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© Larry Ditto Current Research 2017–2018
Editor Alan M. Fedynich, Ph.D.
Reports in this issue of Current Research often represent preliminary analyses, and interpretations may
be modified once additional data are collected and examined. Therefore, these reports should not be cited
in published or non-published works without the approval of the appropriate investigator.
Use of trade names does not infer endorsement of product by TAMUK.
December 2018
Report of Current Research
September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018
Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, Texas
Dr. Steven H. Tallant Dr. Allen Rasmussen
President Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs
Dr. Shad D. Nelson Dr. David G. Hewitt
Dean Leroy G. Denman, Jr. Endowed
Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College Director of Wildlife Research
of Agriculture, Natural Resources and
Human Sciences
CKWRI Advisory Board
Chad Auler David W. Killam* James A. McAllen
Gus T. Canales Mason D. King Ellen B. Randall
T. Dan Friedkin Chris C. Kleberg Barry Coates Roberts
Henry R. Hamman Tio Kleberg Stuart W. Stedman
Jeff Hildebrand C. Berdon Lawrence Ben F. Vaughan, III
George C. “Tim” Hixon** Tim Leach Bryan Wagner
Karen Hunke Kenneth E. Leonard Charles A. Williams
A. C. “Dick” Jones, IV
*Chairman
**Deceased
A Member of the Texas A&M University System
1
FOREWORD
Dear Friends of the CKWRI, So, as you read these abstracts, use your imagination
As in past years, this volume of to peek behind the sterile statements of methods and
the CKWRI’s Current Research results. Try to envision students crouching next to
report describes the activities of a drop net, ready to sprint out and jump on captured
CKWRI students and scientists turkeys. See sweat hitting dry soil inside a plot where
over the last year. These abstracts students are recording vegetation on a hot summer day.
summarize the essence of research Envision the face of a student as it lights up after their
funded and conducted to further first look at the plotted locations of a collared mule
our understanding of wildlife across Texas. The deer as it moves around the Texas Panhandle. Finally,
resulting knowledge helps those who care deeply about picture the twinkle in the eye of a major professor or
wildlife to manage and conserve this precious resource. a project donor as they see the newly trained student
While the practical value of this knowledge is leaving Texas A&M University-Kingsville on their way
important, the work described in this annual report to their first job, ready to do the great work of wildlife
has other less tangible values. Knowledge from this conservation and management.
research feeds our sense of wonder about nature. For As a friend of the CKWRI, you help make all this
example, how can anyone not be enthralled with the happen and we are truly grateful. Please enjoy and learn
knowledge that the white-fronted goose that flew over from this year’s Current Research report, especially
them this morning had experienced sunsets in northern now that you know both the tangible and intangible
Canada a few short months ago, and could have been in values of these projects.
Louisiana rice fields or pastures near Hebbronville just All the Best,
a few days ago? Or how can anyone vested in wildlife
management in Texas not be proud to know that the
thick brush near the Gulf Coast in far South Texas is the
David Hewitt
only place in the United States where ocelot kittens can Leroy G. Denman, Jr. Endowed
be found in the wild? And how do you put a price tag Director of Wildlife Research
on being able to explain to a wide-eyed youth hunter
that the buck seen trotting by the hunting blind in late
December has several locations he visits daily to see if
any does in that area are ready to breed? And that this
same buck has essentially stopped eating so that he can
devote all his time to searching for and tending does?
Another unrecognized value of the work reported
herein is the training of the next generation of wildlife
managers and scientists. Although the abstracts often
make it seem as if there is a simple relationship between
straight-forward methods and the appearance of data,
students and scientists often have to struggle mightily
to obtain these data. The students learn to plan projects,
manage budgets, deal with unexpected problems,
improvise, supervise, collaborate, and communicate.
Even more important, the students experience the
blessings of working with the landowners and
supporters who make their research possible. These are
invaluable lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom.
These are lessons that will make our students successful
wherever their careers take them.
2
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Student Scholarships A. E. Leonard Undergraduate Student Scholarship in
Reńe Barrientos Fund for Graduate Student Tuition Wildlife Conservation
Every graduate student in our program financially Austin K. Killam, Taylor R. Shirley
benefits from this fund.
Phillip M. Plant Endowment for Graduate Scholarships
Houston Safari Club Dan L Duncan Scholarship Program in Wildlife
Daniel B. Brown, Ross O. Couvillon, Darrion M. Crowley, Jason V. Lombardi, Janel L. Ortiz, Jay A. VonBank,
John T. Edwards, Anthony D. Falk, Victoria L. Haynes, Laura S. Warner
Bradley W. Kubečka, Jason V. Lombardi, Ryan M.
Rothstein, Gael A. Sanchez, Heather N. Sanders, Rachel A.
Smith, Jay A. VonBank, Laura S. Warner Endowed Student Fellowships
Sam Walton Fellowship in Quail Research
Quail Coalition Scholarship in Wildlife Management Geron G. Gowdy
Graduate Scholarships, South Texas Chapter
Darrion M. Crowley, Geron G. Gowdy, Jason V. Lombardi, Alice Gertrudis King Kleberg Reynolds Endowed
Masahiro Ohnishi, Janel L. Ortiz, Kelly M. Redmond, Fellowship in Quail Research
Alec D. Ritzell, Gael A. Sanchez, Nicole J. Traub, Ellart J. Zachary J. Pearson
Vreugdenhil, Laura S. Warner, Emily D. Wells,
Lisa D. Zoromski Elliot B. and Adelle Bottom Fellowship in Quail Research
Kelly M. Redmond
Quail Coalition Scholarship in Wildlife Management
Undergraduate Scholarships, South Texas Chapter Walter Fondren, III Fellowship in Shorebird and Wading
David M. Campbell, Jose G. Cortez, Jr., Austin K. Killam, Bird Research
Michael T. Page, Taylor R. Shirley, Conner R. Sumbera, (Search in Progress)
Hannah G. Winter, Kelley A. Wood
Betty and George Coates Fellowship in Habitat
Amanda Whitaker Memorial Graduate Student Scholarship Enhancement Research
in Wildlife Management, South Texas Chapter of Quail Jason V. Lombardi
Coalition
Mikayla M. House Jess Y. Womack, II Fellowship in Wetlands and Wetland
Bird Research
San Antonio Livestock Exposition Scholarship Jay A. VonBank
Daniel B. Brown, Samantha J. Wolfe
Boone and Crockett Club Fellowship in Ungulate Research
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Graduate Scholarship Laura S. Warner
Nelissa N. Guerra, Austin K. Killam
Hixon Fellowships in Deer, Quail, Range Restoration,
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Graduate Fellows and Wild Cat Research
in Wildlife Research John T. Edwards, Levi J. Heffelfinger, Ellart J. Vreugdenhil
Javier O. Huerta, Alison R. Menefee, Alec D. Ritzell
Kenneth E. Leonard Fellowship for Livestock-Wildlife
Lon and Leigh Cartwright Graduate Scholarship Research
in Grass Management Chase H. Walther
Jose S. Avila-Sanchez
Stuart W. Stedman-Faith Ranch Fellowships in Deer
Education for Wildlife Students Undergraduate Research
Scholarship by USDA/APHIS/WS (Search in Progress)
Austin K. Killam, Michael T. Page, Taylor R. Shirley,
Kelley A. Wood Mike and Mary Terry Endowed Fellowship for Habitat
Research
Hill Country Quail Coalition Scholarships Nelissa N. Guerra
(Search in Progress)
Frances and Peter Swenson Fellowship in Rangeland
Restoration Research
Endowed Student Scholarships (Swenson Fellowship matched by the Estate of
Robert and Rebecca Palmer Scholarship Fund Nadine Arrington)
Graduate Student (Search in Progress)
Gerardo A. Bezanilla-Enríquez, Onalise R. Hill,
Masahiro Ohnishi
Robert and Rebecca Palmer Scholarship Fund
Undergraduate Student
David M. Campbell, Michael T. Page, Kelley A. Wood
Students listed above have participated in various CKWRI research studies and their abstracts are presented throughout the
Current Research report. We acknowledge the donors of these student scholarships and fellowships on this page.
