Brush Control and Rio Grande Turkeys in North-Central Texas

Abstract

Rio Grande turkeys used brush-controlled and untreated rangeland equally when suitable roosting and other cover was available but were absent in areas having an adequate food supply with little available cover. Food selection of turkeys was based upon availability of their preferred foods at different seasons. The two most prevalent foods in each of grass, forb, mast and cactus classes were the same from both treated and untreated areas 83% of the time. Similarity indices of diets between brush-controlled versus untreated areas were 60% and 73% for summer and fall, respectively. The Rio Grande turkey (Meleagris gallapavo intermedia Sennett) ranges over much of Texas. In the past, turkey populations decreased to the extent of extinction on much of its former range. However, recent management practices and renewed public interest have restored turkey populations to former habitat areas and have resulted in expansion of wild turkey ranges into areas previously uninhabited by them. The incidence of brush control is also increasing in Texas where mesquite (Prosopis spp) occurs on more than 56 million acres of rangeland; 54 million acres of this could be directly improved for forage production by some practice of brush control (Smith and Rechenthin 1964). While brush control measures undoubtedly affect turkey behaviour, the effects of such measures are not well documented. Glazener (1958) reported that clearing solid blocks of brush reduced or eliminated turkeys by reducing cover and roosting habitat. Conversely, Lehmann (1960) stated that properly applied brush control treatments can increase turkey populations. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of brush control on turkey diets and use of habitats in north-central Texas.