Effects of release strategy, source population, and age on reintroduced scaled quail reproduction

Abstract

Translocation is one strategy to reestablish populations of scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). Initial reproductive success post-translocation is important for establishing short-lived species such as quail, but factors influencing reproductive success are poorly understood. We evaluated the effect of source population and variation in delayed release strategy (1−9 weeks) on nest initiation and nest survival of wild-caught, translocated scaled quail. We trapped and translocated scaled quail in 2016–2017 from source populations in the Edwards Plateau and Rolling Plains ecoregions of Texas, USA, to a large contiguous (>40,000 ha) release site in Knox County, Texas. We used a multi-state mark-recapture model with state uncertainty to test for effects of release treatment, source population, age, release location, and year on nest initiation and survival. Increased length of holding time decreased re-nesting effort. Yearlings were more likely to initiate nests than adults and the probability of re-nesting was lower during the year with drought conditions. There was no effect of source population on any of the parameters we evaluated. Future scaled quail reintroduction efforts may benefit from prioritizing translocation of yearlings and conducting translocations when drought conditions are not forecasted.