Wild turkey (meleagris gallopavo) population growth in Kansas and the potential for regulation by enteric helminths.

Abstract

The present investigation focuses on the population dynamics of Kansas wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and one of the possible factors that could limit population growth in Kansas, enteric helminths. Analysis of Rural Mail Carrier Survey (RMCS) data suggested a seasonal index (summer) suitable for tracking wild turkey populations in Kansas. Exponential expansion of the wild turkey population in Kansas was observed in all regions of the state,with the exception of the southwestern region. An explanation of the observed wild turkey growth and suggestions for changes in the current management practices used by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) for wild turkeys are provided. The study includes a survey of the enteric helminths of 72 wild turkeys collected in eastern Kansas. Seasonal comparisons of helminth prevalence between a spring (April to May 2001) and fall/winter (October to January 200112002) sample revealed higher helminth prevalence and species richness in the spring sample. A sub-sample (35) of the wild turkeys used for the helminth survey was analyzed and parasite abundances were correlated with principle component axes of measured epigamic characters of each bird. Analysis revealed no significant correlations between epigamic character expression and mean enteric helminth abundances, which suggests that helminth parasites are not affecting the vigor of individuals. The analysis did reveal two principle components, one correlated with characters associated with body size and one correlated with snood length and skullcap width. Thus, snood length and skullcap width, which varied independently of age and have been demonstrated to be mate selection criteria for female turkeys, have the potential for indicating heritable resistance independent of age and vigor.