DISTRIBUTION MORTALITY, AND REPRODUCTION OF MERRIAM'S TURKEY IN NEW MEXICO
Abstract: Research on Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) has been ongoing in southeastern New Mexico for the past 5 years (1979‐1984). The objectives of the study were to determine the seasonal distribution, mortality, and reproductive success of the Merriam's turkey in t...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1985-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1985.tb00170.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract: Research on Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) has been ongoing in southeastern New Mexico for the past 5 years (1979‐1984). The objectives of the study were to determine the seasonal distribution, mortality, and reproductive success of the Merriam's turkey in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico. During 5 nesting seasons, 86 hens (55 adult and 31 juveniles) were monitored. Of this number, 37.5% of the mature hens nested successfully. Average clutch size for all nests (i.e., first nests and renests) was 9.3 eggs. The hatchability rate was 86.9% over a 5‐year period. The calculated recruitment rate (the number of mature vs. immature birds trapped) was 36.7%. The mortality for immature birds averaged 35% for 1979 through 1983. The median date for the beginning of incubation was 20 May. Low nesting rate, low recruitment and the apparent low reproductive success of immature hens were limiting factors controlling population density. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |