCALED QUAIL IN THE ROLLING PLAINS OF TEXAS

20

A DRAFT DE NOVO GENOME ASSEMBLY FOR THE NORTHERN BOBWHITE (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS) REVEALS EVIDENCE FOR A RAPID DECLINE IN EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE BEGINNING IN THE LATE PLEISTOCENE

21

USE OF EXTINGUISH PLUS(TM) TO REDUCE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS AND INCREASE NORTHERN BOBWHITE ABUNDANCE

22

EVIDENCE OF GENETIC EROSION IN A PERIPHERAL POPULATION OF A NORTH AMERICAN GAME BIRD: THE MONTEZUMA QUAIL (CYRTONYX MONTEZUMAE)

23

ABOUT: SPECIAL EDITION

ABOUT THE REVERSING THE QUAIL DECLINE INITIATIVE Dr. Jim Cathey, former RQDI Program Director Texas populations of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled (Callipepla squamata) or “blue” quail have declined for decades (most noticeably since 2008), despite favorable habitats and periods of desirable weather conditions. These declines have serious economic and ecological implications for Texans. Based on the number of hunters, quail are the third-most hunted game animal in Texas, ranking only behind deer and dove. The economic impact of hunting in Texas exceeds $1.5 billion annually, with 65% of hunter expenditures made in rural counties. However, studies by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service indicate that approximately 65% of Texas hunters come from urban areas. The decline in quail numbers therefore threatens not only the livelihood of rural Texans, but also reduces popular hunting opportunities for many urban residents.

The Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative (RQDI) has sought to restore healthy quail populations in Texas by educating and advocating for effective stewardship of quail habitat, by seeking answers to long-standing questions about the causes of the quail decline, by emphasizing the value of native quail species, and by promoting opportunities for quail to thrive—all while maintaining the economic and recreational benefits of quail hunting in the state. Its objective is to address and reverse the critical quail decline in Texas through Extension education and research investigating the diverse factors which contribute to declining quail populations, as well as landscape improvements to increase quail numbers.

From 2013 to 2019, this collaborative effort with Texas Parks and Wildlife enabled Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research, through the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI), to marshal the resources of The Texas A&M University System to address the decline of quail. Since its inception, RQDI has hosted dozens of programs, produced more than 100 articles, videos and other resources, organized 3 statewide symposia, and reached hundreds of thousands of people with the quail conservation message. This sourcebook highlights a fraction of those efforts to showcase what the program has accomplished, and to serve as a reference for “Students of Quail” long into the future.

ABOUT THE RQDI SOURCEBOOK This book describes the accomplishments of the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative over its 6-year tenure and gathers together key resources for those interested in Texas quail ecology and habitat management. In it, you will find descriptions of major programs, articles and videos, research summaries, and more. If you are viewing the book in a digital format, direct links to these resources will be provided whenever possible. Although RQDI has drawn to a close, our hope with this sourcebook is to ensure that those efforts continue to have positive impacts in quail conservation and management for years to come.

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KEY PROGRAMS

ABOUT THE QUAILMASTERS PROGRAM Dr. Dale Rollins, former RQDI Statewide Coordinator Stemming from the popularity of the Bobwhite Brigade Wildlife Leadership Camp, I was often asked by adults “I wish they’d had a program like that when I was a teenager.” So, in 2005, I developed an adult version that was coined “QuailMasters.” The QM course consisted of 4, 3day workshops held across the state (typically in the Rolling Plains and South Texas Plains).

Courses were approved for three hours of graduate credit at either TAMU or SRSU, but fewer than 10% of students sought the graduate degree credits.

Instructors for the QM classes included AgriLife Extension, NRCS, and Texas Wildlife Association. Local experts and landowners were included in field trips.

After the initial class (2005), subsequent classes were conducted in 2007, 2009, 2010 (Desert QuailMasters), 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018. More than 250 students completed the course from 2005-2018. Class size typically included 30 students. In 2011, we began offering special incentives for TPWD and NRCS employees.

The course included a pre-test (and lab practical) on the first day of class (during Session 1) and a post-test on the last day of class (during Session 4) to gauge information transfer. A quiz (over materials covered the previous class, homework, and reading assignments) and lab practical were administered at the beginning of each session.

Session 1 was conducted at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch. Session 2 was generally held at some other location in the Rolling Plains. Session 3 was TBD by a vote of the class. Often it included Mesa Vista Ranch (T. Boone Pickens’ ranch) in the northern panhandle. Session 4 was always held in South Texas (usually Hebbronville. In this manner participants were exposed to the “best of the best” lands managed for bobwhites.

Despite the travel, workload, and expenses involved, QuailMasters proved to be a popular program with a high rate of completion. Perhaps an even stronger endorsement is the fact that several "QuailMasters" went on to share their knowledge by participating in other facets of quail conservation, serving as volunteers and mentors for other aspiring Students of Quail.

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KEY PROGRAMS

ABOUT THE TEXAS QUAIL INDEX Amanda Gobeli, former RQDI Project Coordinator Two critical goals for RQDI’s Extension component were to (1) educate landowners and hunters on best management practices for creating and maintaining quail habitat and techniques for monitoring the quail on their land, and (2) to increase the overall knowledge and appreciation of these iconic game birds among landowners, hunters, and the general public. A key program for achieving both was the Texas Quail Index, a statewide citizen science initiative designed to promote the monitoring and stewardship of quail populations and resources. Cooperators were asked to carry out a series of demonstrations each year and submit their data for analysis. Required demonstrations included Spring Call Counts, Dummy Nests, Camera Trapping, Habitat Evaluations, and Roadside Counts.

Since its inception in 2013, more than 50 Texas counties have participated in the TQI, with cooperators including County Extension Agents, Texas Master Naturalists, landowners, and others. They observed recordsetting highs (like the boom of 2015/2016) and disappointing lows (like the bust of 2018), along with everything in between. Summaries of the statewide results for 2016-2019 can be found at wild-wonderings.blogspot.com.

While the official TQI program may be over, it remains an effective exercise for anyone who is interested in their local quail populations, and there are now online training tools available which make it possible for anyone to participate. The Texas Quail Index PLS Lesson, which is available at nri.tamu.edu/learning/, goes into more detail on the rationale behind each demonstration and provides all the necessary reference materials, data sheets, and examples needed to carry out the TQI from start to finish. Additionally, the “Northern Bobwhite Management Calendar” and the “Northern Bobwhite Habitat Evaluation” smartphone applications, which are available for both iPhone and Android, can be especially helpful for the habitat evaluation portion of the Index and for guiding future management decisions.

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KEY PROGRAMS

TEXAS QUAIL INDEX SUMMARY ARTICLES

The results of the Texas Quail Index have been summarized in a series of articles dating back to 2016. During that time, the TQI has documented one of the best boom years for quail in recent memory (2016), as well as one of

the

most

disappointing

busts

(2018). It has also revealed interesting patterns at both the ecoregion and county

level

population,

in

terms

habitat

of

quail

quality,

and

predators. You can find links to the individual summary articles below.

2016 TQI Summary 2017 TQI Summary 2018 TQI Summary 2019 TQI Summary

FIND ALL THE ARTICLES AT WILD-WONDERINGS.BLOGSPOT.COM

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KEY PROGRAMS

ABOUT QUAIL APPRECIATION DAYS Dr. Dale Rollins, former RQDI Statewide Coordinator Daylong educational programs on quail management coined “Quail Appreciation Days” (QUADs) were initiated in October 1998. The goal of a QUAD is to encourage various stakeholders to “appreciate” quail and their daily dilemmas. “Appreciation” in this context can mean (a) “to value or admire highly,” (b) “to judge with heightened awareness,” (c) “to be cautiously or sensitively aware of.” Between 1998 and 2018 a total of 93 QUADs were conducted across Texas (mostly in Rolling Plains) and also one in New Mexico.

The schedule of a QUAD contained both hands-on and traditional Extension education.

Sessions were proceeded with a lab practical featuring key plants for quail (including seeds), evidence of predation (e.g., radio transmitters, eggshells), and knowledge of quail anatomy. No one ever “aced” this lab practical, and I would tell the audience that the exercise was designed to humble them on the premise that “an humbled student is an attentive student.’ A PowerPoint program “What’s Your Quail IQ” served as a pre-test.

The morning schedule included a dissection exercise (“Getting to Know Your Quail”). Several quail cadavers were dispensed to groups of 5 to 10 attendees along with a dissection kit and latex gloves. The dissection was accompanied by the song “Free Bird” which serves as the “National Anthem for Quail management” according to the song’s refrain “and this bird you cannot change.” Anatomical features (adaptations) we discussed as they relate to habitat management.

Other topics (tailored to the location) included presentations by local TPWD biologists, NRCS personnel, and local graduates of “QuailMasters” and “Bobwhite Brigade.” Hands-on activities including “Habitat Lap Sit” and “Run for Your Life” (a Bobwhite Brigade activity).

After lunch, a short field trip (no more than 3 stops) was conducted. Typically, these stops addressed plant identification, habitat assessment, and quail management practices conducted on the host site.

The QUAD concept was always well received and provided a crash course in quail, giving attendees a solid overview of a quail's ecology, habitat and importance, while hopefully sparking the interest and motivation to learn more.

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KEY PROGRAMS

ABOUT THE STATEWIDE QUAIL SYMPOSIUM Amanda Gobeli, former RQDI Project Coordinator The Statewide Quail Symposium was a key component of RQDI’s education and outreach efforts, as it served to highlight RQDI’s research progress while bringing together experts in the fields of quail management and conservation from across the state (and beyond). Held in Abilene in 2015, 2017, and 2019, the three symposia supported 55 hours of programming, 73 guest speakers, and nearly 700 attendees. Participants included personnel from AgriLife, TPWD, TWA, and other conservation organizations, as well as landowners, hunters, scientists, graduate students, and others with a passion for Texas quail. Each symposium began with a field day tour for demonstrating habitat management techniques and habitat evaluation skills, followed by presentations at the host hotel.

A wide range of topics have been covered over the course of the three symposia—from the relationship between cattle and quail, to the influence of weather and other environmental variables on quail populations, to the impact of parasites and other emerging threats—all discussed in the context of the most current research and presenting multiple viewpoints whenever possible. The symposia program booklets, which include the full schedule, speaker list and abstracts, can be accessed online at these links: 2015 Statewide Quail Symposium 2017 Statewide Quail Symposium 2019 Statewide Quail Symposium

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KEY RESOURCES

BLOG ARTICLES

What is a Forb?: A simple question, but an important one. This article explains the difference between forbs and other vegetation, as well as their importance to quail and other wildlife species.

The Problem with Pen Raised Quail: This is one of the most asked about issues in quail conservation and the “silver bullet” solution to the quail decline. This article covers the history and research on pen-raised quail and cites some of the most likely reason why they are not effective in restoring wild populations.

Supplemental Feed for Quail: Managers are often eager to provide extra food to quail populations to boost their numbers, but is this always an effective solution? This article explains some of the pros and cons of providing supplemental feed.

Supplemental Water for Quail: Supplemental water, like supplemental feed, is frequently used management tactic. It is also like supplemental feed in the sense that it carries costs and risks which might not be immediately apparent, as explained in this blog article.

Separating Fact from Fiction: Are Roadrunners Impacting Quail Populations?: Roadrunners have quickly become one of the most maligned predators in discussions about the quail decline, as anecdotes abound which feature roadrunners predating quail chicks. Like the webisode on the same topic, this article focuses on what science has to say about the roadrunner’s reputation.

ACCESS THESE AND OTHER ARTICLES ON MEDIUM MEDIUM.COM/WILD-WONDERINGS

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KEY RESOURCES

BLOG ARTICLES ADDITIONAL ARTICLE RESOURCE: QUAIL PUBLICATIONS While the blog articles are great sources of information, RQDI also generated more formal "AgriLife Extension Publications" which go into greater depth on key topics.

Take a look at: Habitat Guide for Northern Bobwhite Potential Caauses of the Texas Quail Decline Habitat Requirements of Texas Quail Find them all at agrilifebookstore.org

Habitat Fragmentation Part 1: Patch Size and Connectivity: We know that fragmentation and loss of habitat are threats to quail populations.

This article (first in a 2-part series) explains why having large stretches of contiguous habitat is essential for quail populations to persist over time and highlights the management implications of this daunting problem.

Plant Succession: A Cornerstone of Wildlife Management: “Know your plants and how to manipulate them” (-Dale Rollins) is a tenet of quail management. Given that quail habitat requires vegetation types from several different stages of succession, it's an important concept for quail habitat managers to understand.

Common Quail Parasites: Parasites have received increasing attention as a potential factor in the quail decline in recent years. In addition to the oft-mentioned eye worms and cecal worms, this article describes ticks, fleas, and other parasites that frequently afflict quail.

Red Imported Fire Ants and Bobwhite Quail: RIFA is another species often pointed to as the “cause of the quail decline.” Certainly this invasive species has not done quail—or any native Texas wildlife, for that matter—any favors. This article explores the history and biology of the red imported fire ant, as well as its impacts on quail populations.

Increasing Insects as a Quail Food Source: We have consistently emphasized the importance of insects as a food source for quail, as these “MREs” provide plenty of calories, water, and protein. Luckily, increased insect biomass can be achieved through careful habitat management, as explained in this article.

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KEY RESOURCES

WEBISODES Roadrunners and Quail: There are plenty of anecdotes describing roadrunners predating quail chicks, but what does the science tell us?

This webisode describes what we currently know about the relationship between roadrunners and quail and has become our most-viewed webisode of all time.

Quail Houses: This video opens with a line that perfectly sums up quail ecology: “If you’re a bobwhite quail, every living, breathing moment of your life is dictated by the threat of predation.”

Here we describe how to help quail deal with that threat by providing a “quail house.”

How to Build a Dummy Nest to Evaluate Quail Nest Success: Dummy nests are part of the Texas Quail Index and a valuable tool for quail managers. They can help us estimate not only hatch success, but also the predators that may be responsible for nest depredations. With this video, anyone can try it on their own property.

Coyotes and Quail: Coyotes have a reputation as one of the bobwhite quail’s top predators, but ecology is never straightforward. The coyote may represent a net benefit to quail populations, as explained in this video.

Ragweeds and Quail: Ragweeds are crucial seed producers for bobwhites, especially during the fall and winter months. This makes them one of the plants that land managers should factor into their habitat manipulation plans--this video explains how.

ACCESS THESE AND OTHER VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE YOUTUBE.COM/C/TEXASAMNATURAL RESOURCESINSTITUTE/

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KEY RESOURCES

WEBISODES Can I Jump Start Quail Populations?: This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the video describes “two schools of thought” with regards to the answer. Some advocate for a habitat enhancement approach, saying that habitat improvements are the only way to bolster quail populations, while others insist that translocation can used to establish quail in depopulated areas.

The Currie Quail Feeder: Supplemental feed is a recurring topic that we have covered in several forms throughout the Quail Decline Initiative, with this video presenting a cheap and simple do-it-yourself option for a quail feeder.

Harvesting Rainwater for Wildlife: Water is an especially critical resource for quail in Texas, which means every drop counts. This video goes into detail on the rationale behind providing water and factors to consider in rainwater harvesting. It also offers several options for safe and effective catchment devices.

Sounds a Quail Makes: Here, Dr. Dale Rollins demonstrates the various calls made by bobwhite and scaled quail and explains their meaning. This simple video is also one of our most viewed of all time, having been referenced in countless programs and call count training sessions.

Managing Quail Habitat to Reduce Raptor Predation: Raptors are some of a quail’s most formidable predators. As explained in this video, habitat enhancement is the best solution for reducing raptor predation.

ADDITIONAL VIDEO RESOURCE: PLANT OF THE WEEK In addition to quail webisodes, a different type of video resource focuses on key plants for quail.

These “Plant of the Week” videos are short (30 seconds are less) and point out key characteristics that can be used for identification while explaining the plant’s utility as a food source, cover, or nesting material for Texas quails. One of these videos appears each week on the Quail Decline Initiative Facebook page, and all of them can be found in a playlist on YouTube as well.

The Quail Plant of the Week playlist can be found at: youtube.com/c/TexasAMNaturalRe sourcesInstitute/

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KEY RESOURCES

PRIVATE LAND STEWARDSHIP LEARNING MODULES NRI launched a series of virtual Private Land Stewardship (PLS) lessons to support the Institute’s efforts in the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative and other private land stewardship areas. Below are some examples of lessons that focus on quail ecology, habitat management, and other topics of interest.

Anatomy of a Quail — Explore the internal and external anatomy of a quail through an interactive tool.

Sounds a Quail Makes — Learn how to recognize each of our 4 native Texas quail species by their songs and calls.

What Do Quail Eat? — See the insects, grasses and forbs quail consume, using an interactive tool to test user knowledge.

Habitat Requirements of Texas Quails — Review the key habitat components for Texas quail species.

The Texas Quail Atlas — Discover the history of the quail decline through a series of interactive maps.

How to Find Natural Resource Professionals in Texas — Find the wildlife and habitat management experts in your area.

The Texas Quail Index — Learn how to complete the Texas Quail Index on your own property from start to finish.

Plant of the Week Lessons — Practice your plant ID skills and learn the identifying characteristics of important plants for quail.

ACCESS ALL PLS LESSONS AT NRI.TAMU.EDU/LEARNING

CITATION Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute. (Year). Private Land Stewardship Education (Name of Lesson). (Lesson Code). Retrieved from https://nri.tamu.edu/learning/.

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RESEARCH DISTANCE SAMPLING TO ASSESS POSTGRAZING NORTHERN BOBWHITE RECOVERY IN SOUTH TEXAS

AUTHORS: RACHEL A. SMITH LEONARD A. BRENNAN FIDEL HERNANDEZ HUMBERTO L. PEROTTO-BALDIVIESO

ABSTRACT Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) require habitat structure with substantial grass cover for nesting, predator avoidance, and thermal refuge. During the past 2 decades, many land managers have reduced or completely eliminated livestock across South Texas rangelands with the goal of improving bobwhite habitat. How bobwhites respond to postgrazing habitat recovery is unknown. Our objective is to investigate how bobwhites respond to the vegetative changes following removal of grazing. Our study is being conducted on a private ranch in Jim Hogg County, Texas and involves 3 different areas of post-grazing habitat recovery: a 1,246 ha area rested from grazing for 15 years; a 1,133 ha area rested 3 years from high grazing (7 ha/AU); and a 1,254 ha area rested 3 years from moderate grazing (14 ha/AU). Distance sampling surveys will be conducted on the 3 areas during December 2015 and 2016. Transects will be placed 400 m apart spanning all 3 study. Data collected during these surveys will be used to estimate bobwhite density on the 3 study areas and will be compared between sites and years.

We hypothesize that the 15 years post-grazing area will have higher and more evenly distributed bobwhite density than the 3 years post-grazing at high intensity or medium intensity area.

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WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Over-grazing can severely diminish usable space for quail and other wildlife on Texas rangelands. Theoretically, allowing land to rest and recover from intense grazing should benefit quail populations; this project seeks to test that idea by measuring bobwhite densities on previously grazed lands.

CITATION Smith, R.A., L.A. Brennan, F. Hernรกndez, H.L. PerottoBaldivieso. 2017. Distance sampling to assess postgrazing northern bobwhite recovery in south Texas.

National Quail Symposium Proceedings 8: 263.

Published online 8 November 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

PAGE 12

RESEARCH IS CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO LOW LEVELS OF AFLATOXINS INVOLVED IN THE QUAIL DECLINE?

AUTHORS: SUSAN M. COOPER ANDREA L. SILVA

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? One potential risk of providing supplemental feed to quail is exposure to aflatoxin, a poison produced by mold that grows in stored grain.

Researchers sought to determine its effects on quail and found no significant negative impacts from field-realistic levels of exposure, suggesting that aflatoxin is not likely to be a major contributing factor in the quail decline.

ABSTRACT There is concern that the increased use of grain-based feed supplements for wildlife may expose quail to chronic low levels of aflatoxin poisoning. Aflatoxins are fungal toxins that contaminate grain and can be a problem in improperly stored animal feeds. Consumption of even small amounts of aflatoxins can result in liver damage, and immunosuppression. In wild birds these effects may be expressed by lower reproductive output and increased susceptibility to predators, parasites and diseases. At the population level this could result in a gradual decline in abundance. To assess the effects of intermittent ingestion of low levels of aflatoxins by quail, we conducted feeding studies on 15 pairs each of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). For 25 weeks (March through August 2014), encompassing the breeding season of quail, we fed 3 replicate pairs of quail on diets that included twice weekly access to 20 g of cracked corn contaminated with aflatoxin B1 at the levels permitted for livestock (100 ppb), deer corn (50 ppb), and birdseed (20 ppb), plus an aflatoxin free control. The schedule mimics wild quail sporadically visiting a source of supplemental feed.

Intermittent consumption of aflatoxin contaminated feed had no measurable effect on the health, body weight and feed consumption of either species of quail. Similarly, we found no effects of aflatoxin consumption on the number of eggs produced, egg weight and yolk weight. A survey of aflatoxin contamination in corn produced in Texas indicated that only a few loads exceeded aflatoxins levels permitted in feed corn.

Thus, it appears that exposure to aflatoxins from supplemental feed sources is unlikely to be a factor contributing to the long -term decline of northern bobwhite and scaled quail populations.

ACCESS THE PUBLICATION CITATION Cooper, S.M., A.L. Silva. 2015. Is Chronic Exposure to Low Levels of Aflatoxins Involved in the Quail Decline?

Statewide Quail Symposium 1.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION WITHIN COMMON STORAGE PRACTICES OF GRAIN

AUTHORS: BRENT C. NEWMAN SCOTT E. HENKE DAVID B. WEBSTER ALAN M. FEDYNICH GRETA L. SCHUSTER JAMES CATHEY

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? To gauge the potential impacts of aflatoxin on quail, we need to understand the conditions that affect aflatoxin production. Researchers tested grain storage methods frequently used by landowners and found that aflatoxins exceeded safe levels within a matter of weeks.

Storage containers should be kept as clean and dry as possible, and grain should be used in a timely manner, to minimize the risk to wildlife.

ABSTRACT The wildlife ranching industry relies on providing supplemental grain to game animals to enhance wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities.

Unfortunately, environmental climate and storage conditions can create the production of aflatoxins, a toxic fungal metabolite. Our objective was to determine temporal differences in aflatoxin concentrations of grain (i.e., corn) maintained in common storage practices by wildlife ranching enterprises. We placed bags of wildlife corn in open air, barn, and pavilion environments, and kernel corn in metal, aluminum, and plastic wildlife feeders. We determined weekly aflatoxin levels and grain moisture content within each storage practice.

In addition, we monitored weather parameters (daily temperature, relative humidity, and dew point) inside and outside of each storage structure. Grain moisture and aflatoxin concentrations fluctuated weekly within each type of storage container (F150, 700 > 7.23, P < 0.0001) and ranged from 10.4–97.5% and 0–1,200 ppb, respectively, due to ‘hotspots’ of fungal growth and subsequent metabolite production. Each storage type contained corn samples that exceeded recommended aflatoxin levels deemed safe for wildlife within 2 weeks. After 5 weeks of storage, aflatoxin concentrations increased significantly in each storage method.

Condensation build-up within metal storage containers increased mold growth on corn, which subsequently resulted in greater aflatoxin concentrations of corn along the sides of such containers compared to corn sampled within the center of the same container.

Abstract continues; see full publication.

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CITATION Newman B.C., S.E. Henke, D.B. Webster, A.M. Fedynich, G.L. Schuster, J. Cathey.

2019. Aflatoxin Production Within Common Storage Practices of Grain. Editors S.E. Henke, A.M. Fedynich. Aflatoxins and Wildlife: Exposure, Problems, Detection, and Control Methods (Chp 5). New York: Nova Science Publishers Inc. This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH HABITAT, CLIMATE, AND RAPTORS AS FACTORS IN THE NORTHERN BOBWHITE DECLINE: A MULTI-SCALE ANALYSIS

AUTHORS: JOHN T. EDWARDS FIDEL HERNANDEZ DAVID B. WESTER LEONARD A. BRENNAN CHAD PARENT ROBERT PEREZ

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Habitat loss and fragmentation have been ongoing problems throughout the bobwhiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range and are thought to be significant contributors to their decline. This study examined how these factors affect quail populations at multiple scales and how climate and predation may compound those effects.

ABSTRACT Landscape-level processes such as habitat loss and fragmentation are primarily responsible for the declines in northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). These landscape processes generally occur at a scale beyond that of traditional quail studies and may involve not only habitat loss and fragmentation but also broad-scale changes in climate trends and predation risk. However, reductions in usable space and changes in habitat configuration at smaller scales may also reduce population viability. It is therefore imperative to study relationships to bobwhite populations at multiple scales. The objective of our research is to quantify to what extent habitat loss and fragmentation, climate, and predators are affecting quail populations at multiple scales within Texas.

Our study area will include the Rolling Plains and Rio Grande Plains ecoregions, which are historic strongholds of bobwhite, though each has seen recent declines. We will examine the relative contributions of 3 general factors (habitat, climate, and predators) on quail populations at multiple scales (ranch, route-level, and landscape). Specifically, these factors include total habitat amount, degree of fragmentation, raptor relative abundance, temperature, and precipitation. We will obtain data from multiple sources to determine quail trends (Breeding Bird Survey and ranch-level data) and relate habitat trends (National Land Cover Database and Texas Ecological Systems Classification Project), raptor abundance (Breeding Bird Survey), and climate factors (PRISM) within a multiple linear regression framework. This study will provide an understanding of 1) to what degree habitat loss and fragmentation are affecting quail populations on Texas rangelands, 2) how other factors such as climate and predators may be compounding these effects, and 3) how these relationships vary at multiple scales.

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CITATION Edwards, J.T., F. Hernandez, D.B. Wester, L.A. Brennan, C. Parent, R. Perez. 2017. Habitat, climate, and raptors as factors in the northern bobwhite decline: a multi-scale analysis. National Quail Symposium Proceedings 8: 355. Published online 8 November 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH OXYSPIRURA PETROWI AND AULONOCEPHALUS PENNULA INFECTION IN WILD NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL IN THE ROLLING PLAINS ECOREGION, TEXAS: POSSIBLE EVIDENCE OF A DIE-OFF

AUTHORS: CASSANDRA HENRY MATTHEW Z. BRYM RONALD J. KENDALL

ABSTRACT We have been monitoring wild Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) on a research transect in Mitchell County, Texas. We captured a total of 51 bobwhites in March-May of 2016 and 2017 and examined them for eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) and caecal worm (Aulonocephalus pennula) infections. In March 2017, bobwhites averaged 15 ± 10 eyeworms and 269 ± 90 caecal worms, and by mid-April averages had increased to 18 ± 13 eyeworms and 372 ± 144 caecal worms. These averages were much higher than those observed in March 2016 (11 ± 13 eyeworms and 160 ± 57 caecal worms) and April 2016 (12 ± 12 and 216 ± 56, respectively). We observed a precipitous decline in quail numbers by late April 2017, and average infection had dropped to 7 ± 2 eyeworms and 252 ± 109 caecal worms. The number of trapping sessions needed to capture one bobwhite also increased from 14.26 in 2016 to 36.46 in 2017. These observations warrant further investigation into the effects these helminth parasites may have on bobwhites and their populations within the Rolling Plains.

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WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Quail parasites—particularly eye worms and caecal worms—may be contributing to the decline of Texas quail, especially within the Rolling Plains ecoregion. This team measured parasite loads in captured bobwhites and noted that an increase in parasites was followed by a decrease in quail numbers, warranting further research into how these parasites impact host survival.

Dr. Kendall and the Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory at Texas Tech University have produced many other publications on this work, which is ongoing. You can learn more by visiting their website, linked below.

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CITATION Henry, C., Brym, M.Z., and Kendall, R.J. 2017. Oxyspirura petrowi and Aulonocephalus pennula infection in wild northern bobwhite quail in the Rolling Plains ecoregion, Texas: possible evidence of a die-off. Archives of Parasitology 1(2): 109.

Published online 10 July 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDES ON NORTHERN BOBWHITES

AUTHORS: HANNAH M.H. ERTL MIGUEL A. MORA DIANE E. BOELLSTORFF DONALD J. BRIGHTSMITH KATHERINE CARSON

ABSTRACT Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have been declining in Texas, USA, for nearly 3 decades. Reasons for the decline are unclear; however, a variety of factors have been considered, including pesticides and other environmental contaminants. We assessed potential effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on bobwhites by analyzing liver tissues from specimens collected in 3 selected regions of Texas. Fifty‐seven bobwhites were collected from the South Texas Plains, Rolling Plains, and Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes regions during autumn 2014 and spring 2015.

Neonicotinoid compounds were detected in trace amounts in the livers of 7 quail, including samples from all 3 field sites and during both collecting periods. Signs of testicular degeneration (n = 2) and hepatocellular vacuolation (n = 10) were consistent with known results of neonicotinoid intoxication. Overall, we identified evidence of bobwhite exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides, which correlates with a previous study that suggests that neonicotinoid use may be contributing to quail decline in some ecoregions in Texas, particularly the High Plains, Rolling Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, South Texas Plains, and Edwards Plateau.

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WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Neonicotinoid insecticides are used to protect crops throughout Texas, including areas of bobwhite habitat. Although neonicotinoids are designed to target insects, they may be having unintended effects on avian wildlife, including quail. Researchers here examined liver tissues of wild Texas bobwhites to gauge those effects and found evidence of neonicotinoid exposure in birds from several ecoregions. There were also signs of liver and testicular damage.

CITATION Ertl, H.M., M.A. Mora, D.E. Boellstorff, D. Brightsmith, K. Carson. 2018. Potential effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on northern bobwhites. Wildlife Society Bulletin: 42(4): 649655. Published online 23 October 2018.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH INADEQUATE THERMAL REFUGE CONSTRAINS LANDSCAPE HABITABILITY FOR A GRASSLAND BIRD SPECIES

AUTHORS: JOHN M. TOMEČEK BRIAN L. PIERCE KELLY S. REYNA MARKUS J. PETERSON

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? This project investigated how temperature and humidity differ in bobwhite nesting sites (bunch grasses, specifically) relative to the rest of the environment. They found that bunch grasses were slightly cooler and more humid than surrounding areas. Without these nesting substrates, eggs would be subject to lethal temperatures, making them an essential component of bobwhite habitat.

ABSTRACT Ecologists have long recognized the influence that environmental conditions have on abundance and range extent of animal species. We used the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter bobwhite) as a model species for studying how microclimates serve as refuge against severe weather conditions. This species serves as an indicator or umbrella species for other sensitive groundnesting, grassland obligate species. We conducted a mensurative field experiment in the rolling plains of Texas, USA, a semi-arid ecosystem on the southwestern periphery of bobwhite range, to determine whether native bunch grasses, apparently suitable for bobwhite nesting, could reduce ambient temperature below levels harmful for eggs.

During the nesting season, we compared temperature and relative humidity readings at daily heat maxima (i.e., the 3 h during each day with highest temperatures) during the nesting season over the course of two years at 63 suitable nest sites paired with 63 random locations (n = 126) using two sensors at ∼10 and ∼60 cm above ground level. Mean temperature at nest height was 2.3% cooler at nest sites (35.99 °C ± 0.07 SE) compared to random locations (36.81 °C ± 0.07 SE); at ambient height, nest sites were slightly cooler (32.78 °C ± 0.06 SE) than random location (32.99 °C ± 0.06 SE). Mean relative humidity at nest sites was greater at nest height (34.53% ± 0.112 SE) and ambient height (36.22% ± 0.10 SE) compared to random locations at nest (33.35% ± 0.12 SE) and ambient height (35.75% ± 0.10 SE). Based on these results, cover at sites that appear visually suitable for nesting by bobwhites and other ground nesting birds provided adequate thermal refuge in the rolling plains by maintaining cooler, moister microclimates than surrounding non-nesting locations.

Abstract continues; see full publication.

ACCESS THE PUBLICATION CITATION Tomeček, J.M., B.L. Pierce, K.S. Reyna, M.J. Peterson.

2017. Inadequate thermal refuge constrains landscape habitability for a grassland bird species. PeerJ 5: e3709.

Published online 18 August 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH THE EFFECTS OF NEONICOTINOID EXPOSURE ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AND ORGAN MASS IN NORTHERN BOBWHITE QUAIL (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS)

AUTHORS: AMANDA GOBELI DANE CROSSLEY II JEFF JOHNSON KELLY REYNA

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? This study sought to better understand how exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides might impact the development of quail embryos.

Anatomical deformities and other differences were observed, suggesting that neonicotinoid use may impact quail in ways not previously anticipated.

