Bobwhite habitat use under short duration and deferred-rotation grazing

Abstract

A study was conducted in the South Texas Plains to contrast the short-term impacts of short duration grazing (SDG) and deferred-rotation grazing (DG) systems on habitats for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). Foliar cover, species richness, and structural attributes of the vegetation were compared at radio-location sites (quail-used) and sites along random transects (available) within and between the 2 grazing systems. Quail-used sites were characterized by increased species richness, forb cover, and bare ground and decreased plant height and litter accumulations. Principal components analysis revealed that available sites on the SDG during the fall and winter were scored higher along a habitat gradient which had greater species richness and forb cover combined with diminished litter accumulations. This habitat gradient explained 41% of the variation in the ground layer variables. In addition, mark-recapture studies suggested positive population responses on the SDG during the first year following its initiation. Short-term improvements in bobwhite habitats may be realized by initiating SDG on some semiarid rangelands.