Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1988 |
Authors: | ZWANK, PHILLIPJ, White, Jr., TH, Kimmel, FG |
Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
Volume: | 52 |
Issue: | 2 |
Date Published: | 1988 |
ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
Keywords: | Meleagris, Meleagris gallopavo, Phasianidae |
Abstract: | We determined habitat use by adult eastern wild turkey females (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in the Mississippi River batture before and after selective thinning of riverfront hardwoods. Thinning reduced basal area from 20.3 to 13.7 m2/ha and decreased canopy closure from 60 to 49%. Midstory density was reduced from 1,421 to 971 stems/ha. One year after treatment mean understory cover increased from 31 to 57%. No nesting occurred because the study area was flooded both springs. Female turkey habitat use changed after thinning; the thinned area received the highest frequency of increased use. An increase in understory cover and hypothesized increase in productivity, particularly of wild turkey food items, apparently were the major attractions for the thinned area. |
URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3801230 |
Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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