Wildlife Specialist report

(Brown, 1982). The maintenance of good grass cover is extremely important to this quail
species. Mearns’ quail are known for their habit of holding extremely tight in cover
when approached. It is not uncommon to nearly step on these cryptic birds before they
flush. Removing too much cover removes this bird’s primary defense mechanism and
thus decreases survival (Dixon and Knight, 1993). They need grass cover taller than 1
foot; prefer areas containing 70% or more tall grass cover, and cannot survive in areas
with only 40-50% grass cover (NMPIF 2001).
The NMDGF manages quail through annual small game hunting licenses. The species is
hunted in New Mexico from November through February, which is another factor
affecting Mearns’ quail population levels. Drought and overgrazing are thought to be the
factors most critical to Mearns quail populations in New Mexico due to impacts on food
resources and ground cover (Dixon and Knight, 1993). Harsh and/or prolonged winter
storms also can cause population declines. Mearns’ quail populations also depend upon
nesting success. Chick survival appears to be strongly influenced by spring and summer
moisture, however heavy rains immediately following hatching can lead to high chick
mortality (Dixon and Knight, 1993). Mearns’ quail are uncommon, breeding residents of
the Gila National Forest (Zimmerman 1995). Censusing for Mearns’ quail has begun on
the Forest (Montoya pers. Com), with coveys detected on all five transects conducted on
the Black Range District of the GNF. Further, over the past five years the species has
been observed in various locations where they were previously unknown. More
numerous and larger coveys of Mearns’ quail have been seen on the Reserve, Wilderness,
Black Range and Silver City Ranger Districts (Jerry Monzingo, Supervising Office
Fishery Biologist, pers. comm.; Russell Ward, Range and Wildlife Assistant Staff, Gila
National Forest, pers. comm.; Justin Schofer, Reserve District Wildlife Biologist).
Merriam’s Wild Turkey [(Meleagris gallopavo merriami)/ Game species] - Merriam’s
wild turkey is an indicator of mixed conifer, and ponderosa pine cover types. Wild
turkey habitat consists of forest and open woodland, scrub oak, deciduous and mixed
deciduous-coniferous areas, especially in mountainous regions. This species is also
known to occur in agricultural areas, which may provide important food resources in
winter. Wild turkeys roost in trees at night. Severe winters and/or lack of winter habitat
are important limiting factors in many areas (NatureServe, 2001). Wild turkeys normally
nest on the ground, usually in open areas at the edge of woods; they rarely nest in trees.
Wild turkeys feed on seeds, nuts, acorns, fruits, grains, buds, and young grass blades.
During summer months, they eat many insects and may also eat some small vertebrates
(frogs, toads, snakes, etc). They usually forage on the ground. In New Mexico, most
mountain ranges support healthy, self-sustaining populations of Merriam’s turkey. This
subspecies typically roosts in ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white fir, limber pine, western
white pine, cottonwoods, large oaks, and piñon pine.
Blue Grouse [(Dendragapus obscurus)/ NM PIF High Priority Species
Representative of Spruce-Fir Vegetation Cover Type] –The species inhabits
coniferous forest, especially fir, mostly in open situations with a mixture of deciduous
trees. The species spends winter, usually at higher elevations than summer habitat, in
conifer forest of various categories of age and density. Blue grouse roost in large
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