Factors contributing to reintroduction success for northern bobwhites on Long Island, New York

Abstract

Pen-rearing young frequently fails as a reintroduction technique in game birds due to low post-release survival rates in the wild. This may be caused by a combination of poor genetics from domestication, unhealthy birds, birds that do not exhibit wild behavior, or birds that are unfamiliar with their surroundings after hard releases. Recent research suggests that parent-rearing, involving pre- and post-hatch imprinting of “wild-strain” northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) chicks by adults, may be a viable option for restoring populations. Imprinting potentially causes reintroduced birds to exhibit more natural behavior. I tested this method against a slightly modified traditional propagation tool (Surrogators) with “wild-strain” birds. I conducted my research on a 170 ha property containing a mixture of early successional and hardwood habitat on Long Island, New York during the summers of 2013 and 2014. I tested the effect of rearing methodology, mass at release (as a proxy for physical condition), release timing, and year on survival using Cox proportional hazard models. Hazard analysis revealed that only earlier release dates directly improved survival while treatment (parent-reared vs. Surrogator), body mass at release, and year did not affect survival. The methods tested on my study area did not result in 365 day survival rates high enough to re-establish quail in the area.