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A&M-Commerce Professor Addresses Declining Quail Populations in Texas

Dr. Kelly Reyna (Photo by Matt Strasen)

Dr. Kelly Reyna, an associate professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has taken center stage in the ongoing discussion about the alarming decline in quail populations across Texas and the nation. His insights were featured in an article by the Tyler Morning Telegraph, shedding light on a critical environmental issue.

The Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, a dedicated initiative at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is poised to confront the problem head-on with a comprehensive plan for a 30-acre facility. This facility will encompass research, education, breeding, and visitor interaction centers, all aimed at addressing the challenges faced by quail populations.

Dr. Reyna stressed the vital role quail play as an indicator of grassland quality and their influence on hunting and the economy. Over the past decades, Texas has witnessed a staggering 80% drop in quail numbers, a decline primarily attributed to changes in habitat and climate.

The primary objective of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research is to cultivate a more resilient strain of bobwhite quail. The ultimate goal is to produce thousands of birds each month, ensuring they possess the essential characteristics of their wild counterparts.

One of the key aspects of the project is to encourage landowners to incorporate quail into their operations. This initiative underlines the significance of biological research and the preservation of habitats to support the recovery of quail populations, safeguarding the future of these beloved gamebirds.

Take a walk on the wild side with a bachelor's degree in wildlife and conservation science from A&M-Commerce.

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