Post-Fire Succession and Montezuma Quail in a Semi-Desert Grassland of Southeast Arizona

Abstract

A 1,011.7-ha wildfire occurred in southeast Arizona in May 2009 and provided an opportunity to evaluate pre- and post-fire abundance of and habitat use by Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) through use of flush surveys and radiotelemetry. We evaluated movements of radio-marked quail from 2 months prior to the burn to 12 months post-burn. We observed strong site fidelity with coveys persisting in small patches of unburned areas and micro-topography, despite extensive reduction in cover in the surrounding landscape. We documented 46.7% reduction in abundance using flush counts within the first 2 weeks post-fire, and 66.7% reduction within 3 weeks post-fire. We also documented roosting within a fire-affected area and successful nesting by Montezuma quail a few months following a wildfire.

Keywords:

• Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Keyword: Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch
• Cyrtonyx montezumae Keyword: Cyrtonyx montezumae
• dog survey Keyword: dog survey
• flush count Keyword: flush count
• Montezuma quail Keyword: Montezuma quail
• National Audubon Society Keyword: National Audubon Society
• nesting Keyword: nesting
• post-fire succession Keyword: post-fire succession
• radiotelemetry Keyword: radiotelemetry
• roosting Keyword: roosting
• wildfire Keyword: wildfire

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