Effects of Livestock Grazing on Mearns Quail in Southeastern Arizona

Abstract

Grazing by domestic livestock does not limit production of food supplies for Mearns quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae mearnsi) in southeastern Arizona. Nevertheless, grazing available forage in excess of 55% by weight can nearly eliminate local quail populations by removing their escape or hiding cover just prior to the nesting season. This eliminates the breeding population itself. The 46 to 50% level of utilization by weight appears to be marginal for maintaining optimum quail populations.