THE IMPACTS OF PREDATION ON WILD TURKEYS
Abstract: Concerns that greater predator populations and accelerating habitat fragmentation may exacerbate impacts of predation on wild turkey (Meleagris spp.) populations prompted our examination of the literature on this subject. We found several major themes throughout this search. Variability in...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2005-01-01
|
| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2005.tb00300.x |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Abstract: Concerns that greater predator populations and accelerating habitat fragmentation may exacerbate impacts of predation on wild turkey (Meleagris spp.) populations prompted our examination of the literature on this subject. We found several major themes throughout this search. Variability in nest and renest initiation may account for low production in some populations and may be confused with effects of nest predation. For most wild turkey populations, nesting success was low, with predation responsible for the loss of most unsuccessful nests. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) were the most commonly reported nest predator. Poult survival was low, with predation the major cause of mortality. Predation also was the major cause of mortality among yearling and adult wild turkey hens and yearling gobblers. Hunting was the major cause of mortality for adult gobblers. Predator control was successful in increasing wild turkey productivity in short‐term specific instances where a small cadre of identified nest and poult predators was targeted, but numerous factors impact the success of control programs. Control of wild turkey predators is cost ineffective as a broad management strategy and is not accepted by the public. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |