Our understanding of synchrony between populations from different taxonomic groups has been centered on predator–prey dynamics in simple systems but has rarely been examined in complex predator–prey systems. In addition to trophic interactions such as predator–prey dynamics, there is some evidence that exogenous factor such as climatic variation may facilitate synchrony between different taxonomic groups. Using three longitudinal datasets on quail (Colinus virginianus) and cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) we examined 1) the consistency of synchrony across time and space, 2) the relative influence of trophic interactions vs. exogenous factors on synchrony and 3) if trophic interactions were positively associated with synchrony between populations. We found evidence of consistent synchrony in cotton rat and bobwhite populations at both the site and regional levels. We found that trophic interactions between cotton rats and bobwhite were associated with relative synchrony between these populations, but these interactions appeared to weaken in years of greater synchrony. We did not find evidence that exogenous factors influenced relative synchrony at the regional level. Given the lack of a clear mechanistic explanation of the patterns observed in our data, we propose an alternative climate-mediated predation framework to explain synchrony in complex predator–prey systems. This framework includes both classic bottom-up theories of regulation while integrating trophic interactions via components of the shared predator hypothesis.

Abstract Private landowners who operate multifunctional landscapes play a critical role in the conservation of native and imperiled species, and the restoration of native ecosystems. In the southeastern United States, both northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and pine savanna ecosystems are imperiled and heavily reliant on conservation efforts by private landowners. Engaging private landowners in the restoration and management of pine savannas and grasslands is essential to the recovery of northern bobwhite, which is also managed as a game species. Since the early 1900s, the cultural tradition of wild bobwhite hunting has motivated landowners to manage their properties to increase bobwhite populations. However, the costs and revenues associated with intensive wild bobwhite management and hunting are imperfectly understood. From May 2021 to February 2022, we conducted semistructured interviews with landowners and land managers of 37 wild bobwhite hunting properties (total of 65,317 ha in bobwhite management) in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina to enumerate the costs and revenues associated with intensive wild bobwhite management. Landowners spent an average of $154/acre/year (~$381/ha/year; median of $142/acre/year or ~$352/ha/year) to manage for northern bobwhite. These costs included salaries and benefits for labor, depreciated equipment and infrastructure expenditures, and other supplies (e.g., fuel, seed) needed to maintain wild bobwhite populations and their habitat. Few properties offset their bobwhite management costs with revenues generated on the property, including hunting revenues. Non‐financial motivations for owning a bobwhite property included a strong land stewardship ethic, the desire to maintain rural lifestyles and family heritage, and securing hunting and recreational opportunities. Through wild quail management, private landowners are helping to secure critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and increasing the landscape's overall resilience to climate change without the use of public funding.

We examined whether roller-chopping, mowing, and prescribed fire used to restore groundcover in pine flatwoods habitats affected northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) occupancy. We surveyed bobwhites using repeated point counts (n = 3), April–June each year, to determine response to prescribed fire and mechanical treatments on Osceola National Forest (Osceola, 78 plots) and St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park (Sebastian, 11 plots) in Florida, USA, 2013–2019. We measured groundcover each year at randomly placed transects within 200-m radius point-count plots. To assess the importance of management covariates, we fit single season occupancy models to predict occupancy (ψ) and detection (p). Detection probability was 0.12 (standard error [SE] = 0.05) and 0.35 (SE = 0.05) on Osceola and Sebastian, respectively. Modeled occupancy on both sites was best predicted by presence of roller-chopping, years since fire, and year. Predicted occupancy was highest on plots with 1 year since fire (Osceola, 0.22 [SE = 0.10]; Sebastian, 0.67 [SE = 0.18]). Predicted occupancy was higher on roller-chopped plots (Osceola, 0.33 [SE = 0.15]; Sebastian, 0.85 [SE = 0.15]) than on mowed (Osceola, 0.08 [SE = 0.03]) or untreated plots (Osceola, 0.07 [SE = 0.03]; Sebastian, 0.38 [SE = 0.34]). Roller-chopping and fire reduced density of palmetto (Seranoa spp.)-shrub vegetation and increased grasses and forbs. To increase bobwhite occupancy and improve habitat suitability of degraded mesic pine flatwoods, we recommend roller-chopping and a 2-year fire frequency.

The demographic behavior of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) populations at high densities could provide important insights into why bobwhite populations fluctuate. Therefore, we documented breeding season demographics of bobwhites to understand how prebreeding density influenced reproductive effort and postbreeding density on an intensively managed property in Leon County, Florida, USA, 2002–2006. We estimated prebreeding bobwhite density each April using multi-observer strip-transects and postbreeding densities each November using covey call grid surveys. We radio-tagged 217 bobwhites in March and located bobwhites at least 5 days/week, 15 April–30 September to determine vital rates. Prebreeding density ranged from 1.5–8.6 birds/ha, peaking in 2002, declining through 2005, then increasing in 2006. Breeding season survival was 0.55, 0.17, 0.20, and 0.59, and nesting rate was 0.47, 0.67, 0.80 and 0.89, 2002–2005, respectively. Postbreeding density ranged from 5.2–13.6 birds/ha, also peaking in 2002 and declining through 2004 before increasing beginning in 2005 and 2006. High breeding season survival and nesting success (>0.55) resulted in greater chick production during periods of population growth. Nesting rate was inversely related to prebreeding density. Declines in bobwhite nesting rate at high prebreeding densities appeared to regulate population growth near population peaks. Lower adult survival and nesting success appeared to cause population declines. We suggest density-dependent intraspecific competition limited population growth at high bobwhite densities by reducing nesting rate while predation of adults and nests explained population fluctuations.

Increased prescribed burning is needed to provide a diversity of public benefits, including wildfire hazard reduction, improved forest resilience, and biodiversity conservation. Though rare, escaped burns or significant smoke impacts may result in harm to individuals and property. Liability for potential damages reduces the willingness of fire managers to expand the practice, particularly where the wildland–urban interface creates the greatest risk. Across the United States of America, efforts have been made to reduce prescribed fire-related risks through statutory reform, training and certification requirements, and private insurance. An increasing number of states have adopted the liability standard of gross negligence to protect prescribed fire practitioners. When liability relief is tied to best practices or burn manager certification, risk to the public from potential prescribed fire impacts is reduced. Under this model, however, those harmed by prescribed fire may have little legal recourse for compensation from losses. Here, we explore the pairing of a mechanism to compensate losses while limiting liability for practitioners who use best management practices. Specifically, we assess the suitability of using a catastrophe fund in conjunction with adoption of gross negligence standards, modeled after other natural hazards examples. This model could ensure public support and sustain and expand prescribed fire in many fire-prone landscapes.

ABSTRACTNest predation is the major cause of nest failure in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus; i.e., bobwhites). Control of mid‐sized mammalian nest predators (i.e., meso‐mammals) is often conducted to increase reproductive success on lands managed for bobwhites. Nest predation by meso‐mammals, however, is only one part of a complex predator‐prey trophic system. There is limited understanding of the effect of nest predators on bobwhite demographics, which creates uncertainty about the efficacy of nest predator control. We quantified demographic effects on bobwhite populations from reducing meso‐mammals on 4 study areas managed for bobwhites in northern Florida and southwestern Georgia, USA, during 2000–2006. After 1 year of pre‐treatment monitoring (2000), we reduced meso‐mammal nest predator abundance through trapping over 3‐year intervals, March to September, on 2 sites using a crossover design. Efficacy of trapping was demonstrated by a 43% reduction in scent station visitation rates of meso‐mammals. Meso‐mammal control increased all demographic metrics including a 30% increase in nesting propensity, a 10% increase in nest success, and a 43% increase in chicks produced. Despite significant regional variation in breeding season survival rates, this equated to an average 18% increase in autumn density on trapped sites. Decision‐makers should weigh the tradeoffs between bobwhite population goals and costs of meso‐mammal control, where those that value maximum bobwhite density and reduced annual variation should likely implement control of meso‐mammals. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

ABSTRACTReliable vital rates for all life stages are necessary to identify limiting factors in wildlife populations and inform sound wildlife management. The difficulty associated with capturing and tagging precocial young, such as northern bobwhite chicks (Colinus virginianus), and linking variation in recruitment to ecological conditions has contributed to significant knowledge gaps in their population ecology. During 1999–2017, we captured and patagial‐tagged ≤12‐day‐old bobwhite chicks (n = 3,576) and estimated their survival from time of capture (Jun–Sep) to fall and winter (Nov and Jan) recapture and winter (Feb) recovery. We used Burnham's model implemented in Program MARK to integrate mark‐recapture and dead‐recovery (via harvest) data to estimate survival for the 19‐year study. By including weather covariates, we also evaluated explicit hypotheses related to temperature and precipitation effects on chick survival. We found inter‐annual, intra‐annual, and intra‐seasonal variation in chick survival with an average annual daily survival estimate of 0.9887 (95% CI = 0.9321, 0.9918). Precipitation amount and number of precipitation (>0.635 cm) events during the first 4 weeks post‐tagging decreased the daily survival rate of chicks curvilinearly. Average minimum daily temperature and maximum daily temperature effects on survival were negligible, but an interaction between minimum temperature and cumulative precipitation during the first 14 days post‐tagging affected survival. We recommend population modelers incorporate intra‐ and inter‐annual variation in chick survival to improve predictions. Observed variation in chick survival rates portends a significant opportunity to improve population management for bobwhites and other game birds. © 2019 The Wildlife Society

A series of isoquinuclidine benzamides as glycine uptake inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia are described. Potency, lipophilicity, and intrinsic human microsomal clearance were parameters for optimization. Potency correlated with the nature of the ortho substituents of the benzamide ring, and reductions in lipophilicity could be achieved through heteroatom incorporation in the benzamide and pendant phenyl moieties. Improvements in human CLint were achieved through changes in ring size and the N-alkyl group of the isoquinuclidine itself, with des-alkyl derivatives (40-41, 44) demonstrating the most robust microsomal stability. Dimethylbenzamide 9 was tested in a mouse MK801 LMA assay and had a statistically significant attenuation of locomotor activity at 3 and 10 mu mol/kg compared to control. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Understanding and quantifying demographic parameters that influence population growth is necessary to effectively maintain population persistence in the presence of recent changes in climate and land use. We used a combination of capture-recapture and harvest information from a 42 yr dataset to create an integrated population model that estimates population abundance, annual survival, and per capita recruitment in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). We evaluated the associations of commonly reported population metrics (age ratios from harvests, annual survival, and recruitment) to population growth rate using correlation analysis. We also modeled the effects of population abundance, breeding-season temperature, breeding-season precipitation, fall minimum temperature, and fall precipitation on recruitment. Recruitment averaged 1.55 (range: 0.82-2.21) and was most strongly correlated with population growth (r = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.88), followed by annual survival (r = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09-0.61). We found a weak correlation between fall age ratios and population growth rate (r = 0.11, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.40). Recruitment exhibited weak, nonlinear, negative density dependence (beta(1) = -0.13, 95% credible intervals [CRI]: -0.17 to -0.08 and beta(2) = -0.03, 95% CRI: -0.07 to 0.004). Breeding-season maximum temperature and breeding-season precipitation had a significant, positive effect on recruitment (beta(3) = 0.15, 95% CRI: 0.11-0.19 and beta(4) = 0.10, 95% CRI: 0.05-0.16, respectively). Fall minimum temperature and fall precipitation both had negative but uncertain effects on recruitment (beta(5) = -0.03, 95% CRI: -0.08 to 0.01 and beta(6) = -0.02, 95% CRI: -0.07 to 0.01, respectively) but less so compared to weather in the breeding season. Our results illustrate that recruitment (1) can be estimated without data on fecundity and chick survival by using integrated population models and (2) is highly correlated with population growth in Northern Bobwhites. We encourage natural resource managers to focus on actions that increase Northern Bobwhite recruitment.

