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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ASKS FOR INFORMATION ON WILD TURKEY BROOD SIGHTINGS PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is asking Rhode Islanders to assist its Division of Fish and Wildlife's wild turkey project by reporting any sightings of wild turkey hens with or without broods of young turkeys, known as poults. DEM biologists need the information to evaluate this year's reproduction of wild turkeys, the survival of the poults, and the population of the state's wild turkey flock.Last year, 239 turkey brood sightings were reported, according to Brian Tefft, principal wildlife biologist at DEM and head of the wild turkey project. The total number of adults reported was 456 and the total number of poults was 1,413, for a ratio of 3.1 young per hen. "This information helped us determine the number of young birds that survived after various mortality factors, such as predators, poor weather, road kills, or domestic cats and dogs, took their toll," Tefft said. The 2003 brood ratio of 3.1 young per hen, surviving until fall, is well below the ten-year average of 4.8 young per hen. Warm dry weather favors the survival of turkey poults while wet, cool and rainy conditions in early summer can reduce survival and threaten entire broods. Last year's lower brood success corresponds with below average temperatures and above average rainfall for the period June to August 2003. Tefft estimates the overall statewide turkey population at 6,000 birds. "The distribution and density of the wild turkey population has improved in the state following DEM's successful trap and transfer program, improving recreational opportunities and chances for the public to see a bird," Tefft adds. The wild turkey project began in 1980 with releases of wild, trapped birds that established new turkey flocks in Exeter, Burrillville, Little Compton, West Greenwich, Foster, Scituate, and Tiverton. Restoration of the wild turkey was funded by state hunting license fees and the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration program. Wild turkeys were abundant prior to the 1700s but were decimated due to habitat destruction and subsistence hunting. To report wild turkey sightings of hens with broods, participants should record the date, the location, and the total number of hens and poults seen. Send the information to Brian Tefft, Wild Turkey Project, PO Box 218, West Kingston, RI 02892, or call him at 789-0281. -30- |
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