SURVIVAL, REPRODUCTION, AND HOME RANGES OF TRANSLOCATED WILD TURKEYS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Abstract: I evaluated survival, reproduction and home range land‐use composition for 46 eastern wild turkey females (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) released on 6 sites on the northwestern fringe of historic wild turkey range in eastern South Dakota. Annual survival of female turkeys was 77.7 ± 5.7%...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2000-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2000.tb00272.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract: I evaluated survival, reproduction and home range land‐use composition for 46 eastern wild turkey females (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) released on 6 sites on the northwestern fringe of historic wild turkey range in eastern South Dakota. Annual survival of female turkeys was 77.7 ± 5.7% (SE) with 8 of 13 deaths resulting from predation. Ninety‐one percent of females initiated nests, 47% of nesting turkeys hatched clutches, and 75% of successfully nesting turkeys raised ≥1 poult to 4 weeks of age. The median date of initial nest incubation was 22 May. Only 26% of turkeys unsuccessful in initial nesting attempts attempted a second nest, none attempted a third. Most (68%) turkeys selected nesting sites in treeless habitats (open pastures, hayland, and idled cropland). Nests were generally concealed in grasses and/or legumes (39%) or mixed grass/shrub cover (34%). Seasonal home ranges (90% utilization) of females contained less woodlands (P < 0.001) and water (P = 0.029) and more cropland (P = 0.046), hayland (P < 0.001), idled cropland (P < 0.001), and farmsteads (P < 0.001) than core area (50% utilization) polygons. During breeding seasons (1 Apr–31 Jul), female turkey home ranges and core areas contained less woodlands (P < 0.001) and water (P < 0.001) and more hayland (P = 0.002) and farmsteads (P = 0.008) than during postbreeding (1 Aug–30 Nov). Female turkeys used the mostly treeless upland landscapes adjacent to lowland forests only during breeding seasons. During the remainder of the year, turkeys tended to use habitats located in or near riparian woodlands. Survival and reproductive rates indicate that populations of turkeys should establish on landscapes with minimal (<15%) woodland habitat. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |