Wild Turkey Populations Research Articles

Historical and potential growth of Gould's wild turkey populations in New Mexico

AbstractGould's wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) are native to the southwest corner of New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and northern and central Mexico. Early ornithological explorations of southwestern New Mexico documented the presence of turkeys, but the subspecies was not identified as Gould's wild turkeys until 1957. Although extirpated from Arizona by 1920, a remnant population of Gould's wild turkeys persisted in the Peloncillo and Animas mountains in New Mexico, possibly due to recolonization from or genetic exchange with proximal populations in Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish placed Gould's wild turkey on the State Endangered and Threatened list in 1974. Research and monitoring during the mid‐1980s through early 2000s largely focused on observational studies of Gould's wild turkey distribution, abundance, and habitat use. Since 2005, population status and distribution of Gould's wild turkeys in the Peloncillo Mountains was monitored using structured, annual surveys that provided greater insight into minimum population size. From January 2014 to January 2016, the population in the southern Peloncillo Mountains was augmented with the translocation of 60 Gould's wild turkeys from southeastern Arizona. Annual observations of Gould's wild turkeys increased following the 2014–2016 translocations in part due to the ability to detect radio‐marked individuals and identify previously unknown habitats birds were using, allowing for modified survey efforts. Although information on Gould's wild turkey distribution and abundance has increased since 1980, much of the available habitat is currently considered occupied, and future population distribution may be limited.

Prevalence of lymphoproliferative disease virus in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in North Carolina

AbstractLymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) is a highly prevalent pathogen first described from wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in 2009, with uncertain implications for wild turkey populations. To establish a baseline of its prevalence and geographic distribution, we gathered LPDV samples across North Carolina, USA, from 2 age classes of wild turkeys in 2013 and 2015. We collected 829 tissue samples, primarily from hunter harvests, and tested for presence of LPDV via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The overall prevalence of LPDV was 46.1% (382 of 829 turkeys). Prevalence was significantly lower in juveniles than adults (29.7% and 48.4% respectively [χ2 = 13.52, df = 1, P < 0.001]). Prevalence of LPDV in adult turkeys was greater in the mountain region than in either the piedmont or coastal regions. Prevalence of LPDV did not vary between years (χ2 = 1.47, df = 1, P = 0.26) or sexes (χ2 = 0.06, df = 1, P = 0.81). Mean weights of LPDV‐positive adult male turkeys (8.9 kg) and LPDV‐negative adult male turkeys (8.9 kg) were not different. We observed no correlation between LPDV prevalence and reported turkey harvest, nor between LPDV prevalence and productivity estimates from our annual summer brood survey. Our work is consistent with previous reports that LPDV is a widespread virus in wild turkeys that differs in prevalence across ages and regions. Further investigation of LPDV's effect on turkey poults and transmission of the pathogen among juvenile and adult turkeys is needed.

Fort Ancient wild turkey harvesting strategies in northern Kentucky

AbstractFox Farm (1300–1650 CE) is a 16.2 ha Native American farming village in Mason County, Kentucky. The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) death assemblage documented for this site is suggestive of a harvesting strategy that differs from that of Fort Ancient villages occupied for shorter periods of time. Relative to those villages, the residents of Fox Farm killed twice as many male as female wild turkeys. By focusing on adult males, the residents of Fox Farm were able to maintain a sustainable wild turkey population in the vicinity of their village, which allowed them to live at this locality for more than 300 years.

Factors influencing rate of decline in a Merriam's wild turkey population

AbstractWe investigated population growth rate (λ) for a Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) population in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota, USA. We constructed and evaluated a females‐only matrix population model. Our estimate of asymptotic λ, derived from estimates of vital rates obtained from 2016–2018 was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.60, 0.88), which indicates that the vital rates were inadequate to sustain the population. Elasticity values were highest for changes in adult survival probability followed by, in order, changes in juvenile survival, yearling survival, and adult reproduction. We could only achieve stable or growing populations (i.e., λ ≥ 1) by increasing the probability of adult and yearling survival (holding all other vital rates constant). Estimated adult survival rate in the work reported here was lower than values reported for other populations in the Black Hills; therefore, managing for increased female survival (≥0.68) may be the most practical strategy for promoting wild turkey population growth in this system. We recommend no female harvest during any open turkey season.

Extreme climate events limit northern range expansion of wild turkeys.

