The dog days of summer are upon us. Although it has not been as hot as previous summers, (last summer was a doozy) let’s not fool ourselves, it’s still hot and we still have 50+ days to go! Have you ever wondered how does wildlife cope with oppressive heat?
To some degree all living things have evolved a repertoire of both physiological and behavioral mechanisms to deal with almost any adversity nature can conjure. Most mammals have special glands (sweat glands) which function as a built-in swamp cooler. Behaviorally, most mammals restrict many of their activities to the nocturnal hours when it’s significantly cooler. Many birds, with their mastery of flight, simply migrate to more hospitable environments. Birds that cannot migrate must rely heavily on the structure of their immediate environment to harmoniously support biological needs.
Bobwhite quail rely on a diverse array of habitat features for their survival. “Loafing cover” is of particular importance for respite from thermally adverse conditions (either hot or cold). During periods of inactivity loafing cover provides quail with vital protection and resources, which are critical for their overall well-being and population stability.
Definition and Characteristics of Loafing Cover
Loafing cover, also known as loafing habitat (or what Dr. Rollins calls “quail houses”), refers to types of vegetation and its structural components that quail use to rest and avoid predators during non-feeding periods, i.e., mid-morning to late-afternoon. Ideal loafing cover for bobwhite quail typically includes dense, low-growing vegetation interspersed with areas of bare ground. This cover should be tall enough to provide concealment but open enough to allow quail to detect and escape predators. Common vegetation types in the Rolling Plains region of Texas that provide effective loafing cover include woody brush species like lotebush (Zizyphus obtusifolia), wild plum (Prunus angustifolia), catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii), four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), and taller forms of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.)
Importance of Loafing Cover:
- Thermoregulation: Texas’ climate can be harsh, with extreme temperatures and intense sunlight. Loafing cover provides quail with shaded areas to rest during the hottest parts of the day, helping them regulate their body temperature and avoid heat stress. In colder months, the same cover can offer protection from wind and cold, ensuring the birds maintain an optimal body temperature.
- Predator Avoidance: Loafing cover offers quail protection from avian and terrestrial predators. The dense vegetation allows quail to remain hidden, while the patchy bare ground within the cover facilitates rapid escape if a predator is detected. This combination reduces the likelihood of predation, thereby enhancing survival rates.
- Energy Conservation: By having access to suitable loafing cover, bobwhite quail can conserve energy that would be spent on avoiding predators or searching for adequate resting sites. This energy conservation is particularly crucial during periods of food scarcity or breeding, when energy demands are higher.
Habitat Management Implications
For wildlife managers and landowners, maintaining and enhancing loafing cover is a key component of quail habitat management. Practices such as controlled burning, selective brush management, and the planting of native vegetation can help create and sustain optimal loafing cover. Additionally, avoiding overgrazing and minimizing habitat fragmentation are critical to preserving these essential habitats. By aiding in thermoregulation, providing protection from predators, conserving energy, and enhancing reproductive success, loafing cover safeguards the sustainability of quail populations. Effective habitat management practices that prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of loafing cover are therefore indispensable for Bobwhite quail conservation. – by Dr. Dan Foley
