Habitat Selection Models for Eastern Wild Turkeys in Central Mississippi

Abstract

Few quantitative models of habitat use exist for eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). We used logistic regression to build and cross-validate sex- and season-specific multivariate models of habitat selection for wild turkeys in central Mississippi. We examined 4 models: successfully nesting and unsuccessfully nesting females during preincubation, spring males, and summer males. Preincubation females were associated with riparian corridors, perhaps to travel from bottomland areas to upland nesting sites. During preincubation, successfully nesting females were more closely associated with potential nesting habitat than unsuccessfully nesting females. Habitat selection by males during spring corresponded with habitat use of females. During summer, males were nonselective in their habitat choices. Models developed were consistent with and complemented data from previous studies on this area. Our modeling procedure may be useful for other studies of wild turkey habitat selection. We recommend using habitat models in conjunction with habitat use analyses (e.g., use versus availability) to maximize information gained from habitat selection studies. Habitat management for turkeys in a predominantly forested area should include maintenance of riparian corridors and habitat diversity, with a preponderance of mature (>40-yr-old) timber stands, and a 3-4-year burning rotation in mature pine stands.