WILD TURKEY NESTING HABITAT AND SUCCESS RATES
Abstract: Nest success rates for the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) are often low and affect population densities. We determined habitat use and success rates for 38 nesting hens in east‐central Mississippi from 1984 to 1988. Hens preferred pine and hardwood regeneration areas...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1990-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1990.tb00177.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract: Nest success rates for the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) are often low and affect population densities. We determined habitat use and success rates for 38 nesting hens in east‐central Mississippi from 1984 to 1988. Hens preferred pine and hardwood regeneration areas (P = 0.014) and avoided bottomland hardwood stands (P = 0.001). Hens nesting in regeneration areas preferred 2‐year‐old stands (P = 0.035) and avoided stands >4 years old (P = 0.048). Mature pine stands contained 47.4% of the nests and appeared to be used according to availability (P = 0.035). Preference was not detected (P > 0.3) for nesting use of pine stands based on. time (0‐6 years) since the last prescribed burn. Nest success in forested habitats (68.2%) was significantly greater (P = 0.005) than in nonforested habitats (25.0%). Edges seemed to influence nest outcome. Successful nests were generally located < 10 m from more than 1 man‐made edge. Creating edges in pine habitats may enhance productivity through increased nesting success. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |