Over three years, researchers tracked hundreds of male and female wild turkeys, their nests and broods at sites in Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana. They compared areas with active hunting to areas where hunting was uncommon.
The results showed big differences in male survival and chick sex ratios. In hunted areas only about half of resident males survived, compared with 83% survival at non-hunted sites. The offspring sex ratio was balanced where hunting was rare, but in hunted areas roughly two-thirds of chicks were female, about 23% more likely to be female than expected.
Scientists offer possible explanations. Hunting might raise stress for egg-laying females and change maternal hormones, biasing eggs toward females. Females may also respond when dominant males disappear by moving to find other mates. Researchers say these shifts could affect how turkey populations grow and reproduce.
Difficult words
- survival — continuing to live or exist after danger
- offspring — young animals produced by their parents
- sex ratio — number of males compared with femalessex ratios
- bias — to cause a preference or change in outcomesbiasing
- maternal — relating to a mother or to motherhood
- dominant — more powerful or higher in social rank
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could a higher number of female chicks change turkey populations in the future?
- What management actions might help keep turkey sex ratios balanced?
- Have you seen examples where hunting or human activity changed animal behaviour? Describe one.
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