ABSTRACT Since their emergence in the early 1990s, neonicotinoid use has increased exponentially to make them the world's most prevalent insecticides. Although there has been considerable research concerning the lethality of neonicotinoids, their sublethal and developmental effects are still being explored, especially with regard to non-mammalian species. The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on the morphological and physiological development of northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). Bobwhite eggs (n=390) were injected with imidacloprid concentrations of 0 (sham), 10, 50, 100, and 150mg/kg of egg mass, which was administered at day 0 (pre-incubation), 3, 6, 9, or 12 of growth. Embryos were dissected, weighed, staged, and examined for any overt structural deformities after 19days of incubation. The mass of the embryonic heart, liver, lungs and kidneys was also recorded. The majority of treatments produced no discernible differences in embryo morphology; however, in some instances, embryos were subject to increased frequency of anatomical deformity and altered organ masses. Some impacts were more pronounced in specific dosing periods, implying that there may be critical windows of development when embryos are more susceptible to neonicotinoid exposure. This investigation suggests that imidacloprid has the potential to impact bobwhite quail embryonic development and chick survival.

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CITATION Gobeli, A., D. Crossley II, J. Johnson, K. Reyna. 2017.

The effects of neonicotinoid exposure on embryonic development and organ mass in northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 195: 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH EFFICACY OF A SOFT RELEASE STRATEGY FOR TRANSLOCATING SCALED QUAIL IN THE ROLLING PLAINS OF TEXAS

AUTHORS: REBEKAH E. RUZICKA KARA B. CAMPBELL MICHELLE C. DOWNEY DALE ROLLINS BRADLEY KUBEČKA MATTHEW POOLE DONALD C. RUTHVEN

ABSTRACT Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) populations have become locally extinct and spatially fragmented in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. Translocating Scaled Quail from core to declining populations could augment populations or reestablishing extinct populations. Although translocations of scaled quail have been attempted in Texas, none have been documented and none have attempted to identify best practices. Release strategy (i.e., hard or soft release) is a factor that can influence the success of a translocation. Our objective was to compare daily apparent survival of scaled quail translocated to the Rolling Plains between 2 release treatment groups: hard- and soft-release. We estimated a daily apparent survival rate (DASR) for radio-marked hens during the breeding season as a function of age, release treatment, and a time trend. We found evidence of a positive effect of the soft release treatment and higher DASR in adult hens. Overall, DASR of translocated hens was low compared to reported estimates of survival in established resident populations. Using a soft release strategy and translocating a greater proportion of adults may improve future translocation success for scaled quail.

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WHAT'S THE IMPACT? This study examines the efficacy of two approaches to wild scaled quail translocation: hard release, where the birds are put straight into the wild, and soft release, where they are allowed an acclimation period. They found that soft release was beneficial for scaled quail in terms of reducing their dispersal off site and increasing survival post-release.

CITATION Ruzicka, R.E., K.B. Campbell, M.C. Downey, D. Rollins, B. Kubečka, M. Poole, C. Ruthven, C. Donald. 2017. Efficacy of a Soft Release Strategy for Translocating Scaled Quail in the Rolling Plains of Texas. National Quail Symposium Proceedings 8: 388. Published online 8 November 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH ANNOTATED DRAFT GENOME ASSEMBLIES FOR THE NORTHERN BOBWHITE (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS) AND THE SCALED QUAIL (CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA) REVEAL DISPARATE ESTIMATES OF MODERN GENOME DIVERSITY AND HISTORIC EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE

AUTHORS: DAVID L. OLDESCHULTE YVETTE A. HALLEY MIRANDA L. WILSON ERIC K. BHATTARAI WESLEY BRASHEAR JOSHUA HILL RICHARD P. METZ

CHARLES D. JOHNSON DALE ROLLINS MARKUS J. PETERSON DEREK M. BICKHART JARED E. DECKER JOHN F. SEWELL CHRISTOPHER M. SEABURY

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? This project generated largely complete, annotated genome assemblies for both bobwhite and scaled quail—essentially roadmaps of the species' genes and what they do. This information has many applications, from identifying genes that play important roles in quail survival to gauging both the current and historic genetic diversity of quail populations

ABSTRACT Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter bobwhite) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) populations have suffered precipitous declines across most of their US ranges. Illumina-based first- (v1.0) and second- (v2.0) generation draft genome assemblies for the scaled quail and the bobwhite produced N50 scaffold sizes of 1.035 and 2.042 Mb, thereby producing a 45-fold improvement in contiguity over the existing bobwhite assembly, and ≥90% of the assembled genomes were captured within 1313 and 8990 scaffolds, respectively.

The scaled quail assembly (v1.0 = 1.045 Gb) was ~20% smaller than the bobwhite (v2.0 = 1.254 Gb), which was supported by kmer-based estimates of genome size.

Nevertheless, estimates of GC content (41.72%; 42.66%), genome-wide repetitive content (10.40%; 10.43%), and MAKER-predicted protein coding genes (17,131; 17,165) were similar for the scaled quail (v1.0) and bobwhite (v2.0) assemblies, respectively. BUSCO analyses utilizing 3023 single-copy orthologs revealed a high level of assembly completeness for the scaled quail (v1.0; 84.8%) and the bobwhite (v2.0; 82.5%), as verified by comparison with well-established avian genomes. We also detected 273 putative segmental duplications in the scaled quail genome (v1.0), and 711 in the bobwhite genome (v2.0), including some that were shared among both species. Autosomal variant prediction revealed ~2.48 and 4.17 heterozygous variants per kilobase within the scaled quail (v1.0) and bobwhite (v2.0) genomes, respectively, and estimates of historic effective population size were uniformly higher for the bobwhite across all time points in a coalescent model. However, large-scale declines were predicted for both species beginning ~15–20 KYA.

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CITATION Oldeschulte, D.L., Y.A. Halley, M. L. Wilson, E.K. Bhattarai, W. Brashear, J. Hill, R. P. Metz, C.D. Johnson, D. Rollins, M.J. Peterson, D.M. Bickhart, J.E. Decker, J.F. Sewell, C.M. Seabury. 2017. Annotated Draft Genome Assemblies for the Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and the Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) Reveal Disparate Estimates of Modern Genome Diversity and HIstoric Effective Population Size. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics 7(9): 3047-3058. Published online September 1 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH USE OF EXTINGUISH PLUS(TM) TO REDUCE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS AND INCREASE NORTHERN BOBWHITE ABUNDANCE

AUTHORS: JAMES W. CALDWELL NOVA J. SILVY ROEL R. LOPEZ FRED E. SMEINS MICHAEL E. MORROW BRIAN L. PIERCE ISRAEL D. PARKER

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Red imported fire ants (RIFA) are an invasive species that threaten quail by reducing insect biomass and predating quail chicks. This project examined how use of the insecticide Extinguish Plus™ affected both the number of ants and number of quail in an area. While RIFA presence was reduced post-treatment, quail abundance was also lower, suggesting that this method is not effective in increasing quail populations.

ABSTRACT Populations of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) have been declining throughout Texas since at least the 1970s.

The red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) was introduced from South America and reached Texas by the 1950s. Previous studies have documented the negative effects of RIFA on northern bobwhite populations through both direct predation and indirect reduction of small invertebrates. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, large areas (1,490 ha in 2013 and 2,380 ha in 2014 and 2015) of the 3,744-ha portion of the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge (APCNWR) in Colorado County, Texas, were aerially treated with Extinguish Plus™, a chemical pesticide and reproductive inhibitor that targets ants. Our study took place on APCNWR and our objectives included evaluation of the impacts of RIFA treatment on (1) RIFA abundance, and (2) northern bobwhite nest success and brood survival. We trapped, banded, and radio-collared northern bobwhites in areas treated and not treated with Extinguish Plus from May 2014 through August 2016. We also collected RIFA abundance data using baited Petri dishes on areas treated and nontreated areas during these periods. Treatment reduced RIFA presence on the refuge by 73.4% during 2014 and 2015, but did not reduce RIFA presence during 2016 possibly because of displacement of RIFA colonies due to heavy flooding on the refuge. We detected a difference (χ2 = 11,009, P = 0.0009) in the number of females sighted with and without broods between treated (19.5% F with broods) and nontreated areas (35.7% F with broods).

Abstract continues; see full publication.

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CITATION Caldwell, J.W., N.J. Silvy, R.R. Lopez, F.E. Smeins, M.E. Morrow, B.L. Pierce, I.D. Parker. 2017. Use of Extinguish PlusTM to reduce red imported fire ants and increase northern bobwhite abundance. National Quail Symposium Proceedings 8: 324-334. Published online 8 November 2017.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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RESEARCH EVIDENCE OF GENETIC EROSION IN A PERIPHERAL POPULATION OF A NORTH AMERICAN GAME BIRD: THE MONTEZUMA QUAIL (CYRTONYX MONTEZUMAE)

AUTHORS: SMARTH MATHUR JOHN M. TOMEČEK ASHLYN HENIFF RYAN LUNA J. ANDREW DEWOODY

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Researchers examined several markers of genetic fitness in Montezuma quail in Texas and compared them to larger, more robust populations in Arizona and New Mexico. What they found is that the Texas population was both genetically distinct from and less diverse than the birds in AZ and NM, and they warn that lack of genetic diversity can make a population susceptible to extirpation—a consideration for future Montezuma quail conservation efforts.

ABSTRACT Population extirpations are often precursors to species extinctions. Anthropogenic activities often lead to smaller populations that are more prone to extirpations and advocates for active conservation management have recently called for the preservation and monitoring of genetic diversity, particularly with regard to the adaptive potential of vulnerable populations. We used genomics and curated arrays of molecular markers, including those expected to impact key fitness traits, to quantify evidence of genomic erosion in core and peripheral populations of a gallinaceous bird. The Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a game species considered vulnerable to extirpation in Texas, but core populations in Arizona and New Mexico are robust and have the potential to serve as genetic reservoirs. We sequenced the Montezuma quail genome then developed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay to quantify genetic variation, effective population sizes, signatures of natural selection, and population structure. We genotyped SNPs from gene deserts and from genes associated with fitness traits and found the isolated Texas population exhibits an extremely small effective population size, is genetically distinct from our Arizona and New Mexico samples, and has reduced heterozygosity at the fitness-related markers. Thus, our samples from Texas exhibit symptoms of genetic erosion that could exacerbate future risk of local extirpation.

Management agencies must decide if active conservation efforts such as assisted gene flow or genetic rescue are now warranted. This decision may not be straightforward because the current conservation status of the Texas population reflects its isolated geographic locale on the periphery of the species’ range.

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CITATION Mathur, S., J.M. Tomeček, A. Heniff, R. Luna, J. A. Dewoody. 2019. Evidence of genetic erosion in a peripheral population of a North American game bird: the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae). Conservation Genetics (20): 1369-1381.

This project was supported by the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative.

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SUMMER SPECIAL EDITION

REVERSING THE QUAIL DECLINE INITIATIVE

SOURCEBOOK SPECIAL EDITION: REVERSING THE QUAIL DECLINE INITIATIVE