HOME RANGE, HABITAT USE, AND DIET OF GOULD'S TURKEYS, PELONCILLO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO

Abstract

Our study documents home range, habitat use, and diet of Gould's turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) in the Peloncillo Mountains of New Mexico and Arizona. Fieldwork began in 1989 and consisted of 2 field seasons from May to August, with periodic winter and spring forays. The study was conducted during a drought period with only 58% of average rainfall. Combined annual home range (mean = 4,385 ha, SE = 1,845) of radio-equipped Gould's hens was similar to home ranges of other wild turkey subspecies that inhabit arid regions of the western United States. Preferred Gould's turkey habitat consisted of pinyon-juniper woodland with an abundance of pinyon ricegrass (Piptochaetium fimbriatum). In addition, 3 riparian habitat types were used disproportionately to their availability. A food habits analysis showed that the diet of turkey in our study consisted primarily of juniper (Juniperus deppeana) and manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) fruit, though mustard forbs (Cruciferae spp.) and pinyon ricegrass also were utilized. Periodic drought combined with livestock grazing in the Peloncillo Mountains most likely is a major factor determining forage availability and subsequent habitat use by this turkey population. A combination of natural and anthropogenic factors might result in fluctuations in the Gould's turkey population.