Researchers monitored hundreds of male and female turkeys, their nests and young across sites in Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana over three years. They compared places with active hunting to places where hunting was uncommon.
In hunted areas about half of the male turkeys survived, while at non-hunted sites 83% of males survived. The study found that offspring sex ratios differed: where hunting was uncommon the ratio was balanced, but in hunted areas many more chicks were female — roughly two-thirds instead of half.
The researchers suggest that hunting may raise stress for females during egg-laying or change female choices about mates, and that these effects could matter for turkey populations and management.
Difficult words
- monitor — watch something for information over timemonitored
- survive — keep living after an injury or dangersurvived
- offspring — young animals or children of a parent
- sex ratio — number of males compared to femalessex ratios
- hunt — search for and kill wild animalshunted
- stress — strong feeling of worry or mental pressure
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think hunting should be limited to help turkey populations? Why or why not?
- Why might stress during egg-laying change the sexes of chicks?
- Have you seen wild turkeys or other wild birds near your home? Describe briefly.
Related articles
Alternative splicing linked to mammal lifespan
A study in Nature Communications compared alternative splicing across 26 mammal species (lifespans 2.2–37 years) and found splicing patterns better predict maximum lifespan than gene activity; the brain shows many lifespan-linked events controlled by RNA-binding proteins.
Beaver mimicry to restore waterways
A Washington State University review finds that human-made beaver dams, or beaver mimicry, can help rivers and streams. The studies show benefits for water storage, cooler summer temperatures, biodiversity and fire resistance, but more research is needed.
Lack of African research weakens policy and trade
The African Academy of Sciences warns that too little scientific evidence produced in Africa makes policy and trade harder. The AAS is building networks, starting a science diplomacy programme and trying to restore trust after funding problems.
Social media can give early warning of displacement
Researchers find that analysing social media posts can give early warning of population movements and help humanitarian agencies respond faster. The study in EPJ Data Science tested methods across three case studies using nearly 2 million posts on X.
