Ecology of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) at Rancho Pino Solo, Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico

In Mexico, the distribution of the subspecies Meleagris gallopavo intermedia is decreasing; therefore, it is necessary to know more about its behavior and the viability of its populations. The objective of this research was to determine the ecological characteristics of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) in Rancho Pino Solo. The study was conducted during 2021-2022, and included the recording of density by counting at 10 fixed observation sites; also, the identification and characterization of perching and predation sites, as well as the identification of potential predators by photo-trapping. The estimated density was 0.0585 turkeys ha-1. Eleven perching sites and random sites were identified and characterized in circular plots. Fifty-four percent of the perch sites were located in southeast exposure and slope inclination of = 21.05 ± 11.17. The species used as perch in the 11 sites was Pinus ponderosa. The average height of the perches was 11.09 m ± 0.92 and the diameter was 38.0 ± 10.0 cm. Pine (Pinus ponderosa) was present in all perch sites with an average density (ha-1) of 91,148 ± 14,688. Five predation sites were identified, of which three were located in western exposures and two in eastern exposures. These sites were dominated by palm (Yucca carnerosana) 14.09 ± 20.60 ha-1. 732 photographs were recorded as independent events of which 123 were of coyote (Canis latrans) and 20 of gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). The turkey population showed an adequate density and structure for sustainable use. The density of pine trees was the variable that best explained the presence of wild turkey at Rancho Pino Solo. This study is the first to be conducted on Meleagris gallopavo intermedia in Mexico, and the information obtained can be used to design management plans and programs for this subspecies.