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Quail Released to Combat Ticks on Long Island
24 Jul
Summary
- One hundred quail were released to control the tick population.
- Each quail can eat up to 10,000 ticks in its lifetime.
- Volunteers and students helped raise the birds for release.
One hundred northern bobwhite quail were released on Friday at the Hempstead Harbor Nature Trail, marking a significant effort to control the local tick population. Officials highlighted the quail's crucial role, with each bird capable of consuming between 5,000 to 10,000 ticks throughout its lifetime. This initiative offers an organic alternative to pesticide use for tick management.
The release involved seventy-five volunteers who dedicated time to raising the young quail. Students also participated by keeping quail eggs in classrooms, integrating the project into their educational curriculum. Some of these students were present to witness the birds' release into their natural habitat, demonstrating a community-wide investment in the program.
Northern bobwhite quail are native to Long Island, yet their population has experienced a severe decline over recent decades. The program aims to help reestablish this species while simultaneously addressing the ongoing concern of tick-borne illnesses. North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena emphasized the program's dual benefit of species reintroduction and environmental tick control.
