Translocation effects on survival, fecundity, and gene flow in an isolated population of Northern Bobwhite.

Theron Terhune // John P. Carroll // William E. Palmer // C. Joe Nairn

Tall Timbers Research Station and Albany Quail Project

Preliminary studies of relocated, wild, quail conducted in the coastal plain by Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS) and The Albany Quail Project (AQP) have demonstrated that wild quail relocated into good habitat experience survival and reproductive output similar to resident birds. A fair amount of interest currently exists in this technique given the wave of renewed support for quail management outside the "traditional" quail plantation belt in Georgia. In addition, several western states dealing with different quail species have on-going or proposed projects dealing with this topic.

We propose a cooperative study involving the Albany Quail Project, The University of Georgia, Tall Timbers Research Station, and several private landowners to investigate the effects of wild quail relocation on a geographically isolated population. Tall Timbers Research Station and University of Georgia are currently conducting both intensive localized and extensive statewide and regional assessments of bobwhite genetics using microsatellite markers developed specifically for such analyses. Commitments for the source of wild birds to be relocated have been obtained by AQP from several large properties in the Albany area. The relocation site is in Marion County near Buena Vista, Georgia.

This 3,000-acre property is typical of the region in that there is little farming, and pine plantations and pasture dominate the landscape. It is atypical in the fact that it has been intensively modified over the last 6 years to benefit wild quail. There were few quail on this property when it was purchased and a great deal of time and money has been spent on large-scale habitat improvements with disappointing results. After a tremendous amount of effort to improve habitat, this population has increased from 10 to approximately 25 coveys. The land-owner is dedicated to producing wild quail on the area but has become frustrated with his marginal success in increasing this remnant population that has been both physically and genetically isolated for at least 15 years.

The demographics and genetic condition of isolated bobwhite populations has not been adequately investigated. Our objectives are to:

  • Determine if patterns of survival and reproduction of native bobwhites in isolated populations are similar to released wild and "hybrid" bobwhites.
  • Determine if native and hybrid bobwhite populations grow at similar rates.
  • Determine the rate at which novel (introduced) alleles spread through low-density populations within and outside of the immediate release area.
  • Determine if allele frequencies of the population change in proportion to the number of native and released bobwhites. More specifically, will novel alleles become disproportionately important in the population?
  • Determine if the release has an impact on wild bobwhites outside of the intensively managed area.