Habitat characteristics of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae Vigors 1830) in Durango, México

Abstract

Objective. To characterize the habitat of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in Rancho Chapultepec, Durango, Mexico.
Design/Methodology/Approach. From February to October 2020, fieldwork was carried out to search for Montezuma quail sites using transects and sounds. Subsequently each site-of-use was characterized; for each of them three random sites were located. Intercept lines (or Canfield), embedded frames, and nearest neighbour techniques were used. Recorded data were analysed using Principal component analysis (PCA); Frequency of
observation (FO); Kruskal-Wallis; and Poisson regression (PR).
Results. The PCA showed values for sites of use= 48, non-use= 43, and both= 36 of the present variability in vegetation-habitat variables. FO showed values per site of use = 6.25%; non-use = 2.08% and both = 1.56%; and per species in sites of use = 3.57, non- use = 3.85 and both = 3.33%. Kruskal-Wallis exhibited significant differences in richness and abundance and similarity in diversity. Poisson regression (PR) showed the effect of some vegetation-habitat variables on the Montezuma quail.
Limitations /Implications of the study. The monitoring period evaluated only comprised a short space of time. It is suggested to extend the sampling time, allowing to visualize the population fluctuation regarding this variable.
Findings/Conclusions: It was possible to determine that there is an association between the variables of the vegetation-habitat with the presence of C. montezumae. Vegetation type is the variable that determines the incidence of this species.