Reproduction and Survival of Rio Grande Turkeys in Oregon

Abstract

Although reproductive characteristics of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have been documented for most subspecies in a number of locations, reproduction and survival of introduced Rio Grande wild turkeys (M. g. intermedia) in the Pacific Northwest are unknown. We examined reproductive parameters and survival of 76 females in a recently established population of Rio Grande turkeys in southwestern Oregon from January 1989 through December 1991. Reproductive characteristics of first-nest attempts did not differ between adults and yearlings (P > 0.10), but adults renested more frequently. Annual female survival differed among years (P ≤ 0.05) but averaged >0.706 (SE = 0.073). We detected no differences in survival between yearling and adult females within years (P > 0.25). Brood survival to 4 weeks was 0.431 (95% CI = 0.320-0.581). The Rio Grande subspecies should be used for future translocations in Oregon, and managers can include yearling females when translocating Rio Grande turkey s witl little effect on reproductive potential of new populations.