RELATIONSHIP OF WILD TURKEY POPULATIONS TO CLEARINGS CREATED FOR BROOD HABITAT IN OAK FORESTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Abstract: During a 20‐year period, the relationship of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) to forest clearings was studied in 2 78‐km2 study areas in central Pennsylvania that normally support low density turkey populations. After 5 years of collecting baseline data on both areas, 20 small...
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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.tb00179.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract: During a 20‐year period, the relationship of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) to forest clearings was studied in 2 78‐km2 study areas in central Pennsylvania that normally support low density turkey populations. After 5 years of collecting baseline data on both areas, 20 small clearings were created on 1 area while the second area served as a control. At 10 and 12 years, 50 clearings were made on half of the second area. A third area (52 km2) was included in the study as a replication for a 19‐year period. After 4 years, 18 roadside strip clearings were made on half of this area; at 10 years, 14 semi‐secluded clearings were made on the other half. The clearings were limed, fertilized, and seeded to legumes and grasses. Turkey populations were monitored annually by a baiting census in late summer and by counting turkeys from tracks in the snow. Hunter pressure and distribution were recorded on 2 of the areas. Data from surveillance cameras and radio‐marked hens during the summer and from periodic searches for droppings showed turkey broods were attracted to and used clearings throughout the summer. Turkey populations on 2 areas appeared to increase in response to the clearings. The lack of a similarly positive response on the third area could have been due to greater human disturbance that negatively influenced the summer census data. The results emphasized the need for secluded brood habitats in greater amounts than those resulting from present forest management practices. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |