What happened to Tasmania’s Stubble Quail?

Abstract

In the early 20th century, Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis were common in Tasmania, more so than the Brown Quail C. ypsilophora. By the mid 20th century, the Stubble Quail had almost disappeared and was granted full protection, although this decline largely has been forgotten. It is possible that Stubble Quail became extinct in Tasmania, and the rare sightings now are of stragglers from either the Australian mainland or King Island. There have been recent observations around Cressy, in northern Tasmania, that may be of a resident population. The decline of the Stubble Quail has been overlooked by current workers and has clouded its conservation status. It may deserve listing as an endangered species in Tasmania.