Scaled quail is an iconic game bird in the Chihuahuan Desert, particularly in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. It serves as a vital wildlife species, indicating healthy rangelands. Despite this, scaled quail populations have experienced a decline across their Texas range, raising concerns about the well-being of the rangelands they inhabit. Primary hypotheses for this decline point to habitat loss due to overgrazing and mismanagement, leading to soil erosion and hindered plant growth.

Efforts to revive scaled quail populations have centered on providing food through feeders and artificial water sources, addressing only a fraction of the species requirements. However, the focus has shifted toward recognizing that a high-quality habitat can offer sufficient quality food and essential cover from weather elements and predators.

To enhance habitat quality, restoration practices in the Trans-Pecos region aim to mitigate soil erosion through water runoff management and increase ground moisture to foster plant growth. Among these practices are check dams, known as “trincheras” in Spanish. While trincheras have been utilized in the western United States and Northern Mexico, further research is necessary to quantify their benefits.

In response to these questions, the Borderlands Research Institute is conducting extensive research on a private ranch in Brewster County, Texas, where nearly 150 trincheras have been strategically implemented. This study assesses soil accumulation at trinchera sites over two years during the monsoon season (August to September, from 2022 to 2023).

Analysis of the collected data reveals significant sediment accumulation, extending up to six feet upstream from the trincheras. However, acknowledging the arid nature of rangelands characterized by scarce annual precipitation, the study recognizes that two years may not suffice to observe tangible changes in plant cover. Nevertheless, this research serves as a guiding light, informing the placement and expectations of ecohydrology improvements, ultimately contributing to a more effective restoration of scaled quail habitat.