3
NEW ENDOWMENTS AND IN MEMORY AND HONOR...
New Endowments
Stacy and Chad Auler Fund for Wildlife Research
Nancy Lee and Perry Bass Memorial Endowment for Bobwhite Quail Research
Stanton Bell Endowment for Wildlife Research
Coates Graduate Fellowship for Conservation and Management of White-tailed Deer
Vannie E. Cook Endowment for Wildlife Research
Holt-Atherton Memorial Fund for Wildlife Research and Education
Angie and Billy Lemmons Endowment for Wildlife Research
Leonard Family Endowed Fund for Wildlife Habitat Research
Frances and Jim McAllen Endowment for Wildlife Research
In Memory and Honor...
Many people choose to send unsolicited gifts in honor of cherished friends or family.
We have received memorials and gifts to honor...
Honored in FY2018
Chad Auler George C. “Tim” Hixon Stuart and Eliza Stedman
Lon and Leigh Cartwright Betty C. Kelso Arthur “Buddy” Temple, III
Helenita Groves Berdon and Rolanette Lawrence Leonard Funston Thompson, Jr.
Rafael A. and Carmen C. Guerra Linn-San Manuel Volunteer Fire Department David Villanueva
Bruce F. Harrison Annie Ruth Nobles Robert C. Wells
Charlie M. Herrington Will Pitts Jimmie Whittenburg
Those Previously Honored with Gifts in Their Name:
William Alexander Hailey and Chase Hill Paula Maywald
Tobin Armstrong Betty Hillman Dick McCampbell, Jr.
William A. Bienhorn Tim and Karen Hixon Helen McFarland
Ralph Bingham Peter John Holt John G. Muckleroy
Herb Booth Frank Horlock Josephine Musselman
Bill Brock Frank and Mary Grace Horlock Betty Phillips
Grady Cage Christopher Horton Curtis G. Pinnell
Marc A. Canales Col. Sam W. Hoskins, Jr. Tommie Jean Pooley
Lon Cartwright Buddy Jeffers Ellen Randall
Grace Chick Carolyn Jess G. Allen Rasmussen
Anne Colston Curt Johnson Christyn Reopelle
Joann and Mike Cone Larry Jones Richard “Dick” Wells Reynolds
Dr. John E. Conner Simpson Kampman Barry Roberts
Michael Corbett John W. Kelsey Gary Robinette
Bond Davis Radcliffe Killam Oscar Robinson
Gaye Davis Neal King Juan Salinas
Leroy G. Denman, Jr. Tio Kleberg Fayez Sarofim
John and Jacy Donovan Tio and Janell Kleberg Wesley Sayers
Dan L Duncan Scott Kneese Walter Schiel
Ruth Gilliland Dr. Edward Kozicky Frates Seeligson
Alfred Glassell, Jr. Edmund Kuempel John Shivers, Jr.
Vince Grainger Glen Laas David and Becky Simpson
“Slow” Grissom Frederick B. Labatt William Simpson
Gus Groos Joseph B. Labatt Stuart Stedman
Arcadio Guerra Tom Langschied Rodney Steen
Rafael A. and Carmen C. Guerra Pierre F. Lapeyre, Jr. Mike S. Stude
Annabell Guinn Berdon and Rolanette Lawrence Charlotte Jane Lewis Tannehill
Eunice Haas Christine Craft Leggett Arthur “Buddy” Temple, III
Henry Hamman Johnny Leslie Randy Toney
Anne Harris Linn-San Manuel Volunteer Fire Department Donny Trant
Bruce F. Harrison Annett Loyd Steven Valerius
Charles and Billie Hellen Rodolfo Madrid Milton H. “Mickey” West, Jr.
Charlie M. Herrington Todd Martin C. C. “Charlie” Winn
Karen Higginbotham Esther Mata Jess Y. Womack, II
Jeff and Mindy Hildebrand Mason L. Matthews, Jr. Seymour Wormser
Our spirits are lifted by these gifts. Please accept our thanks to all of you who support and encourage us.
4
CKWRI PERSONNEL
Scientists and Staff Graduate Students
Dr. Bart M. Ballard, Professor Ms. Angelica F. Arredondo
Mrs. Yolanda Ballard, Assistant Director, CKWRI Mr. Jose S. Avila-Sanchez
Administration Ms. Emily H. Belser
Mrs. Sara K. Barrera, Facilities Specialist III Mr. Gerardo A. Bezanilla-Enríquez
Mr. John R. Bow, Project Coordinator II, Texas Native Ms. AnnMarie Blackburn
Seeds–Central Texas Mr. Daniel B. Brown
Dr. Leonard A. Brennan, Professor Ms. Andrea Bruno
Dr. Fred C. Bryant, Director, CKWRI Development Ms. Shelby B. Carter
Mrs. Gina M. Cavazos, Administrative Coordinator I Mr. William C. Colson
Dr. April A. Torres Conkey, Assistant Professor Mr. Jose G. Cortez, Jr.
Dr. Charles A. DeYoung, Research Scientist Mr. Oscar Cortez
Dr. Randy W. DeYoung, Associate Professor Mr. Ross O. Couvillon
Dr. Cord B. Eversole, Research Assistant Professor Mr. Carter G. Crouch
Mr. Anthony D. Falk, Research and Evaluation Mr. Darrion M. Crowley
Coordinator, South Texas Natives and Texas Native Ms. Kelsey R. Davis
Seeds Mr. Dillan J. Drabek
Dr. Alan M. Fedynich, Professor Mr. John T. Edwards
Mrs. Sandra L. Fischer, Business Coordinator II Mr. Anthony D. Falk
Dr. Aaron M. Foley, Research Assistant Professor Mr. Kory R. Gann
Ms. Bethany A. Friesenhahn, Research Specialist I Ms. Jessica L. Glasscock
Dr. Timothy E. Fulbright, Professor Mr. Geron G. Gowdy
Mrs. Venie A. Fulbright, Research Associate Ms. Nelissa N. Guerra
Mr. Delmiro L. Garcia, Facilities Specialist II Ms. Victoria L. Haynes
Dr. Eric D. Grahmann, Research Assistant Professor Mr. Levi J. Heffelfinger
Dr. Lon I. Grassman, Jr., Research Scientist Ms. Onalise R. Hill
Ms. Nicole A. Hansen, Research Technician I Ms. Mikayla M. House
Dr. Scott E. Henke, Professor Mr. Javier O. Huerta
Dr. Fidel Hernández, Professor Mr. Austin K. Killam
Dr. David G. Hewitt, Executive Director Ms. Lianne M. Koczur
Mrs. Liisa L. Hewitt, Research Specialist I Mr. Bradley W. Kubečka
Dr. Clayton D. Hilton, Associate Professor Mrs. Karelys N. Labrador-Rodriguez
Mrs. Nancy T. Jennings, Business Coordinator III Mr. Jason V. Lombardi
Mrs. Edna G. Kirkpatrick, Travel Specialist I Mr. Jose M. Mata
Dr. William P. Kuvlesky, Jr., Professor Ms. Alison Menefee
Mr. Samuel R. Lutfy, Assistant Director, Texas Native Mr. Brandon S. Mitchell
Seeds–Permian Basin Mr. David Navarro
Mr. William L. Lutz, Jr., Research Technician I Mr. David J. Newstead
Mr. Robert Obregon, Research Associate Mr. Masahiro Ohnishi
Dr. J. Alfonso Ortega-Santos, Professor Mr. Benjamin R. Olsen
Mr. Keith A. Pawelek, Associate Director, South Texas Mr. Anthony P. Opatz
Natives and Texas Native Seeds Ms. Janel L. Ortiz
Dr. Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso, Assistant Professor Mr. Brandon J. Palmer
Ms. Lindsey M. Phillips, Project Coordinator II, Mr. Zachary J. Pearson
Comanche-Faith Deer Research Program Ms. Lindsey M. Phillips
Mrs. Shyla E. Rabe, Administrative Coordinator I, South Ms. Tiffany L. Pope
Texas Natives Mr. Jake A. Rector
Ms. Stephanie A. Reyes, Purchasing Specialist Ms. Kelly M. Redmond
Dr. Sandra Rideout-Hanzak, Associate Professor Ms. Michaela F. Rice
Mrs. Selinda A. Rojas, Purchasing Specialist Mr. Alec D. Ritzell
Mr. Colin S. Shackelford, Assistant Director, Texas Mr. Ryan M. Rothstein
Native Seeds–West Texas Mr. Ramon Saenz, III
Mr. Forrest S. Smith, Program Director, South Texas Ms. Gael A. Sanchez
Natives and Texas Native Seeds Ms. Heather N. Sanders
Mrs. Susan C. Smith, Administrative Associate V Ms. Rachel A. Smith
Dr. Michael E. Tewes, Professor Ms. Kristyn G. Stewart
Mrs. Anne B. Thurwalker, Assistant Director, Mr. Daniel R. Taylor
Development/Annual Giving Ms. Nicole J. Traub
Mrs. Rebecca S. Trant, Director, CKWRI Administration Ms. Amanda M. Veals
Mr. Vincent J. Van Dyke, Research Technician I Mr. Jay A. VonBank
Ms. Elizabeth L. Walker, Business Coordinator II Mr. Ellart J. Vreugdenhil
Mr. Tyler C. Wayland, Assistant Director, Texas Native Mr. Chase H. Walther
Seeds–East Texas Ms. Laura S. Warner
Dr. David B. Wester, Professor Ms. Emily D. Wells
Dr. Damon L. Williford, Laboratory Manager Mr. Justin P. Wied
Ms. Samantha J. Wolfe
Mr. Donal A. Woodard
Ms. Lisa D. Zoromski
5
EXTERNAL PROJECT SPONSORS AND COOPERATORS Alabama Department of Wack Ezzell and Matt Moore, Faith James A. McAllen Conservation and Natural Ranch, L.P. Meadows Professorship in Semiarid Resources Faith Ranch, L.P. Land Ecology Alabama Division of Wildlife and T. Dan Friedkin Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Freshwater Fisheries Friedkin Conservation Fund Fisheries, and Parks Albert and Margaret Alkek Frost National Bank Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation Shawn Gray, Texas Parks and Foundation Annova LNG, Parent Company of Wildlife Department Mule Deer Foundation Exelon Generation George and Mary Josephine National Christian Foundation Chad Auler Hamman Foundation National Fish and Wildlife Bamert Seed Company Henry R. Hamman, El Gato del Foundation Reńe Barrientos Montes Ranch The Nature Conservancy-Texas City James Barrow Will Hart Prairie Preserve Bass ranches Michael W. Hehman, Hixon Ranch Dunn O’Connor River Ranch Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation Jeff Hildebrand Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve/Parks, Alston and Holly Beinhorn Hixon Ranch Arts, Leisure and Senior Fund Boggy Slough Conservation Area Tim and Karen Hixon Foundation Pineywoods Foundation Boone and Crockett Club Charlie Hoffman, Hoffman HC 30 Programa de Formacion de Border Environment Cooperation Ranch Profesores, Universidad de Commission Horizon Foundation Chihuahua Borderlands Research Institute, Sul Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Barry Putegnat Ross State University Houston Safari Club Dean Putegnat Brown Foundation Karen and Phil Hunke Quail Associates Program Camotal Ranch A. C. “Dick” and Ann Jones, IV Quail Coalition, Hill Country Chapter Gus T. Canales Whit Jones, Jones Ranch Quail Coalition, Park Cities Chapter Caracol Ranch Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Quail Coalition, San Antonio Chapter Cascabel Ranch Foundation Quail Coalition, South Texas Chapter CF Properties David W. Killam Quail Forever, San Antonio Chapter Citgo Mason D. King Railway Ranch Coastal Bend Audubon Society King Ranch, Inc. Renato Ramirez, El Veleno Ranch Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Douglass W. King Seed Company Ricardo Ramirez Program Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Ellen Randall Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Wildlife Conservation Bill Rauch, Elizita Ranch Foundation of 1992 Caesar Kleberg Partners John R. Richardson Comanche Ranch Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Rio Farms, Inc. Concho Resources, Inc. Institute’s Feline Research Barry Coates Roberts ConocoPhillips Program Rolling Plains Quail Research Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Chris C. Kleberg Foundation Tecnología, Mexico Richard M. Kleberg, Jr. Center for Rotary Club of Corpus Christi D Bar J Ranch Quail Research (Harvey Weil Sportsman Dallas Safari Club Richard M. Kleberg, Jr. Family Conservationist Award Trust) James R. Dougherty Foundation Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Rumsey Research and Development Donnie Draeger, Comanche Ranch Kleberg Foundation Fund at Texas Tech University Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Tio Kleberg San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Dan L Duncan Family Leatrice Koch Inc. Joan and Rufus Duncan Memorial Las Huellas Association of South San Antonio Viejo Ranch (East Fund Texas Foundation) East Foundation C. Berdon Lawrence Sandbrock Ranch East Texas Communities Foundation Tim Leach Rod Sanders El Coyote Ranch A. E. Leonard Family Giving Council Matthew Schnupp, Verl Cash, and El Sauz Ranch (East Foundation) Kenneth E. Leonard Bruce Roberts, King Ranch, Inc. El Veleno Ranch Steve and Jon Lindley Shell Oil Company Elizita Ranch Louisiana Department of Wildlife Sierra la Rana Development Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. and Fisheries Stan Smith Enterprise Products Partners, L.P. Richard Lucas Smith Foundation ExxonMobil Summer Jobs Program Travis and Bettina Mathis South Texas Charity Weekend, Inc. 6
South Texas Natives donors USDA National Institute of Food
Southern Edwards Plateau: 11 and Agriculture Hispanic Serving
ranches and landowner groups Institutions Award Program
Stuart W. Stedman, Faith and Elizita USDA Natural Resources
ranches Conservation Service
Stedman West Foundation USDA Natural Resources
Don and Cynthia Stevenson Conservation Service Cooperative
Stillwater Foundation Ecosystems Studies Unit
Stone Brothers USDA Natural Resources
L. Herbert Stumberg, Jr. Conservation Service E. “Kika” de
Tarleton State University la Garza Plant Materials Center
Ellen Temple USDA Natural Resources
T.L.L. Temple Foundation Conservation Service East Texas
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Plant Materials Center
Service’s Reversing the Decline USDA Natural Resources
of Quail Initiative in Texas Conservation Service James E.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and “Bud” Smith Plant Materials
Extension Service Center
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Ben F. Vaughan, III
