Decline of the Northern Bobwhite and the Scaled Quail
Our work in Texas is driven by population declines of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). These decades-long declines reached broad awareness in 2008, when decreasing quail populations became apparent despite periods of favorable weather. Changes to Texas landscapes could help reverse declines by improving quail habitat and minimizing threats from parasites, disease, predation, and invasive species. Quail are the third-most hunted game animal in Texas, making them a major source of revenue in rural counties. In addition to their economic importance, they play vital ecological and cultural roles across the state. To learn more, visit our story map, "Habitat Requirements of Texas Quails," by clicking here.
This joint effort by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M NRI seeks to understand and address the critical decline of quail in Texas. Our researchers investigate potential causes of the decline, and solutions through sound science. We teach landscape improvements to restore healthy quail populations. Our programs improve habitat management efforts on public and private lands, foster support for quail conservation in Texas, and maintain the benefits of quail hunting across the state.
The Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative Sourcebook
This Sourcebook 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.
Texas Quail Index
This statewide initiative uses data provided by Texans to measure quail abundance across the state. The TQI’s mission includes educating landowners and surrounding communities about monitoring and managing quail on their properties. Our demonstration series from April through September gives cooperators the tools they need to observe annual changes in quail densities, gauge predator activity, and evaluate habitat quality. These exercises help Texans understand quail populations and natural resources on their own properties.
Quail Appreciation Days
We cover the basics of quail anatomy, ecology, and habitat management in this one-day program. Quail Appreciation Days include a series of hands-on activities, informative video, and live lessons by quail experts. The events give participants a general background for becoming students of quail.
QuailMasters
QuailMasters is one of the most intensive courses on quail management offered anywhere. Participants access private ranches — featuring some of the state’s premier quail habitat — where they work through four hands-on training sessions. The training focuses on the three key areas of quail management: habitat, population, and people. Attendance at three of the four sessions is required to complete the course and become a "QuailMaster."
Statewide Quail Symposium
This biennial conference brings together Texas experts in quail conservation and management. Attendees include state agency personnel, research scientists, landowners, and managers to share expertise and address issues threatening quail. Past topics have included the effects of invasive species on quail; best management practices for quail habitat; and emerging research on parasites and disease. A field day kicks off the conference to give attendees a firsthand look at quail habitat management in action.
Programs
General lectures and other education events last from 1-3 hours and focus on a specific topic related to quail. Examples include a quail’s role in the food web, proposed causes of the quail decline, habitat management techniques, quail life history and reproduction, and the impact of predation on quail populations.