Raptor selection of captive reared and released Galliform birds

R. Perkins; Clint W. Boal; C.B. Dabbert

doi:10.1002/wsb.925

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Raptor selection of captive reared and released Galliform birds

R. Perkins·Clint W. Boal·C.B. Dabbert

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Abstract

Captive rearing and release of birds in the order Galliformes remains a popular management tactic despite low survival rates. We investigated avian predator selection of captive‐reared northern bobwhites ( Colinus virginianus ) as a potential driver of their high mortality. We simulated avian predator hunts on a flushing pair of bobwhites during trials conducted from 6 February 2015 to 14 February 2015 in Texas, USA. When presented a choice of a captive‐reared bobwhite or wild bobwhite, a Harris's hawk ( Parabuteo unicinctus ) pursued a captive‐reared bobwhite in 8 of 10 flight trials. This selective rate, combined with observations from auxiliary research indicate avian predation may be a greater risk for captive‐reared birds than wild birds. The success of captive‐rearing and release efforts may benefit from a better understanding of how to more adequately prepare captive‐reared birds for release.

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Wildlife Society Bulletin Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 32.082° to 32.5259° latitude; -100.6698° to -100.1466° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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R. Perkins, Clint W. Boal, C.B. Dabbert. 2018-12-10. Raptor selection of captive reared and released Galliform birds. https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.925

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