Extension Center-Stephenville Rachael and Ben F. Vaughan, III
Texas A&M AgriLife Research Rachael and Ben Vaughan
Station-Beeville Foundation
Texas A&M Institute for Renewable Bryan Wagner
Natural Resources JF Welder Heirs’ Vidaurri Ranch
Texas A&M University-Kingsville Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife
Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation
Council for Undergraduate Neva and Wesley West Foundation
Research Wild Cat Conservation, Inc.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville Wildlife Habitat Federation
Research Award Charles A. and Randa Duncan
Texas Department of Transportation Williams
Texas Department of Transportation Dr. Lacy Williams and Family
Environmental Affairs Division Winston 8 Ranch
Texas Military Department Yturria Ranch
Texas Natives Seeds donors Zachry Foundation
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
TransCanada Charitable Fund
Universidad de Chihuahua, Mexico
University of Texas Bureau of
Economic Geology
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wildlife Restoration Section 4
Grants Program
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Geological Survey
USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, Agricultural
Research Service Plant Protection
and Quarantine Program
USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service National Feral
Swine Damage Management
Program
USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service National
Wildlife Research Center
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD............................................................. 2 Survival Analysis of Ocelots in Relation to
Roads in South Texas................................................ 20
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS.............. 3
Ocelot, Coyote, and Bobcat Interactions in
NEW ENDOWMENTS AND IN MEMORY South Texas............................................................... 21
AND HONOR............................................................ 4
The Impact of Road Matrices on Habitat
CKWRI PERSONNEL............................................. 5 Connectivity for Ocelots in South Texas.................. 21
EXTERNAL PROJECT SPONSORS Assessing Population Dynamics of Ocelots
AND COOPERATORS............................................ 6 in Northeastern Mexico............................................. 22
Circuit Theory to Estimate Road Crossings
IN-PROGRESS RESEARCH for the Endangered Ocelot........................................ 23
BOBWHITES AND OTHER QUAILS Assessment of Ocelot Habitat Suitability in
South Texas............................................................... 23
Precipitation and Management as Drivers
of Northern Bobwhite Populations........................... 12
DEER
Assessing the Impact of Hunting on a
Northern Bobwhite Population................................. 12 The Comanche-Faith Deer Research Project............ 24
Influence of Juniper on Montezuma Quail Influence of Deer Density on Dominance
Habitat Use in the Edwards Plateau.......................... 12 Hierarchies and Feed Consumption.......................... 24
Quail Habitat Restoration in Areas that are Effects of White-tailed Deer Density on
Dominated by Non-Native Grasses.......................... 13 Herbaceous Vegetation Communities....................... 25
Understanding Patterns of Gene Expression Supplemental Feed Consumption by
in the Northern Bobwhite.......................................... 13 White-tailed Deer in South Texas............................. 25
Bermudagrass Control and Restoration of Deer and Supplemental Feeder Site Densities
Native Prairie for Northern Bobwhites..................... 14 Influence on Population Dynamics........................... 26
Northern Bobwhite Use of an Area being * End of In-Progress Comanche-Faith Project Abstracts*
Restored to Native Vegetation.................................. 15
Vegetation Attributes Providing Thermal Genetic Differentiation of Captive and
Refugia for Scaled Quail........................................... 15 Free-Ranging White-tailed Deer............................... 26
Analysis of Adaptive Genetic Variation Reproductive Strategies of Male Mule Deer
Among Bobwhite Populations.................................. 16 in a Fragmented Landscape...................................... 27
Vegetation Attributes Providing Thermal DMP Pens Effect on Average White-tailed
Refugia for Bobwhites in South Texas..................... 16 Deer Antler Size........................................................ 27
Evaluating Ground Juniper in White-tailed
WILD CATS Deer Supplemental Pellets........................................ 28
Ocelot Resource Selection within a Highly Can Culling Bucks Lead to Genetic Change
Fragmented Landscape............................................. 18 in Deer Populations on Large Acreages?.................. 28
Felid Intraguild Interactions in Sierra de White-tailed Deer-Cattle Interactions on
Tamaulipas Biosphere Reserve................................. 18 the East Foundation Ranches.................................... 29
Felid Abundance, Activity Patterns, and Examining Crop Use by Mule Deer in the
Interactions with Ungulates...................................... 18 Texas Panhandle........................................................ 29
Using Landscape Features to Determine Behavioral Responses of White-tailed Deer
Placement of Road Crossings for Ocelots.................. 19 to Heat Stress............................................................ 30
Physiographic and Microhabitat Factors Contribution of Northern Stock Sources to
of Ocelot Occupancy................................................. 19 the Southeastern United States.................................. 30
Accelerating Growth of Ocelot Thornscrub Effects of Histocompatibility Complex
Habitat....................................................................... 20 Variation on Antler Development............................. 31
8The Influence of Agriculture on Mule Deer WATERFOWL, SHOREBIRDS, AND UPLAND
Population Parameters.............................................. 31 GAMEBIRDS
Developing a Survey Methodology for Wild
HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT Turkeys in Northeast Texas....................................... 42
TxDOT Native Plant Integration Program Spring Migration Stopover Decisions by
for South, Central, and West Texas........................... 32 Greater White-fronted Geese.................................... 42
South Texas Natives Project Seed Releases, Forecasting Sandhill Crane Habitat
Restoration Research, and Outreach......................... 32 Suitability Along the Texas Coast............................. 42
Statewide Expansion of the Texas Native Spatial Analysis of Wild Turkey Habitat in
Seeds Program........................................................... 32 South Texas............................................................... 43
Genomic Analysis of Common Texas Native Modeling Foraging Habitat for Shorebirds
Grasses...................................................................... 33 in the Laguna Madre................................................. 43
Blackland Prairie Restoration at Martindale Autumn Migration Characteristics of Mid-
Army Airfield near San Antonio, Texas.................... 33 Continent Greater White-fronted Geese................... 44
East Texas Natives Project Native Seed Use of Constructed Roosts by Wild Turkeys
Development and Outreach Efforts.......................... 34 in South Texas........................................................... 44
Native Seed Ecotype Development by the Autumn Migration Ecology of Sandhill
Central Texas Native Seed Project............................ 34 Cranes....................................................................... 45
Season of Fire Effects on Gulf Cordgrass Developing Wild Turkey Wintering Habitat
Rangelands................................................................ 35 Suitability Models in Northeast Texas...................... 45
The Valley Crossing Pipeline Restoration Winter Movements and Habitat Selection
Project....................................................................... 35 by Greater White-fronted Geese............................... 46
Locally-Adapted Native Seed Development The Impacts of Red Imported Fire Ants on
by the West Texas Native Seed Project...................... 36 Gamebirds................................................................. 46
The Effects of Thrips on Native Grass Seed
Production................................................................. 36 BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, AND MANAGEMENT
Development and Release of Kenedy Survey Techniques to Count Reptiles with
Germplasm Big Bluestem......................................... 37 Emphasis on Drone Technology............................... 48
Commercial Production of Seed Releases Patterns in Autumn and Winter Surveys of
Made by the Texas Native Seeds Program................ 37 Large Mammals in South Texas................................ 48
Development and Release of Wilson Competition for Space between Harvester
Germplasm Indiangrass............................................ 38 Ants and Red Imported Fire Ants............................. 48
Pollinator Plant Seed Increase to Enable Vertebrate Response to Experimental Burn
Restoration................................................................ 38 Treatments in South Texas........................................ 49
Testing Efficacy of Stock-piling Topsoil for The Human Dimensions of Conservation
Ecological Restoration.............................................. 39 Photographers in Wildlife Management................... 49
Permian Basin Native Seed Project Ecotype Generalist Versus Specialist: A Dilemma
Development and Outreach Efforts.......................... 39 for Texas Horned Lizards.......................................... 50
Assessing Landscape Impacts of Energy Flattened Fauna: Roadkill Patterns in
Sprawl in the Trans-Pecos Region of Texas................ 40 Kleberg County, Texas.............................................. 50
The Sandbrock Ranch Native Grassland Wildlife Use of Fence Crossings in South
Restoration and Demonstration Project.................... 40 Texas Rangelands...................................................... 51
Native Grassland Restoration: Diversity Comparison of Intestinal Tracts Among
and Stability of Wildlife............................................ 41 Rodents Occupying Similar Niches.......................... 51
Developing Ecotypic Native Seed Supplies Texas Tortoise Movements and Habitat Use
for the Coastal Prairie Region of Texas.................... 41 in South Texas........................................................... 52
9Pronghorn Land Cover Selection Versus COMPLETED RESEARCH
Availability in the Texas Panhandle.......................... 52
DEER
Evaluating Welder Wildlife Foundation’s
Rangeland Curriculum.............................................. 53 The Comanche-Faith Deer Research Project............ 64
Vertebrate Response to Grazing Treatments Woody Plant Response to White-tailed Deer
on the East Foundation.............................................. 53 and Supplemental Feeder Site Densities................... 64
Efficacy of Baits Used to Trap Feral Pigs The Effects of White-tailed Deer Density on
in Texas..................................................................... 53 Buck Activity During the Breeding Season.............. 65
Cyber EcosySTEM: Coding, Trophic Social Hierarchy of Lactating Does at
Levels, and Landscape Ecology................................ 54 Pelleted Feed Stations............................................... 65
Effects of Habitat Restoration on Texas A Test of the Browsing Optimization
Horned Lizards and Their Prey................................. 54 Hypothesis in South Texas........................................ 65
Influence of Cattle Grazing on Economics, Effects of White-tailed Deer Density on
Environment, and Human Dimensions..................... 55 Antler Growth........................................................... 66
Assessment of Pronghorn Diet Composition * End of Completed Comanche-Faith Project Abstracts*
Using Metabarcoding Analysis................................. 55
Monitoring Bird-Window Collisions at Response to Culling for Antler Traits in
Texas A&M University-Kingsville........................... 56 White-tailed Deer...................................................... 66
The Response of Feral Swine to Control Effects of Supplemental Feeding on Tooth-
Measures in Agricultural Fields................................ 56 Wear Aging of White-tailed Deer............................. 67
Recruitment Patterns of White-tailed Deer
DISEASES AND PARASITES in South Texas........................................................... 67
Wild Felid Disease Prevalence on the East Effects of Supplemental Feeding on Fawn
Foundation’s El Sauz Ranch..................................... 58 Production of White-tailed Deer............................... 68
Genetic Evaluation of White-tailed Deer Temporal Reproductive Success of Male
Associated with Chronic Wasting Disease................. 58 White-tailed Deer...................................................... 68
A Multi-Year Study of Northern Bobwhite Breeding Values for Antler Traits in White-
Parasites within South Texas..................................... 58 tailed Deer................................................................. 69
Diseases in an Urbanized Landscape and Does Movement Explain Loss in Body
its Potential Impact on the Ocelot............................. 59 Mass in Male White-tailed Deer?............................. 69
Effect of Fire on Baylisascaris procyonis Heritability of Antler Traits in White-tailed
Eggs in the Environment........................................... 59 Deer........................................................................... 70
A Comparison of Helminth Communities What is a Population? Genetic Structure
from Scaled Quail and Bobwhites............................ 60 in White-tailed Deer.................................................. 70
Assessing the Potential Transmission of Transition Frequency Analysis of Antler
Parasites to Endangered Ocelots............................... 60 Traits in White-tailed Deer........................................ 71
Landscape Genetics to Track Chronic
Wasting Disease in Texas Mule Deer........................ 61 BOBWHITES AND OTHER QUAILS
Disease and Parasite Transmission from Molecular Ecology of New World Quails:
Raccoons to Wild Felids........................................... 61 Messages for Managers............................................. 72
Bobwhite Crop Contents to Determine Analysis of Distance Sampling Effort and
Intermediate Host(s) for Parasites............................. 62 Density Estimates for Northern Bobwhites.............. 72
Genetics of Partial Resistance to Chronic Detection and Occupancy of Montezuma
Wasting Disease in Texas Mule Deer........................ 62 Quail in the Edwards Plateau of Texas..................... 72
Assessing Social Behavior and Movements Effects of Tanglehead on Habitat Suitability
of Nilgai for Cattle Fever Tick Control..................... 63 for Bobwhites in South Texas................................... 73
10Vegetation Monitoring and Quail Density Bringing Back the Dead: Genetic Data
in a Grazing Demonstration Area............................. 73 from Avian Carcasses................................................ 85
Influence of Landscape Factors on the The Effectiveness of Mint as a Repellent to
Bobwhite and Scaled Quail Declines........................ 74 Rodents..................................................................... 86
Development of a Predictive Distribution Change in Woody Cover Affects Ocelot
Map for Montezuma Quail........................................ 75 Recovery in the Rio Grande Delta............................ 86
Landscape Characteristics that Drive
HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT Migratory Bird Density in South Texas.................... 87
The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve Prairie
Restoration Project.................................................... 76 ABSTRACT EXTERNAL AUTHORS
AND CO-AUTHORS.............................................. 88
Release of Permian Germplasm Whiplash
Pappusgrass for West Texas...................................... 76 PUBLICATIONS 2017–IN PRESS....................... 90
Nutritive Value of Gulf Cordgrass after PARTING SHOTS.................................................. 96
Burning..................................................................... 76
Release of Santiago Germplasm Silver
Bluestem for West Texas........................................... 77
Restoration of Monarch Habitat at the
Longoria Wildlife Management Area....................... 78
Long-term Responses of Tanglehead to
Prescribed Burning and Cattle Grazing.................... 78
Fire Effects on Cattle Distribution in Gulf
Cordgrass.................................................................. 79.
BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, AND MANAGEMENT
Comparative Microbiota of the GI Tract
of Southern Texas Rodents....................................... 80
Assessing Habitat Associations of Birds
During Migration...................................................... 80
Noninvasive Genetics: Scat Sampling for
Bobcats and Ocelots in Texas................................... 80
Raccoon Roundworm as an Occupational
Hazard to Wildlife Caregivers.................................. 81
Training K-12 Educators on the Wild Bird
Conservation Curriculum.......................................... 81
Estimation of Rangeland Biomass Using
Unmanned Aerial Systems........................................ 82
The Effectiveness of Using Paint Pens to
Mark Turtles for Population Assessment.................. 83
Winter Habitat Selection by Sandhill
Cranes Along the Texas Coast.................................. 83
Genetic Analysis of Bobcats Occurring in a
Fragmented Landscape............................................. 84
Evaluating Ground Juniper and Mesquite
in Goat Feedlot Diets................................................ 84
Neoplasia in a Texas Tortoise from Willacy
County, Texas............................................................ 85
11BOBWHITES AND OTHER QUAILS
implement a harvest prescription. However, whether
Precipitation and Management as Drivers a sustainable bobwhite harvest prescription can be
of Northern Bobwhite Populations implemented based on density estimates has not been
tested. Our objectives are to (1) test whether a 20%
Alec D. Ritzell, Fidel Hernández, Eric D. Grahmann, John T.
Edwards, Dale Rollins, and Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso harvest rate is sustainable and (2) determine if hunting
influences bobwhite distribution and habitat use.
Quail populations dramatically increase during This study will take place on the East Foundation
wet periods and drastically decrease during droughts. properties in Jim Hogg County, Texas. Non-hunted
Quail managers have attempted to moderate these control areas have features similar to hunted areas.
boom-and-bust fluctuations using management such The harvest prescription will be by pasture, and it
as grazing, supplemental feeding, and predator con- represents 20% of late November abundance. This
trol. However, given that rainfall can account for 70 harvest prescription will be distributed evenly across
to 90% of the variability in regional quail populations, 3 periods: December, January, and February. Line-
the effectiveness of quail management has been ques- transect distance sampling using helicopter surveys
tioned. Our objective is to evaluate the effects of rain- will be conducted prior to hunting for estimating bob-
fall and quail management on bobwhite numbers and white density (November), once a month during the
to determine whether management can stabilize popu- hunting season (December, January, and February),
lations in the face of variable rainfall patterns. and after the hunting season (March). Hunting-effort
We will build on current research to create a 5-year data will be collected using GPS units on hunt trucks
dataset (2014–2018) of quail density to assess whether and hunting dogs, along with demographic data (age
management can maintain quail density and reduce its and sex ratios) from harvested bobwhites.
variability on Texas rangelands. Helicopter surveys Pre-treatment data were collected in 2017–2018
will be conducted in the Rio Grande Plains and Rolling (December–March). Treatment effects will be moni-
Plains regions of Texas during the winters of 2017 and tored from autumn 2018 through spring 2021. We will
2018 to determine quail numbers on 10 study sites. (1) compare variation in abundance estimates between
We will quantify quail management on each site via hunted and non-hunted populations and (2) quantify
landowner surveys and document annual rainfall. associations between hunting pressure and potential
We will use quail density, management intensity, changes in covey distributions. This research will test
and rainfall to evaluate the importance of management the hypothesis that quail harvest is a sustainable ele-
in maintaining quail densities on rangelands subject ment of quail management in South Texas.
to varying rainfall. Determining the effectiveness of
Cooperative funding provided by the East Foundation,
quail management on semiarid rangelands will pro- Richard M. Kleberg, Jr. Center for Quail Research, and
vide needed guidance for quail conservation and man- South Texas Chapter of Quail Coalition.
agement in Texas.
Cooperative funding provided by Texas A&M AgriLife
Extension Service’s Reversing the Decline of Quail Initiative
in Texas, South Texas Chapter of Quail Coalition, and the Influence of Juniper on Montezuma Quail
Richard M. Kleberg, Jr. Center for Quail Research. Habitat Use in the Edwards Plateau
Kristyn G. Stewart, Fidel Hernández, Eric D. Grahmann,
Leonard A. Brennan, Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso, and
Robert M. Perez
Assessing the Impact of Hunting on a
Northern Bobwhite Population Montezuma quail in the United States inhabit the
pine-oak woodlands of Arizona, New Mexico, and
Donal A. Woodard, Leonard A. Brennan, Fidel Hernández,
Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso, and Neal Wilkins Texas. Although Montezuma quail in Texas are most
common in the Davis Mountains, a population once
Despite a century of quail research, there is still occurred in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion. Years of
ample debate regarding annual harvest rates and overgrazing, fire suppression, and juniper encroach-
the persistence of populations exposed to hunt- ment eliminated the species from most of this ecore-
ing. Estimating density is the first step required to gion. The recent increase of new landowners and
12IN-PROGRESS RESEARCH
increased recreational use in the region has resulted in 2014 we began a study to replicate this success on a
in the clearing of large stands of juniper. This has large scale (approximately 300 acres).
resulted in more favorable habitat for Montezuma Our study is on the Hixon Ranch in LaSalle
quail, and an increase of sightings has occurred. County, Texas. We repeatedly disked and sprayed the
Very few studies have focused on the population site to deplete the seedbank of non-native plants (5
inhabiting the Edwards Plateau, which has resulted in times each). In October 2016, locally adapted native
a lack of information for Montezuma quail within this plant seeds were drill-sown onto the site. In addition,
ecoregion. Our study will examine the influence of woody seedlings were transplanted into the site during
juniper encroachment on the distribution and habitat April 2017. We sampled vegetation during March,
use of Montezuma quail in the Edwards Plateau. June, and October from 2013 to 2018.