For species inhabiting areas at the limit of their environmental tolerance, extreme events often drive population persistence. However, because extreme events are uncommon, their effects on population dynamics of expanding species are poorly known. We examined how extreme climate events in winter and summer affected three populations of wild turkeys occupying a natural climate gradient at the northern edge of their range. First, we examined the mechanism by which vital rates affect the population growth rate. Second, we developed a climate-dependent structured population model. Finally, by linking this population model to IPCC-class climate projections, we projected wild turkey population abundance in response to the frequency of extreme snow events by 2100 for the northernmost population. We showed that the population dynamics of the three populations is driven through different pathways expected from the theory of invading population dynamics; that those populations were mainly limited by heavy snow that decreases winter survival by restraining food access; and that a population of immigrant is projected to decline at the northern species range. This study exemplifies how extreme events affect population dynamics and range expansion of temperate species at the northern edge of the distribution.

Invasive Wild Pigs as Primary Nest Predators for Wild Turkeys

Depredation of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nests is a leading cause of reduced recruitment for the recovering and iconic game species. Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are known to depredate nests, and have been expanding throughout the distributed range of wild turkeys in North America. We sought to gain better insight on the magnitude of wild pigs depredating wild turkey nests. We constructed simulated wild turkey nests throughout the home ranges of 20 GPS-collared wild pigs to evaluate nest depredation relative to three periods within the nesting season (i.e., early, peak, and late) and two nest densities (moderate = 12.5-25 nests/km2, high = 25-50 nests/km2) in south-central Texas, USA during March–June 2016. Overall, the estimated probability of nest depredation by wild pigs was 0.3, equivalent to native species of nest predators in the study area (e.g., gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus], raccoon [Procyon lotor], and coyote [Canis latrans]). Female wild pigs exhibited a constant rate of depredation regardless of nesting period or density of nests. However, male wild pigs increased their rate of depredation in areas with higher nest densities. Management efforts should remove wild pigs to reduce nest failure in wild turkey populations especially where recruitment is low.

Reproductive ecology of Gould's Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) in Arizona

Gould's Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) are the least-studied subspecies of Wild Turkey. Restoration efforts to establish sustainable populations of the subspecies continue throughout portions of the historical range in New Mexico and Arizona. Wild Turkey population viability is driven by reproductive success, yet information on aspects of the reproductive ecology of Gould's Wild Turkey is either scant or nonexistent. We used GPS telemetry to detail reproductive ecology of 23 females during 2017 in southeastern Arizona. We observed a nest initiation rate of 65% and nest success of 58%. Average estimated date for the onset of laying for initial nests was 17 May, which was later than for other subspecies of Wild Turkey. Estimated clutch size (x = 5.6 eggs) across 14 nests and vegetative characteristics at nests were comparable to nest sites selected by Eastern and Rio Grande subspecies, but did not appear to influence nest fate. Mean size of incubation recess ranges was 21 ha (SD = 99), but was highly variable across individual females and we found no evidence of habitat sampling by female Gould's Wild Turkeys before initiating laying of eggs. Females used open/herbaceous habitats and pine-oak woodlands throughout the reproductive period but type of conditions used varied between the laying, incubation, and brooding period. While based on 1 year of field data, our work represents the only assessment of the reproductive ecology of the Gould's Wild Turkey in the United States and should prompt further investigations into the biology of this iconic southwestern species.

Correlated‐replicate occupancy models for wild turkey gobbling call‐count surveys

ABSTRACTGobbling call‐count surveys have been frequently used as a means for monitoring distributions and population trends of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). However, gobbling activity can be highly variable and potentially leads to biased estimates if detection probability is left unaccounted for. Occupancy modeling based on detection–nondetection data offers an effective way of exploring changes in species distribution and provides logistical flexibility with sampling design. Recent advances in occupancy modeling have enabled detection probability and inferences about occupancy dynamics to be estimated from transect sampling designs with spatially replicated survey stations, similar to those of gobbling call‐count surveys. We analyzed data collected from 1,815 gobbling call‐count surveys in northern Wisconsin, USA, 2014–2017, to compare multiseason correlated‐replicate occupancy models to standard multiseason models. Model selection results strongly supported multiseason correlated‐replicate models (Σwi = 1.00) over standard multiseason occupancy models. We observed evidence for spatial autocorrelation in local occupancy—probability of local availability was lower when turkeys were unavailable at the previous station ( = 0.18 ± 0.07 [SE]) compared with when turkeys were available ( = 0.79 ± 0.13). Probability of detection was imperfect and varied by time of day (β = −0.503) and wind speed (β = −0.362). Turkeys occurred throughout a variety of habitat conditions, but occupancy was greatest ( = 0.990 ± 0.03) along survey routes with 40–60% forest cover. We fit simulated data to standard occupancy models and correlated replicate models and found occupancy and detection estimates were underestimated by as much as 10% with standard occupancy models, but bias was negligible under the correlated replicate modeling approach. Our findings indicate that transect sampling designs that account for spatial correlation among adjacent survey stations can yield improved estimates of detection and occupancy, and such sampling designs could lead to greater ecological interest in factors that influence species occurrence and patterns of habitat use. Gobbling call‐count surveys in conjunction with occupancy‐based modeling may be useful for assessing reintroduced or natural expanding wild turkey populations at the edge of their range. Additionally, we suggest the combination of gobbling surveys and occupancy modeling is useful for evaluating habitat–occurrence relationships across large‐scale landscapes or state‐based wild turkey management units. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

