New Stubble Quail research

The GMA is conducting the first statewide survey of Stubble Quail abundance and distribution in Victoria.

The GMA is conducting the first statewide survey of Stubble Quail abundance and distribution in Victoria.

Wildlife ecologists will survey more than 60 Stubble Quail habitat sites across public and private land, including native tussock grasslands, dryland crop, non-native pasture, and seasonal herb wetlands.

The wildlife ecologists will walk 4km transects and use a method known as distance sampling to estimate densities at each site.

When the research is completed and the data analysed, we will have the first estimate of the total abundance of Stubble Quail in Victoria. The survey will be assessed and recommendations for improvements made.

Stubble Quail are considered to be the most common quail species in Australia, however very little is known about their ecology, biology, and current population levels.

The GMA is also about to launch a wing collection program to gather data on the age, sex and productivity of Stubble Quail harvested by licensed hunters in Victoria. We will be inviting hunters to provide wing samples and collection envelopes will be sent to those who volunteer to participate.

Data collected from our monitoring programs will be used to track populations trends and improve our understanding of the ecology of this important species.

For more information visit Quail Research.