Our study is being conducted at Kickapoo Cavern Preliminary analyses show that since the initiation
State Park and 3 ranches in Edwards and Kinney of the restoration, non-native grass cover has dropped
counties. Using multiple capture techniques, we will to near 0% and native grasses and forbs are becoming
attempt to place GPS transmitters on Montezuma quail established. Our study will ultimately provide guide-
to monitor movements, survival, reproduction, and lines for large-scale restoration of native plants that
habitat use during spring-summer and into autumn. will be beneficial to quail.
We will collect vegetation data on juniper (density,
percentage cover, and height) and other important Cooperative funding provided by the Hixon Family, Texas
habitat variables at both Montezuma quail locations Parks and Wildlife Department, Meadows Professorship
in Semiarid Land Ecology, South Texas Chapter of Quail
and random locations within the study sites. Coalition, San Antonio Chapter of Quail Coalition, San
Information obtained in this study will allow us to Antonio Chapter of Quail Forever, Hill Country Chapter
determine the bounds of habitat suitability and thresh- of Quail Coalition, Coastal Bend Audubon Society, and
olds at which juniper cover becomes harmful. Our ExxonMobil Summer Jobs Program.
research will provide critical information to guide
juniper management in the Edwards Plateau, which
can be beneficial to Montezuma quail.
Understanding Patterns of Gene Expression
Cooperative funding provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife in the Northern Bobwhite
Extension Service’s Reversing the Decline of Quail Initiative
in Texas, Richard M. Kleberg, Jr. Center for Quail Research, Damon L. Williford, Randy W. DeYoung, and Leonard A.
and South Texas Chapter of Quail Coalition. Brennan
The northern bobwhite displays extensive variation
in plumage coloration, body size, and other phenotypic
Quail Habitat Restoration in Areas that are traits across the species’ broad geographic distribution.
Dominated by Non-Native Grasses
Ellart J. Vreugdenhil, Brandon J. Palmer, Geron G. Gowdy,
Javier O. Huerta, Benjamin R. Olsen, Alexandra M. Sigg,
Timothy E. Fulbright, Eric D. Grahmann, Michael W.
Hehman, Fidel Hernández, Keith A. Pawelek, Forrest S.
Smith, Tony D. Falk, and David B. Wester
Non-native grasses, such as Old World bluestems
and buffelgrass, are a leading cause of quail habi-
tat loss and fragmentation. In 2008, we initiated a
pilot study to determine the best methods for restor-
ing quail habitat in areas dominated by non-native
grasses. Successful methods included repeat disk-
ing and/or glyphosate herbicide application to rid the
area of non-native plants and their seed each time the
© Scott Conard
plants emerged. A diverse mix of native plants was
sown once non-native plants were no longer found. CKWRI quail research is being conducted on a wide array
However, these plots were relatively small. Therefore, of topics that will benefit quail management strategies.
13IN-PROGRESS RESEARCH
Some of this phenotypic variation may be correlated
with genetic adaptation to specific regional environ-
ments. Understanding the genetic basis for regional
adaptation may improve conservation and manage-
ment strategies for the northern bobwhite.
There have been recent advances in genomic
sequencing technology, which have made high-
throughput analyses of genome-scale genetic data
accessible and affordable for wildlife genetics stud-
ies. Cells make RNA copies of the DNA sequences
that code for proteins and use the RNA transcripts as
recipes to make the proteins. We can now determine
which genes are turned on in different tissues by iso-
lating RNA from the cells and simultaneously reading
© Anthony Falk
the sequence of the RNA template. Our goal is to ana-
lyze gene expression in northern bobwhites and use Research is being conducted to determine techniques for
the resulting information to improve our knowledge of restoring native prairie habitat that will benefit bobwhites.
gene expression and adaptive variation in bobwhites.
We captured and euthanized 4 male and 4 female
bobwhites on the East Foundation’s Buena Vista quail, we tested 4 bermudagrass removal techniques, 3
Ranch in Jim Hogg County, Texas. Samples were pre- seeding techniques, 3 seed mixes, and 3 post planting
served using liquid nitrogen and RNA extracted from management techniques in 4 Texas ecoregions.
brain, heart, liver, skin, and skeletal muscle tissues. The removal techniques included repeat applica-
We are sequencing and analyzing the RNA data. Once tion of glyphosate herbicide, a single application of
this step is completed, we will compare the results to imazapyr herbicide followed by repeat applications
the published genomes of the chicken and turkey. of glyphosate, shredding followed by repeat applica-
Data obtained will be matched to the northern bob- tions of glyphosate, and the planting of a cool season
white genome to identify the specific location of the cover crop. These removal techniques were imple-
genes and coding regions. This will allow us to iden- mented during summer 2016. Seeding techniques
tify differences in gene sequence between the species. included disk and drill seeding, no till drill, and disked
The findings of this study are important in understand- and broadcast, which were implemented during spring
ing how bobwhites have adapted to local environmen- 2017. The 3 seed mixes tested included locally har-
tal challenges. vested native seed, a low diversity commercial native
mix, and a high diversity commercial native mix. Post
Cooperative funding provided by the Rotary Club of Corpus planting management techniques included mob graz-
Christi (Harvey Weil Sportsman Conservationist Award ing, mowing, and a control, which were implemented
Trust) and the South Texas Chapter of Quail Coalition.
during June 2017.
Results of the removal technique experiments were
very promising. All herbicide treatments significantly
reduced the amount of bermudagrass at all locations.
Bermudagrass Control and Restoration of All locations received abundant rainfall following
Native Prairie for Northern Bobwhites planting, and native plant establishment has been
Anthony D. Falk, Keith A. Pawelek, Forrest S. Smith, James
excellent for some treatments. The high diversity com-
P. Muir, Jamie Foster, Leo Herzberger, Trevor Farthing, mercial seed mix plus repeat glyphosate treatments
and William P. Kuvlesky, Jr. resulted in a significant reduction in bermudagrass and
the best establishment of native plants. Our goal is
Bermudagrass is a non-native grass species planted to provide landowners and managers concise, tested
across the southern United States. Bermudagrass techniques that can be used to remove bermudagrass
often prevents other plant species from growing, and and successfully establish native prairies to benefit
it can limit the movement of ground forging birds northern bobwhites.
such as northern bobwhites. In an attempt to control
bermudagrass and re-establish native plants to benefit Cooperative funding provided by the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department.
14IN-PROGRESS RESEARCH
Northern Bobwhite Use of an Area being
Restored to Native Vegetation
Brandon J. Palmer, Benjamin R. Olsen, Ellart J. Vreugdenhil,
Timothy E. Fulbright, Eric D. Grahmann, Fidel Hernández,
Michael W. Hehman, Forrest S. Smith, and David B. Wester
Habitat loss and fragmentation are known as the
leading causes in population declines of northern bob-
whites. In South Texas, however, populations have
remained relatively stable. Unfortunately, non-native Northern bobwhite use of an area previously dominated
grasses, particularly buffelgrass and Old World blue- by non-native grasses restored to native vegetation
(Restoration) compared to use of an area dominated by
stems, are invading native plant communities and
non-native grasses (Control) in La Salle County, Texas.
reducing suitable habitat for bobwhites.
A large area (approximately 300 acres) originally
dominated by non-native grasses is being restored continuing to monitor use of the site by bobwhites.
to native vegetation on the Hixon Ranch in La Salle Our results will demonstrate whether restoring native
County, Texas. In our study, we want to determine vegetation in sites previously dominated by non-native
if habitat restoration results in increased use by bob- grasses will increase use of these sites by bobwhites.
whites. The site is divided into 2 areas, one that is
being restored and another that is not receiving treat- Cooperative funding provided by the Hixon Family, Texas
ment (serves as a control site). We radio-collared 40 Parks and Wildlife Department, Meadows Professorship
bobwhites per year during summers 2014–2018 and in Semiarid Land Ecology, South Texas Chapter of Quail
Coalition, San Antonio Chapter of Quail Coalition, San
we located them 2 to 3 times per week using radio Antonio Chapter of Quail Forever, Hill Country Chapter
telemetry. Before restoration treatments were applied of Quail Coalition, Coastal Bend Audubon Society,
(2014), 21% of bobwhite relocations were in the resto- Rotary Club of Corpus Christi (Harvey Weil Sportsman
ration site. We repeatedly disked the site (2015–2016) Conservationist Award Trust), and ExxonMobil Summer
to deplete the soil seed bank of non-native grass seeds, Jobs Program.
resulting in the proportion of bobwhite relocations on
the site to decrease to 12%.
The proportion of bobwhite relocations on the res-
toration site increased to 28% during the first year Vegetation Attributes Providing Thermal
(2017) after we planted a mixture of locally adapted Refugia for Scaled Quail
grasses and forbs. Native vegetation on the restora-
tion site has not become fully established, and we are Ellart J. Vreugdenhil, Brandon J. Palmer, Timothy E.
Fulbright, Eric D. Grahmann, Fidel Hernández, and
Michael W. Hehman
Scaled quail inhabit environments that can be ther-
mally intolerable. These environments are character-
ized by hot, dry conditions and are generally lacking in
herbaceous vegetation. Because of these harsh habitat
conditions, scaled quail must have suitable thermal
cover. Previous studies have compared the tempera-
tures between scaled quail locations to available areas.
However, studies have not quantified the vegetation
structural composition that provides these cooler con-
ditions. Natural resource managers must be able to
identify suitable thermal cover to manage these sites
appropriately. Our objective is to quantify the struc-
© Larry Ditto ture of suitable thermal cover for scaled quail.
Our study is taking place on the Hixon Ranch in La
Northern bobwhites have declined because of habitat loss
and fragmentation. Salle County, Texas. During spring-summer 2018, we
15IN-PROGRESS RESEARCH
is straightforward and highly useful for understanding
population history and taxonomy. However, neutral
markers provide little insight into the genetic basis
of traits that influence fitness. The broad distribution
and extensive morphological variation of the north-
ern bobwhite suggest that there may be substantial
regional variation in adaptive traits. Technological
advances now allow biologists to conduct genome-
wide studies of adaptive and neutral variation in wild
populations through the identification of thousands
of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—a type
of genetic marker that is abundant in the genomes of
most organisms.
We examined the genetic diversity and population
© William Colson
structure of northern bobwhite populations west of the
CKWRI researchers are studying how scaled quail use
Mississippi River, including masked bobwhites from
habitat features during hot South Texas summers. Sonora, Mexico, using 19,439 SNPs obtained through
restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. Masked
bobwhites had the lowest genetic diversity and were
will trap, radio-mark, and track 20 scaled quail. Upon differentiated from the rest of the bobwhites. Northern
locating quail, we will collect data on ground surface bobwhites within the United States were weakly
temperature, air temperature, black globe temperature, divided between the Midwest and another group com-
wind speed, and percentage of shade cover. At these posed of birds from Texas. Similar to our previous
same locations, vegetation attributes such as plant spe- analyses, this division was not concordant with sub-
cies, canopy density, vegetation height, percent woody species taxonomy.
and herbaceous cover, and canopy overlap will be We detected evidence for selection at 59 SNP mark-
measured. The same attributes will also be measured ers and matched 23 to the chicken genome. Twenty of
at nearby locations for comparison. the identified SNPs overlapped with protein-coding
This study will provide valuable information to genes that play roles in immunity, metabolism, tissue
habitat managers for maintaining and restoring suit- structure or maintenance, or cell-to-cell communica-
able thermal cover for scaled quail in southern Texas. tion. Ongoing analyses will help us to understand the
If these areas are not maintained and microhabitats are function and significance of these genes to bobwhites.
lacking, scaled quail populations could further decline
with climate warming. Cooperative funding provided by a Texas A&M University-
Kingsville Research Award and the South Texas Chapter of
Quail Coalition.
Cooperative funding provided by the Hixon Family, Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department, Meadows Professorship
in Semiarid Land Ecology, South Texas Chapter of Quail
Coalition, San Antonio Chapter of Quail Coalition, San
Antonio Chapter of Quail Forever, Hill Country Chapter Vegetation Attributes Providing Thermal
of Quail Coalition, Coastal Bend Audubon Society, and Refugia for Bobwhites in South Texas
ExxonMobil Summer Jobs Program.
Brandon J. Palmer, Benjamin R. Olsen, Ellart J. Vreugdenhil,
Timothy E. Fulbright, Eric D. Grahmann, Fidel Hernández,
Michael W. Hehman, and David B. Wester
Analysis of Adaptive Genetic Variation
Among Bobwhite Populations Northern bobwhites are sensitive to extreme ther-
mal conditions, especially along the western extents
Damon L. Williford, Randy W. DeYoung, and Leonard A. of their range. These regions are noted for tempera-
Brennan tures that often exceed 104°F, which are potentially
fatal to bobwhites. Given these concerns, habitat
Most previous genetic studies of the northern bob- must be managed to provide adequate thermal refuge.
white have relied on genetic variation in neutral mark- Unfortunately, the structural and compositional
ers, which are not subject to selection. This approach
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