Intraspecific variation and symmetry of the inner-ear labyrinth in a population of wild turkeys: implications for paleontological reconstructions.

The cochlea and semicircular canals (SCCs) of the inner ear are vital neurosensory devices. There are associations between the anatomy of these sensorineural structures, their function, and the function of related biological systems, for example, hearing ability, gaze stabilization, locomotor agility, and posture. The endosseous labyrinth is frequently used as a proxy to infer the performance of the hearing and vestibular systems, locomotor abilities, and ecology of extinct species. Such fossil inferences are often based on single specimens or even a single ear, representing an entire species. To address whether a single ear is representative of a population, we used geometric morphometrics to quantitatively assess the variation in shape and symmetry in a sample of endosseous labyrinths of wild turkeys Meleagris gallopavo of southern Ohio. We predicted that ears would be symmetrical both within individuals and across the sample; that labyrinth shape and size would covary; that labyrinth shape would vary with the size of the brain, measured as width of the endocranium at the cerebellum; and that labyrinths would be morphologically integrated. To test these predictions, we microCT-scanned the heads of 26 cadaveric turkeys, digitally segmented their endosseous labyrinths in Avizo, and assigned 15 manual landmarks and 20 sliding semilandmarks to each digital model. Following Procrustes alignment, we conducted an analysis of bilateral symmetry, a Procrustes regression analysis for allometry and other covariates including side and replicate, and analyses of global integration and modularity. Based on Procrustes distances, no individual’s left and right ears were clearly different from each other. When comparing the ears of different specimens, statistically clear differences in shape were found in only 66 of more than 1,300 contrasts. Moreover, effects of both directional and fluctuating asymmetry were very small—generally, two orders of magnitude smaller than the variance explained by individual variation. Statistical tests disagreed on whether these asymmetric effects crossed the threshold of significance, possibly due to non-isotropic variation among landmarks. Regardless, labyrinths appeared to primarily vary in shape symmetrically. Neither labyrinth size nor endocranial width was correlated with labyrinth shape, contrary to our expectations. Finally, labyrinths were found to be moderately integrated in a global sense, but four weakly separated modules—the three SCCs and cochlea—were recovered using a maximum-likelihood analysis. The results show that both fluctuating and directional asymmetry play a larger role in shape variation than expected—but nonetheless, endosseous labyrinths are symmetrical within individuals and at the level of the population, and their shape varies symmetrically. Thus, inferences about populations, and very possibly species, may be confidently made when only a single specimen, or even a single ear, is available for study.

Gobbling activity of eastern wild turkeys relative to male movements and female nesting phenology in South Carolina

ABSTRACTWild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) use a polygynous mating system, and males must balance fitness benefits of courtship displays against costs of their reproductive strategies. Wild turkeys are the only gamebird species in the contiguous United States hunted primarily during their reproductive period. Managers attempt to implement seasons that allow for hunter satisfaction while limiting effects to reproduction and ensuring sustainable populations. To minimize illegal harvest, managers often attempt to set spring hunting seasons when gobbling activity is high and females are actively incubating nests. Gobbling activity varies significantly both temporally and spatially, and relationships between gobbling activity and reproductive phenology are unclear. We used autonomous recording units and Global Positioning System transmitters to monitor gobbling activity by male eastern wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris) and evaluate fine‐scale movements of male wild turkeys and nesting chronology of females on the Webb Wildlife Management Area Complex in South Carolina, USA, during 2015–2016. Based on 19,126 gobbles and movement ecology data from 99 wild turkeys (70 F, 29 M), we found no discernable pattern to support the hypothesis that gobbling activity increases with onset of incubation by females. We also observed no definable relationship between daily movements of males and gobbling activity, likely driven by the considerable daily variability in gobbling activity. We noted apparent lags in gobbling activity relative to nest initiation (onset of laying), and offer that understanding mechanisms underlying these apparent lags may be important to improving our understanding of reproductive ecology in wild turkeys. Research evaluating confounding influences of hunting activity and male mortality during the breeding season on gobbling activity and wild turkey population dynamics is warranted. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Survey for Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Wild Turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo) in Ontario, Canada.

Since being successfully reintroduced into Ontario, Canada, wild turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo) populations have undergone robust growth and range expansion. This, along with increases in land use changes from human population growth and subsequent developments in agriculture and livestock production, has heightened opportunities for interactions between wild turkeys, domestic poultry, and humans. As conspecifics, wild and domestic turkeys are susceptible to infection and disease from many of the same pathogens. Thus, transmission by direct or indirect contact is a potential health threat to both groups, particularly with the overlapping range of wild turkeys in Ontario with numerous commercial and backyard poultry operations. However, these threats are difficult to assess due to knowledge gaps in the prevalence and geographic distribution of potential pathogens circulating among wild turkeys. We assessed for potentially pathogenic bacteria in free-ranging, hunter-harvested wild turkeys in Ontario ( n = 152) by cloacal swab culture for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli and culture of lung and spleen for Pasteurella multocida, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Antimicrobial resistance testing was also performed on E. coli isolates. Generic E. coli isolates were recovered from 69.1% (105/152) of wild turkeys tested, and two (1.9%) of these isolates exhibited resistance to azithromycin and one (1.0%) to ampicillin. Intermediate susceptibility to chloramphenicol was observed in one (1.0%) isolate. One (0.7%) wild turkey swab tested positive for C. jejuni, but no samples were positive for P. multocida, Salmonella spp., O. rhinotracheale, or E. rhusiopathiae. To our knowledge, this is the first survey of these bacteria and assessment for antimicrobial resistance among wild turkeys in Ontario.

Survival and Cause-specific Mortality of Adult Female Eastern Wild Turkeys in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest

Meleagris gallopavo (Wild Turkey) population dynamics are greatly influenced by female survival, and high female-survival rates may offset low reproductive rates and maintain stability in populations characterized by low productivity. Additionally, reproduction may incur a cost to annual survival, given the physiological stress associated with breeding, and predation risks associated with incubation and brood-rearing. We used radio-telemetry and known-fate modeling to quantify annual survival and identify mortality causes of 54 adult female Meleagris gallopavo ssp. silvestris (Eastern Wild Turkey) tracked during 2002–2004 and 2007–2010 in a population characterized by low productivity in a bottomland hardwood forest in Louisiana. We detected 31 mortalities in which predation was the leading cause (87%), primarily attributed to Canis latrans (Coyote) and Lynx rufus (Bobcat). We estimated an annual survival rate of 0.58 (95% CI = 0.47–0.68) with no evidence of seasonal variation. This level of survival appeared to be sufficient to offset low productivity; the population was considered healthy and stable during the study period. Annual survival rates of females that incubated a nest were lower than reproductively inactive females, although confidence intervals overlapped considerably. The mechanisms underlying survival differences between reproductive classes were not entirely clear because survival of nesting females did not greatly decrease during incubation and brood-rearing seasons relative to non-nesters as would be expected under the hypothesis of increased predation risk during reproduction periods. Future studies should aim to better elucidate the links between reproduction and survival in Eastern Wild Turkey populations because this information will have important management ramifications in the southeast, where region-wide declines in productivity have been observed.

Habitat overlap among bobcats (Lynx rufus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in an agricultural landscape

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo Linnaeus, 1758) populations have grown considerably in the Midwestern U.S. alongside mesocarnivores, such as coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823) and bobcats (Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777)). However, few studies have assessed habitat overlap between mesocarnivores and turkeys with a goal to understand potential impacts of mesocarnivores on turkeys. We captured and radiomarked bobcats, coyotes, and Wild Turkey hens in southern Illinois during 2011–2013 in an agricultural landscape and created single-species resource selection and overlap models. Wild Turkeys and bobcats demonstrated concentrated use in forested areas, whereas coyote use was highest in agricultural areas. We documented Wild Turkey nests (n = 107) and hen mortalities (n = 28), which were used to model the effect of bobcat, coyote, and Wild Turkey habitat use on turkey nest success and mortality. Increased coyote use was associated with higher nest success and increased turkey use was associated with higher probability of mortality. These findings suggest that top predators, such as coyotes, may be important and beneficial for ground-nesting avian species. With coyotes acting as the top predator throughout much of the Midwest, they are likely reducing densities of other important turkey nest predator species, thereby increasing nest success.

Bayesian spatiotemporal dynamic models for regional dynamics of avian populations

The spatiotemporal dynamics of multiple animal populations may exhibit the hierarchical dynamic patterns including regional common trends or spatial synchrony and local variability. Environmental drivers such as climatic variability, operating on large spatial scales, have been proposed to be a driver of the spatial synchrony of avian and mammalian populations (i.e., the Moran effect). On the other hand, demographic responses to heterogeneous, local environments may result in substantial local population variability (i.e., variance across multiple populations). This study used the Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal dynamic model to determine the spatiotemporal dynamic patterns of 27 eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) populations scattered across Mississippi, USA, from 1994 to 2005. The regional effects of seasonal climate and relative amount of forest in habitats were also evaluated to test the Moran effect. Twenty seven wild turkey populations had a spatial synchrony with the strength and spatial scale similar to those of other avian populations in North America. Warming spring or spring-autumn climate appeared to reduce wild turkey relative abundance; however, winter climate did not influence the dynamics of wild turkey populations in Mississippi. Average proportion of forest affected the average relative abundance of wild turkeys in a nonlinear manner, with its positive effects switching to a lessened constant effect beyond the threshold of 60% forest cover. However, regional climatic variability was unlikely to synchronize wild turkey populations in Mississippi. This study proposed a hypothesis concerning regional habitat quality degradation, which may cause regional population declines and synchronize the dynamics of animal populations.

Winter and summer weather modulate the demography of wild turkeys at the northern edge of the species distribution

AbstractTemperate species occupying habitats at the northern limit of their geographical distribution are limited by weather and climatic conditions. Such conditions often directly affect population dynamics, and thus, influence shifts in distribution via changes in demographic parameters. We examined this question by following three distinct populations of wild turkeys inhabiting areas exposed to a gradient of meteorological conditions at the northern limit of the species distribution. Four years of radio‐telemetry on 181 birds and monitoring of 95 nests revealed that population demographics of wild turkeys were influenced by snow depth, winter temperature and summer rainfall. During winter, survival of turkeys decreased drastically when snow depth remained >30 cm for >10 days and also decreased as temperatures got colder. In the spring, snow persistence delayed nest initiation, whereas nest survival was negatively affected by rainfall. Our findings show that the effects of critical meteorological factors such as snow and temperature can be compounded when both reach the limit of a species tolerance simultaneously.

Addressing wild turkey population declines using structured decision making

ABSTRACTWe present a case study from New York, USA, of the use of structured decision making (SDM) to identify fall turkey harvest regulations that best meet stakeholder objectives, in light of recent apparent declines in abundance of wild turkeys in the northeastern United States. We used the SDM framework to incorporate the multiple objectives associated with turkey hunting, stakeholder desires, and region‐specific ecological and environmental factors that could influence fall harvest. We identified a set of 4 fall harvest regulations, composed of different season lengths and bag limits, and evaluated their relative achievement of the objectives. We used a stochastic turkey population model, statistical modeling, and expert elicitation to evaluate the consequences of each harvest regulation on each of the objectives. We conducted a statewide mail survey of fall turkey hunters in New York to gather the necessary information to evaluate tradeoffs among multiple objectives associated with hunter satisfaction. The optimal fall harvest regulation was a 2‐week season and allowed for the harvest of 1 bird/hunter. This regulation was the most conservative of those evaluated, reflecting the concerns about recent declines in turkey abundance among agency wildlife biologists and the hunting public. Depending on the region of the state, the 2‐week, 1‐bird regulation was predicted to result in 7–32% more turkeys on the landscape after 5 years. The SDM process provided a transparent framework for setting fall turkey harvest regulations and reduced potential stakeholder conflict by explicitly taking the multiple objectives of different stakeholder groups into account. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.

Mortality and Disease in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in Ontario, Canada, from 1992 to 2014: A Retrospective Review

Wild turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were extirpated from Ontario, Canada, in the early 1900s due to unregulated over-hunting and habitat loss. Despite a successful reintroduction program and strong population numbers, information regarding the health of wild turkeys in Ontario is scarce. A 22-yr (1992-2014) retrospective study was performed to evaluate diagnostic data, including the cause(s) and contributors to death, in wild turkeys submitted to the Ontario-Nunavut node of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (n = 56). Noninfectious diagnostic findings (39/56; 69.6%) were more common than infectious, with emaciation recognized most frequently (n = 19; 33.9%) followed by trauma (n = 11, 19.6%). The majority of deaths due to emaciation occurred in winter and spring (17/18; 94.4%), which is consistent with lack of access to or availability of food resources. Morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases was diagnosed in 16 (28.6%) wild turkeys. Avian poxvirus was the most common infectious cause of disease (n = 7; 12.5%), followed by bacterial infections (n = 5; 8.9%), the most common of which was Pasteurella multocida . Zinc phosphide toxicosis (n = 7; 12.5%) occurred in two incidents involving multiple birds. This study aims to provide baseline data that can be used for reference and comparison in future wild turkey disease surveillance and population monitoring studies.

Survival and cause‐specific mortality of female eastern wild turkeys in two frequently‐burned longleaf pine savannas

Longleaf pine savannas have declined throughout the southeastern United States due to land‐use change. Fortunately, natural resource professionals are currently restoring these ecologically and economically important savannas. Although efforts are underway to restore longleaf pine savannas, little information exists on female eastern wild turkeyMeleagris gallopavo silvestrispopulation dynamics in these systems. Therefore, we evaluated survival and cause‐specific mortality of female eastern wild turkeys in two longleaf pine savannas in southwestern Georgia. We radio‐marked 126 female wild turkeys during 2010–2013 and monitored their survival; 66 (52.4%) radio‐marked females died during the study. We estimated causes of death for 37 mortality events with predation serving as the leading known cause of mortality, with 35.1% of mortalities attributed to mesocarnivore predation (e.g., bobcatLynx rufus, coyoteCanis latrans, and gray foxUrocyon cinereoargenteus) and 18.9% to great‐horned owlBubo virginianuspredation. One female (2.7%) was hit by a vehicle. Seasonal survival estimates varied from a high during fall (Ŝ = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.86–1.00) to a low during spring (Ŝ = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68–0.87). Survival of incubating females was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.93) and survival of nonincubating females was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.52–0.87). Annual survival was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.44–0.67). To ensure sustainable wild turkey populations in longleaf pine savannas, we suggest managers monitor relationships between survival and population productivity.

Bone isotopes, eggshell and turkey husbandry at Arroyo Hondo Pueblo

Studies of archaeofaunal turkey and eggshell remains have identified a clear and consistent pattern of turkey husbandry across the prehistoric Southwest. Domestic turkeys appear to have been penned, fed maize, and kept genetically isolated from wild turkey populations. In this study we use carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values, scanning electron microscopy of eggshells, and quantitative analysis of turkey remains from Arroyo Hondo Pueblo (LA 12) to explore how turkey husbandry at this Pueblo IV site fits into the overall regional pattern. We find that although turkeys seem to have played a minor role in the overall faunal subsistence at Arroyo Hondo, they were nevertheless carefully husbanded, even during periods of climatic stress and human demographic fluctuation.

DIAGNOSING LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISEASE VIRUS IN LIVE WILD TURKEYS (MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO) USING WHOLE BLOOD.

Lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) is a retrovirus that infects wild and domestic turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo ). The first cases of LPDV in the United States were diagnosed in 2009, and subsequent surveillance has revealed the virus to be widespread in wild turkey populations throughout the eastern half of the country. More research is needed to determine whether LPDV is having a negative effect on turkey populations, but progress has been impeded by the lack of a simple method for diagnosing the virus in living birds. Infected animals may appear asymptomatic, and diagnostics currently rely on tissue or bone marrow, which can be difficult to obtain. This study investigated the reliability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect LPDV in whole blood, compared with previous methods using buffy coat (concentrated white blood cells) and bone marrow. Paired samples of whole blood and buffy coat were collected from 137 live turkeys and paired samples of whole blood and bone marrow were collected from 32 turkeys postmortem. Compared with buffy coat, whole blood had 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity. When compared with bone marrow, whole blood had 100% sensitivity and 89% specificity. Both comparisons had a high degree of agreement using Cohen's kappa statistic. Based on these results, PCR of whole blood provides detection of LPDV in living birds that is on par with both buffy coat and bone marrow.