New research links local hunting pressure to changes in wild turkey offspring sex ratios and male survival. Over three years, teams monitored hundreds of male and female turkeys, their nests and their young at sites in Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana. They compared areas with active hunting to areas where hunting was uncommon.
In hunted areas only about half of resident male turkeys survived, while at non-hunted sites 83% of males survived. The study found a clear shift in offspring sex ratios: where hunting was uncommon the ratio was balanced, but in hunted areas turkeys were about 23% more likely to have female offspring, so roughly two-thirds of chicks were female instead of an even split.
Researchers suggest several mechanisms. Hunting could raise stress for females during egg laying, increasing maternal stress hormones that bias eggs toward female chicks. The team also observed that females may notice when dominant males disappear and then move on to find other mates, which could influence mating decisions.
- Possible effect: fewer high-quality males available to breed.
- Consequence: long-term changes in population growth and reproduction.
- Implication: managers may need this knowledge for sustainable turkey management.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture. Source: University of Georgia.
Difficult words
- hunting pressure — level of hunting activity in an arealocal hunting pressure
- sex ratio — number of males compared to femalessex ratios
- offspring — young animals produced by parent animals
- survive — continue living after a dangerous eventsurvived
- maternal — relating to the mother or motherhood
- dominant — having higher rank or control in a group
- sustainable — able to be maintained over long time
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might a higher proportion of female chicks affect future hunting opportunities and population size?
- What management actions could reduce the impact of hunting on male turkey survival?
- Do you think hunting regulations should change based on this study? Why or why not?
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