An integrative study of social and reproductive systems in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus): a non-migratory, avian species bearing precocial young

Brant C. Faircloth // John P. Carroll // William E. Palmer

Tall Timbers Research Station and D. B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

Objective investigation of reproductive (mating and social) systems and development of hypotheses among non-lekking Galliformes is scarce. Formerly, limitations imposed by both field and laboratory techniques precluded large-scale studies among these species in their native habitat. However, new developments in molecular techniques have enabled a marriage between field and laboratory techniques, providing, for the first time, an objective means of conducting large-scale studies of non-lekking Galliformes.

In the past, results from "similar" species within other orders (Order Anseriformes) have been applied to Galliformes with respect to their research, management, and consumptive use. However, we believe critical differences in life history patterns between Galliformes and these other orders exists, thus calling into question the validity of these comparisons. Furthermore, we feel the scarcity of reproductive system information among these species creates a gap in the study of breeding systems, both among avian species, specifically, and all organisms, generally. The philopatric, non-migratory, and gregarious nature of non-lekking Galliformes creates the potential for many of their breeding systems to be driven by kin selection and cooperative breeding. This research will investigate the reproductive system of the Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), a species representative of many within Order Galliformes.

This project will advance knowledge and understanding within several related fields by integrating a number of field biology and laboratory techniques including: molecular determination of sex, parentage inference using genotype data, capture and marking of individuals, radio-telemetry, and analysis of social groups. Within the species, this research will answer basic questions of sociality and reproduction while benefitting future investigations of bobwhite population structure and persistence. Within the order, it will provide a meaningful "yard-stick" with which to compare behaviors of and research among other species. Within both the species and the order, this project will allow development and subsequent testing of numerous hypotheses benefitting the management of extant populations and the consumptive use of these resources. Finally, with respect to mating and social system theory as a whole, this project will fill gaps in the current collective knowledge.

The broader impacts of this research will be expressed at a number of scales. This project will bring together a number of researchers with diverse skills and research interests. It will provide paid training for approximately 6 undergraduate students. Four of these students will ideally be selected through the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities at the University of Georgia. Additionally, this project will result in the completion of a Ph.D. degree in wildlife ecology and management. Data from this project will also be integrated to a conservation genetics course, increasing its relevance and potentially its value to those enrolled. Participants in the course will also be invited to participate (on a voluntary basis) in lab activities. Funding of this project will additionally be used to purchase several items of equipment thus finalizing the creation of a wildlife genetics lab within the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Finally, results from this research will be disseminated through normal, scholarly routes, and they will be placed in the public domain, as well. Additionally, results will be presented to groups of landowners and other members of the public in that are highly dependent on the species of interest.