Survival and Reproduction of Female Wild Turkeys in a Suburban Environment

Abstract

Nest success is the most important demographic variable influencing rates of population change of Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris [L.] Vieillot) in the Northeast. Most studies of nest success and survival of turkeys have occurred in forested or agricultural areas and may not be representative of turkey populations occupying suburban environments.Development associated with suburbanization has led to habitat degradation, and it is becoming increasingly important to understand how these land use changes affect the sustainability of Wild Turkey populations. Our objectives were to quantify survival and reproduction of Eastern Wild Turkeys in the suburbanized region of southeastern Connecticut, and to compare these results to studies in forested and agricultural regions of the northeastern United States. Nest success (35%) and mortality during the reproductive period (46%) were at the low and high extremes, respectively, of ranges previously reported in the Northeast. High rates of predation on females and nests resulted in rates of nest success that were lower than rates reported for most neighboring states. Turkey nests in suburban environments may be at increased risk of predation because habitat fragmentation may lead to high densities of nest predators and increased detection of nests.