Kristyn Stewart
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Master of Science in Range and Wildlife Management
Influence of Juniper on Montezuma Quail Distribution and Habitat Use in the Edwards Plateau of Texas
I began my career in wildlife at a very young age, although I did not recognize all the signs
pointing me to this profession until my senior year of high school. I was raised in Chatfield,
Texas (which you will have to google to find) on what seemed to me as a forty-acer playground.
My father taught me to hunt ethically, fish successfully, and appreciate what nature had to offer.
I began my educational journey in wildlife science at Tarleton State University, where I
graduated with my bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2017 and then accepted a master’s position at
Texas A&M University-Kingsville. My project is focused on determining the influence of
juniper on Montezuma quail site use and distribution in the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Our goal
is to fit Montezuma quail with backpack GPS transmitters to track movement throughout the
day. After accumulating points used by individual quail, I will collect vegetation data to identify
suitable habitat and potential site selection preferences. With this research, I look forward to
providing land managers and biologists with a better understanding of specific habitat
requirements of Montezuma quail, to aid in future conservation of this secretive species.