Assessing the efficacy of electronic quail callers in attracting stubble quail and non-target predators

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 22;17(7):e0271893. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271893. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Hunting is a prominent feature of many human societies. Advancements in hunting technologies can challenge the ethics and sustainability of hunting globally. We investigated the efficacy of an electronic acoustic lure ('quail caller'), in attracting the otherwise difficult-to hunt stubble quail Coturnix pectoralis in Victoria, Australia. Using distance sampling, the density and abundance of stubble quail was estimated at 79 sites across a range of habitat types in an agricultural setting, each with an active 'quail caller' station continuously broadcasting for 48 hours, and a control station (no broadcast). Quail detectability at the active stations (62.9%) far exceeded that at control stations (6.3%). Most (57%) detections occurred within 30 m of active 'quail callers'. Stubble quail relative abundance was substantially greater when 'quail callers' were broadcasting. Cameras mounted near 'quail callers' identified the predatory red fox as a non-target predator, although rates of attraction appear similar between active and control sites. 'Quail callers' are highly effective at attracting stubble quail and concentrating them to a known area, raising questions in relation to sustainable hunting practices, indirect effects, and ethical implications. 'Quail callers' do, however, also offer a tool for estimating quail abundance and developing more accurate population size estimates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coturnix*
  • Electronics
  • Humans
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Quail*
  • Victoria

Grants and funding

The Victorian Game Management Authority funded this study. The funders did play a role in the preparation of this manuscript (two current employees of the Game Management Authority are authors – SDT and HD. JOH is an author and former employee). The funders did not play a role in the analysis or decision to publish.