INFLUENCE OF SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS ON WILD TURKEY HABITAT IN EASTERN TENNESSEE
Abstract: Management of forested habitats for wild turkeys (Meleagris gallapavo) is critical to provide the proper vegetative requirements to improve reproductive success and survival. We investigated the effects of prescribed fire, shelterwood harvest, and wildlife retention cuts on wild turkey hab...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2005-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2005.tb00310.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract: Management of forested habitats for wild turkeys (Meleagris gallapavo) is critical to provide the proper vegetative requirements to improve reproductive success and survival. We investigated the effects of prescribed fire, shelterwood harvest, and wildlife retention cuts on wild turkey habitat in a mixed hardwood forest in eastern Tennessee. Vegetative response, soft and hard mast production, invertebrate availability, and crown expansion were measured. Shelterwood harvest (61–80% density), wildlife retention cut with prescribed fire (61–80%), and wildlife retention cut (41–60%) increased the density of understory vegetation. White oak (Quercus alba) crown expansion was greater in the shelterwood harvest (25%) and wildlife retention cut (8%) than in the control. No effects of treatments were found on herbaceous cover, acorn production, soft mast production, or invertebrate densities. Shelterwood harvest, wildlife retention cut, and wildlife retention cut with prescribed burning enhanced the nesting and brooding cover for wild turkey in the short term; however, additional treatment is needed to increase herbaceous cover and reduce density of woody understory vegetation. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |