QUAIL IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Montezuma quail, Cyrtonyx montezumae, is a species of great interest to conservationists, birders, and hunters in southeastern Arizona. Their limited distribution and scenic habitat bring thousands annually to southeastern Arizona’s Madrean Archipelago, the only area in the United States these birds can be seen in abundance. 

Montezuma quail are listed as a Continental Concern Species in the Arid Borderlands Region by the Sonoran Joint Venture (SJV) Bird Conservation Plan. Supporting restoration of habitat and food sources for these birds aligns with SJV’s goal of “keeping common birds common” in the face of changes to climate, habitat composition, and land use.
Prolonged drought and shift in precipitation patterns have dramatically affected surface water availability in semi-arid grasslands of the southwest. This has resulted in a reduction in available food resources, as the birds depend on plant species that require wet soil to flourish. Montezuma quail are projected to be highly susceptible to climate change and have been noted as one of the species of highest concern in the southwest U.S.

PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
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BORDERLANDS WILDLIFE PRESERVE QUAIL HABITAT RESTORATION

​In 2019, Borderlands Restoration Network was awarded $12,650 from the Sonoran Joint Venture to support grassland and oak-woodland restoration on 100 acres of the Borderlands Wildlife Preserve in southeastern Arizona through hydrological improvements, and seeding to enhance habitat for Montezuma Quail.

At least 75 rock dams were constructed and seeded with seed pellets to repair gully cuts, increase sedimentation and accumulation of organic matter, and increase establishment of food plants for Montezuma Quail and other species.

​To encourage restoration for quail populations on public and private lands several field volunteer days and outreach activities were scheduled to directly involve local hunting interest groups in the restoration of a wildlife preserve, while simultaneously serving as an outreach opportunity to the public about the necessity of source areas to support regional game bird populations.

HUACHUCA MOUNTAIN QUAIL HABITAT RESTORATION


Through generous funding through Southern Arizona Quail Forever, the National Forest Foundation, and Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation and in partnership with US Forest Service’s Sierra Vista Ranger District, BRN was contracted to install erosion control structures on the south side of the Huachuca Mountains within Coronado National Forest in eroding drainages, and survey they area for future structures.

This particular area was identified as a habitat restoration priority due to severe degradation from the Monument Fire of 2011. BRN staff and Southern Arizona Quail Forever volunteers worked together installing erosion control structures constructed from rock and native dead-and-down woody material to improve water infiltration, retain organic-rich sediment, and decrease the erosive force of rain events to temporarily detain water for wildlife utilization.

​Seeding with native species aids the erosion control structures in stabilizing the soil and increasing soil organic matter while also providing eventual forage for the quail. Combined, these restoration activities will slow the erosion of quail habitat, and encourage revegetation of quail forage. These habitat restoration activities will also enhance habitat of many other winged and non-winged wildlife across this important region of the US.



​Contact Tess Wagner, twagner@borderlandsrestoration.org, BRN Restoration Program Manager with any questions about our work.



​THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS: