RANCHING Wildlife
quail and other grassland birds that share this habitat and are also in decline.” This year, although Texas remains gripped in a seri-
ous, long-term drought, and many reservoirs and rivers are still at critically low levels, much of the state received enough timely rain to promote population growth that will support what could be a better quail hunting sea- son than we have seen in recent years. But even if things are looking better this season,
such short-term population changes do not refl ect the long-term downward trend of Texas quail. Since 1980, bobwhite populations in Texas have
declined at a rate of about 5.6 percent per year. Scaled quail populations in western Texas have declined at a rate of about 2.9 percent per year. These numbers add up — or down, to be more correct — to a 75 percent loss in bobwhites and a 66 percent loss in scaled quail. Many reasons are cited for the declines, but evidence
points to changes in the quantity and quality of habitat as the leading cause. Besides quail, at least 24 other grassland birds are
all in serious decline. The situation was highlighted in the “The State of the Birds 2014” report released Sep. 9, billed as the most comprehensive review of long-term
trend data for U.S. birds ever conducted. The report stated, “Since 1968, the grasslands indi-
cator for 24 obligate breeding birds declined by nearly 40 percent.” This explains why birding groups like the American Bird Conservancy are partners in the quail initiative. By restoring grassland habitat, many birds are benefi ted at the ecosystem level. “Birds like the scissor-tailed fl ycatcher or even the
meadowlark, a once common bird now in decline — are not traditionally hunted, so hunting is not the issue,” Perez said. “Even though the bobwhite is our fl agship species, we don’t have a narrow focus on a single spe- cies. We know that when we improve grassland habitat we’re helping dozens of bird species.” There was some good news for grassland birds in
the national report, which went on to say the “…decline fl attened out beginning in 1990. This recent stabiliza- tion noted in the 2009 report continues today, refl ect- ing the signifi cant investments made in grassland bird conservation … Conservation works!” Quail restoration grants are guided by TPWD’s Upland
Game Bird Strategic Plan, a 5-year roadmap for quail recovery. This in turn is part of a national umbrella plan, the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As members of the Texas Wildlife Association, we are asking our neighbors who are fellow conservationists, ranchers, and hunters to join our vital efforts. Your membership will help promote Texas’ hunting traditions and develop opportunities for new generations to know the pleasures of Texas outdoors. By joining, you will strengthen our work with legislators, educators and wildlife biologists to protect private lands and the many species of wildlife they support. The future of our wildlife populations depends on you.
For more information on becoming a member of the Texas Wildlife Association, please visit
www.texas-wildlife.org/membership
tscra.org
November 2014 The Cattleman 75
Photo by Russell Graves
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