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Optimum Seral Stage for Northern Bobwhites as Influenced by Site Productivity

1993; Wiley; Volume: 57; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2307/3809083

1937-2817

G. Steve Spears, Fred S. Guthery, Steven M. Rice, Stephen J. DeMaso, Bob Zaiglin,

Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

According to theory, maximum populations of a species occur within the stage of ecological succession to which the species is adapted. The maximizing seral stage may differ among areas, which illustrates a need for understanding factors that regulate the relationship. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that optimum seral stage for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) on southern rangeland varies inversely with site productivity. Data were collected on 6 sites (2 each in early, mid-, and late seral status) in each of 3 regions of different productivity (potential annual herbaceous biomass production) in the Rio Grande Plains and Gulf Coast Prairies of Texas during 1989-90. Results supported a predicted interaction; on more productive sites, bobwhite density was highest with early seral status, whereas on less productive sites, density was unaffected by seral status