Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota.

ABSTRACT: Population growth is highly sensitive to changes in reproductive rates for many avian species. Understanding how reproductive rates are related to environmental conditions can give managers insight into factors contributing to population change. Harvest trends of eastern wild turkey in northeastern South Dakota suggest a decline in abundance. We investigated factors influencing reproductive success of this important game bird to identify potential factors contributing to the decline. We monitored nesting rate, nest survival, renesting rate, clutch size, hatchability, and poult survival of 116 eastern wild turkey hens using VHF radio transmitters during the springs and summers of 2017 and 2018. Heavier hens were more likely to attempt to nest than lighter hens, and adult hens were more like

SUBMITTER: Tyl RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7452776 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature