WHAT AFFECTS TURKEYS? A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
Abstract: Although eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) research has provided important information for management, there is a tendency for localized or duplicate research. With limited research funds, we believe that a unified, goal‐oriented strategy that integrates various research...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1995-01-01
|
| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1995.tb00223.x |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Abstract: Although eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) research has provided important information for management, there is a tendency for localized or duplicate research. With limited research funds, we believe that a unified, goal‐oriented strategy that integrates various research projects is warranted. We propose the use of a hierarchical functional model of wild turkey population dynamics to guide future research. We begin with a difference equation that predicts Nt+1 from Nt, number of births, deaths, immigrations, and emigrations. Eight factors (harvest, predation, disease, fertility, clutch size, nest success, sex ratio, and carrying capacity) were identified. Additionally, a minimum of 58 variables (e.g., weather, habitat quality, hen condition) that should be considered before investigating the aforementioned eight factors were identified. Using this model as an outline, we suggest future research designs that will maximize returns on expenditures while minimizing redundant or unproductive efforts. The ultimate goal is a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of wild turkey ecology. Only through review and planning today can we expect to meet the challenges of future wild turkey management. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |