How to translate text using browser tools
1 October 2006 The Efficacy of Relocating Wild Northern Bobwhites Prior to Breeding Season
THERON M. TERHUNE, D. CLAY SISSON, H. LEE STRIBLING
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

During 1997 and 1998, we implemented a pilot investigation to compare survival, site fidelity, and reproductive characteristics of relocated wild northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) with that of resident birds. We captured wild bobwhites (n = 74) on managed lands in southern Georgia and relocated them (>1.6 km from capture sites) to sites nearby where density estimates revealed that population density was low compared to surrounding sites. We equipped translocated birds with radiotransmitters and released them in groups of 8–12. We also captured resident birds (n = 166) and simultaneously monitored them via radiotelemetry. We found no difference in survival (P = 0.82), nest production (P = 0.19), or nest survival (P = 0.85) between relocated and resident bobwhites. This suggests that relocating wild bobwhites does not negatively impact their survival or reproductive output. Based on the results of the pilot study, we implemented a large-scale relocation to determine whether relocation can increase native bobwhite populations. Following the pilot study, during 2000–2002, we relocated wild bobwhites (n = 202) within property boundaries to 3 different sites where population densities were low. Although only 2 sites experienced a significant population increase, hunting records suggested a positive population response for all sites where relocation occurred. Hence, relocation of wild bobwhites prior to breeding season may augment low-density populations, isolated populations, or voids within populations. The utility of translocation may facilitate preservation and conservation of the northern bobwhite by augmenting restoration efforts focused on habitat management, affording species preservation in isolated habitats, and increasing population dynamics and demographics via genetic enrichment.

THERON M. TERHUNE, D. CLAY SISSON, and H. LEE STRIBLING "The Efficacy of Relocating Wild Northern Bobwhites Prior to Breeding Season," Journal of Wildlife Management 70(4), 914-921, (1 October 2006). https://doi.org/10.2193/0022-541X(2006)70[914:TEORWN]2.0.CO;2
Published: 1 October 2006
JOURNAL ARTICLE
8 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Colinus virginianus
northern bobwhite
population response
radiotransmitter
relocate
reproduction
survival
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top