Perceived changes in predator—prey dynamics along with documented declines of northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus have created a renewed interest from biologists and managers about the role meso‐mammals play in shaping bobwhite population trajectories. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of meso‐mammal trap and removal (MMTR) at reducing meso‐mammal activity and increasing bobwhite reproductive success; thus testing the predation limitation hypothesis. During 1999–2006, we monitored bobwhite reproduction on 11 sites in three states across the southeastern United States. Combined, there were 37 site—year combinations when MMTR occurred and 20 combinations when it did not occur. We conducted 57 predator surveys and calculated an index of meso‐mammal activity (i.e. predator index), for each site, as the average number of station visits per night by raccoons Procyon lotor, nine‐banded armadillos Dasypus novemcinctus, Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana, bobcats Lynx rufus and foxes Vulpes vulpes, Urocyon cinereoargenteus. The average predator index (predator visits per trap night) across sites was 0.13. We collected bobwhite reproductive information from a total of 3935 radio‐tagged bobwhites resulting in 2499 nests. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the relationships between MMTR, predator activity, and bobwhite reproduction. The mean predator index for non‐trapped sites was 0.21 (95% CLs: 0.18, 0.24) compared to 0.10 (95% CL: 0.07, 0.13) for trapped sites. Bobwhite nests were 1.33 times (Odds ratio, 95% CL: 1.09, 1.62) more likely to be successful on trapped sites than non‐trapped sites. Meso‐mammal trap and removal had a positive effect on nests per hen (βtrapped= 0.25 ± 0.06; 95% CL: 0.13, 0.37), broods per hen (βtrapped = 0.37 ± 0.08; 95% CL: 0.21, 0.53), and chicks per hen (βtrapped = 1.09 ± 0.52; 95% CL: 0.07, 2.11). Our results show that MMTR reduces meso‐mammal activity and positively affects bobwhite reproduction.

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI 2.0) is a range-wide plan for recovering northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite[s]). Using geospatial analysis informed by expertise from practitioners, the plan categorizes landscapes into restoration potential by weighing biological constraints and opportunities such that targeted habitat management will produce bobwhite population growth. A fundamental assumption of the NBCI 2.0 for achieving recovery goals is that bobwhite source populations currently exist on the landscape at densities necessary to (re)colonize newly established or improved habitat. However, we have found that these source populations can be very low or non-existent, especially in northern tiers of the bobwhite distribution. In 1997, we initiated research to evaluate bobwhite population response following translocation using birds from high density populations to newly developed habitats with low bobwhite numbers (ha). We worked collaboratively with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in 2006 to develop and implement a wild bobwhite translocation policy based on key findings from that research. Since that time 3,866 wild bobwhites have been trapped and translocated from properties in the Albany and Greater Red Hills region of Florida and Georgia to 13 recipient sites in 6 states (AL, GA, MD, NC, NJ, and SC) on 29,780 ha. A typical translocation was conducted for 2 – 3 years in March by capturing, tagging and transporting birds overnight for release at an average rate of 1 bird per 7 ha per property. Prior to translocation, each recipient property underwent extensive habitat restoration and agreed to conduct a monitoring program including spring whistle counts and fall covey counts before, during, and after translocation. Bobwhite populations increased on recipient sites from an average of 0.38 (CI: 0.13 – 0.63) birds per hectare to 2.2 (CI: 1.45 – 2.95) birds per hectare resulting in the establishment of huntable wild bobwhite populations adding approximately 42,714 bobwhites to the landscape. The value of these wild bobwhites was determined to average $736 per translocated bird bringing the total value of birds donated from the Albany and Greater Red Hills region for translocation to $2,844,564. The establishment of population hubs through translocation contributes to population recovery efforts outlined in the NBCI 2.0, especially where source populations are limited.

Habitat for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) broods is a critical component of bobwhite management. Research within pine (Pinus spp.) savannas has provided contradictory results regarding the value of macro-habitats with studies demonstrating selection for annually-disked fallow fields and others showing avoidance of fields and selection for burned pine savannas. Field establishment (up to 30% of a property) is a published management recommendation for bobwhites in pine savannas but there are significant annual costs with fallow-field management; information on factors that influence habitat selection by broods can improve management recommendations and facilitate weighing costs/benefits. We examined 2nd and 3rd order habitat selection by 466 broods on 3 sites during 1999–2009. All sites had similar macro-habitats (e.g., pine savanna, fallow fields, hardwood drains) but differed in soil characteristics and species composition of ground vegetation. Annually-disked fields were preferred by broods in most years on sites with predominantly grass and hardwood scrub ground vegetation. Rainfall mediated use of hardwood drains and burned upland pine savannas; hardwood drains were used more during droughts whereas burned pine savannas were used more with increased rainfall. Burned upland pine savanna was preferred on higher fertility sites in 9 of 10 years at the 3rd order level, fields were avoided or used according to availability in 8 of 10 years, and drains were avoided. Managers should consider how soil, weather, and vegetation community in pine savannas influences habitat use by bobwhite broods when identifying the value of different macro-habitats. Field establishment may or may not provide brood habitat depending on site.

Distribution of food resources may influence northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) foraging decisions and demographic rates. We tested whether covey movements were sensitive to food availability by spreading sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) every 15 days at 3 rates; high rate (174 L/ha/yr), low rate (44 L/ha/yr), and no feed on 3 sections (~240 ha each) of Tall Timbers Research Station, 2009–2010. We measured sorghum availability spread along a 17 km feeding trail every 5 days. We determined seasonal (1 Nov - 15 Mar) home ranges of radio-tagged coveys (n = 89) and daily movement rates and home ranges of a subset of coveys located every 30 mins, sunrise to sunset (1 Feb - 15 Mar). Diet was determined from harvested bobwhites. Mean sorghum availability (seeds/0.5m2) on the feed trail declined from 50 seeds at day 1 to 12 seeds at day 15, and 11 seeds at day 1 to 0 seeds at day 10, for high and low rates, respectively. Seasonal home ranges did not differ among treatments; however, daily home ranges were smaller for coveys on the high rate areas, as was dispersion of locations within home ranges. Distances to the feed trail from covey and random locations were similar. There was no difference in distance traveled (25.20 m; SE = 0.65) between consecutive covey locations among treatments. Proportion of sorghum in the diet declined precipitously when <15 seeds/0.5m2. We estimated an empirical giving up density of 10–14 seeds/0.5m2, ~1.6 kcals/0.5m2. Food availability, even at high levels, marginally affected covey space use and movement rates during late winter. Other factors affecting bobwhites, such as predator avoidance, or thermal regulation, may have a more significant effect on bobwhite covey daily movements and space use.

Captive-reared and released game birds typically have low reproductive success in the wild which limits their use for restoration of game bird populations. A fundamental problem with captive-rearing techniques is the absence of a mechanism for imprinting. We developed a parent-rearing technique that facilitates pre- and post-hatch imprinting using parent-reared wild strain northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) chicks in outdoor pens. Parent-reared chicks were marked with patagial wing tags and recaptured during October and the following March. We radiomarked juveniles captured in March to monitor survival and reproductive success in two separate studies, one in Georgia, and one in South Carolina, USA. Band-recapture survival estimates of parent-reared chicks from release to the following breeding season in Georgia (2005–2007) averaged 0.12 (range 1⁄4 0.06 to 0.25) and was dependent on release period. Radio- marked, parent-reared bobwhites had lower survival than wild bobwhites and produced 0.3 nests per hen for the breeding season versus 1.0 nests per hen for radio-marked wild resident bobwhites. Nesting success and subsequent chick survival did not differ among groups, but sample sizes were small. Radio-marked, parent-reared hens (n 1⁄4 26) in the South Carolina study (2008–2010) produced 0.67 nests per hen for the breeding season versus 0.62 nests per hen for radio-marked wild resident hens. Nesting success and brood-rearing success of parent-reared hens did not differ from that of wild resident hens and breeding season survival was also similar. Survival and reproduction of parent-reared wild strain bobwhites were greater than previously reported for pen-reared bobwhites and may useful for restoring or enhancing bobwhites populations at the local scale.

Successful northern bobwhite (Colinus virginiaus) management creating huntable bobwhite populations in the southeastern United States is largely practiced on private lands. These properties not only support high density bobwhite populations, they also support biodiversity including many declining or endangered species associated with frequently-burned pine savannas. The private land model has proven sustainable over centuries and has recently increased with >20,000 ha of wild bobwhite lands added in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina since 2000. The NBCI recognizes private lands are critical to restoration of bobwhites but, despite their conservation value, no studies have quantified areas under wild bobwhite management. We mapped 259 properties totaling ~ 345,614 ha with wild bobwhite management principally in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina, and are completing mapping in Mississippi, Virginia, and North Carolina. Our survey data found management actions were consistent across these properties including maintaining open pine canopy, reducing hardwoods in upland areas, prescribed fire on areas of appropriate sizes and distribution, year- round supplemental feeding, nest predator management, and conservative harvest rates. Adoption of these management practices are a result of long-term research demonstrating their efficacy. Density of bobwhites on a property was related to landscape composition with lower densities on more fragmented sites. Properties in core areas surrounded by other managed properties often achieved bobwhite densities of 5–8 quail/ha. Bobwhite densities on smaller isolated properties densities were ~ 2.5 quail/ha during fall. Aspects of this successful management model may be useful to other private lands as well as public management areas focused on northern bobwhite.

Gamebird translocations have been used for many years to establish or re-establish populations in North America. A long-term severe decline of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) over much of their range has brought this issue to the forefront for this species as well. Field studies in Georgia over the last decade have documented site fidelity, high survival, reproductive success, and population response from bobwhites translocated into large blocks of well-managed habitat. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources/ Wildlife Resources Division developed an official wild quail translocation policy in 2006. Five translocation projects have been permitted and conducted since the policy was established. Extensive large scale habitat modifications were required on the recipient sites while donor sites were required to have existing high density bobwhite populations. These projects have resulted in translocation of . 800 bobwhites and the establishment of 7,480 ha of new wild quail population centers thereby contributing to the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) recovery goals. Average fall densities on completed projects have increased from , 0.5 birds/ha to . 1.25 birds/ha.

The summer call-count survey is a common method used as an index of abundance for male northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). Typically, abundance estimates have limited use and transference to other analyses because they lack estimates of detection and availability. Incorporating availability into abundance estimates has not been common because of the difficulty in attaining an availability estimate. We monitored the calling rates of radio-marked northern bobwhites, April–July, to ascertain the proportion of males available for detection within biweekly periods to attain a direct measure of availability. We measured daily and seasonal peaks in calling rates and investigated potential parameters that may influence the calling rate. We used a 5-min survey period and observed a mean calling rate of 0.40, which increased to 0.493 when a 10-min survey period was used. The biweekly calling rates were similar during May and June, but were significantly lower in April and July. Daily call rates within the 4-hr survey time period were consistent for May and June, but were more variable in July. Incorporating availability estimates into standard distance sampling procedures allowed us to produce more robust estimates of summer bobwhite density. Little is known about the variability of male bobwhite calling rates regionally or at different densities and we encourage other researchers to attain availability estimates from other landscapes and population densities.

Perceived changes in predator-prey dynamics along with documented declines of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) have created a renewed interest from biologists and managers about the role meso-mammals play in shaping bobwhite population trajectories. As part of a larger effort to understand this predator-prey relationship, we evaluated meso-mammal activity on sites where bobwhite demographic data was simultaneously being collected via radio- telemetry. During 1999–2006 we conducted 66 meso-mammal activity surveys using scent stations on 16 sites in 3 southeastern states (Florida, Georgia, and Alabama). We calculated an index of meso-mammal activity (PI), for each site, as the average number of station visits per night by raccoons (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), bobcats (Lynx rufus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes, Urocyon cinereoargenteus). We collected bobwhite reproductive information on 2,940 nests (x̄ = 45/site, SE = 2.98) from a total of 4,379 radiotagged bobwhites (x̄ = 67/site, SE = 3.81). The average PI for all sites combined was 0.13 (range = 0.03-0.38, SE = 0.01). Nesting success on the sites ranged from 0.29 to 0.72 and averaged 0.52 (SE = 0.01). We used a mixed effects logistic regression model including site as a random effect and observed a negative relationship between the PI and nesting success (β = -1.53 ± 0.72 SE). Our results suggest that meso-mammal activity affects bobwhite nest success, thus, predator management may be warranted at times on some sites to maximize productivity. Future research and modeling efforts should explore the impacts of meso-mammal activity on population growth rates and stability, especially in varying spatial contexts.

Little information is available for home range size and habitat use of northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) on modern agricultural landscapes in autumn. Therefore, we monitored radiomarked bobwhite coveys from September–December 1998 on farms in Wilson and Tyrrell counties, North Carolina. The Tyrrell County farm was a 6084-ha area recently developed for commercial production of corn and soybeans. Dispersed throughout crop areas were forested and fallow blocks at differing stages of succession. The Wilson County farms had small fields (x̄ = 1.8 ha, SE = 0.12) planted in cotton, soybeans, corn, and tobacco and were surrounded by mixed pine and hardwood blocks of differing ages. Mean home range size at the Tyrrell County farm was 33.2 ha (range 4.5–128.5 ha) (n = 10). The two largest home ranges, 70.7 and 128.6 ha, were disproportionately large due to large movements from harvested crop fields to permanent forested cover. Covey home ranges were not established at random (l = 0.124; x2 4= 20.18; P < 0.001). Road and canal edges were selected significantly more than any other habitat followed in rank by soybean fields, corn fields, forested, and fallow blocks. Road and canal edges provided necessary cover for moving between habitat types, especially from forested and fallow blocks to crop fields. Within home ranges, coveys did not allocate their time at random (l = 0.336; x2 4 = 10.89; P < 0.05). Habitats were ranked in the order of forested blocks, fallow areas, soybean fields, road and canal edges, and corn fields, but no significant differences were found between habitats. In Wilson County, average covey home range was 17.4 ha (Range: 4.9–37.6 ha)(n = 11). Coveys did not establish their home range at random (l = 0.407; x22 = 9.87; P < 0.05), selecting forested blocks over crop fields (T9 = 3.02, P < 0.012). Within home ranges coveys did not allocate their time at random (l = 0.1319; x25 = 22.28; P < 0.001), utilizing primarily forested blocks followed by cotton fields, soybean fields, corn fields, and other areas. On both study areas, forested and fallow blocks were the only source of cover to spend time in after crop harvest. Covey use within forested and fallow blocks was concentrated along edges of crop fields, leaving large portions of this habitat type unused. Forested and fallow blocks were primarily used as loafing cover in between feeding periods in adjacent crop fields.