Masked Bobwhite Recovery: The Need for a Multifaceted Approach

Masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) is a critically endangered quail historically found in the Sonoran grasslands of southern Arizona, USA and Sonora, Mexico. Native populations of masked bobwhite may already be extinct in the wild, but captive populations exist in the United States at G. M. Sutton Avian Research Center (Oklahoma, USA), Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (Arizona, USA), and various zoos. The 47,000-hectare Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, located in south-central Arizona, was established primarily for reintroduction of this bird. Recovery efforts within the refuge boundary in the 1980s and 1990s were initially successful but suffered debilitating setbacks that ultimately resulted in failure. Substantial releases were suspended in 2005. Improved habitat restoration efforts and promising conditioning and release techniques led to the belief that reintroductions could again be attempted and successful. In 2016–2017 plans were developed to increase captive propagation and reinitiate release efforts. Releases began in 2018. Over-winter survival of birds released in 2018–2019 was encouraging, and reproduction of wild birds was documented in 2019. An existing base of wild birds established from these releases could help masked bobwhite populations recover in the state. Habitat restoration, better methods of rearing, release, and conditioning, and improved production from captive facilities also inspire hope that a full recovery of the species in Arizona is possible

Phylogeography of Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus in Colorado

I analyzed variation in a portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region to determine if montane populations of the red squirrel (tamiasciurus hudsonicus) in Colorado are isolated and to relate genetic variation in the species to glacial cycles in the Pleistocene and associated forest fragmentation. I also used molecular data and boundaries of other boreal mammalian subspecies to investigate the taxonomy of T. hudsonicus in Colorado. AMOVA revealed that the proportions of genetic diversity resulting from variation among mountain ranges and among populations within each mountain range was 64.67 and 8.21%, respectively, whereas the proportion of genetic diversity within populations was 27.12%. Diversity of mtDNA haplotypes (h) was high for this study, whereas diversity of nucleotides (pi) was low. Analyses revealed a deep phylogenetic break (northern and southern refugia) exhibited by T. hudsonicus in Colorado. Current classification recognizes only one subspecies of red squirrel in Colorado, T. hudsonicus fremonti. I suggest that at least two subspecies exist in Colorado, with the boundary correlating with the deep phylogenetic break exhibited by T. hudsonicus. No taxonomic distinctions are proposed at this time

Loss of Playa Wetlands Caused by Reclassification and Remapping of Hydric Soils on the Southern High Plains

Historically, playas in the Southern High Plains (SHP) were identified by the presence of hydric soils. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun a reclassification and remapping of upland and depressional soils for the playa region of Texas. For eight counties in Texas, we compared the occurrence of playas, as indicated by soils designated as hydric in original soil surveys, to designations in remapped soil surveys. We estimate a 65% decrease in playa numbers and 50% decrease in area as defined by the presence of hydric soil. Anthropogenic impacts, resulting in an altered hydrology and masking of hydric soil are proposed as primary factors responsible for reduction in playa numbers. Other potential factors include current USDA methodology and correction of historical survey errors. Playas on the SHP being considered for inclusion under USDA conservation programs must be individually and independently assessed on-site for wetland criteria, rather than reliance on revised USDA-NRCS Soil Survey maps. During on-site evaluations, effects of anthropogenic alterations on the playa soil to develop and maintain hydric characteristics must be considered. Until completion of the remapping effort, confusion will ensue with the use of the online USDA-NRCS Soil Survey maps during interpretation by those unfamiliar with the status of soil survey reports for the Texas SHP