Semester of Graduation

Summer 2026

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Renewable Natural Resources

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) have a complex social system influenced by dominance hierarchies and exhibit seasonal variation in gregarious behaviors. Previous work has examined the influence of kin relationships on interactions between same sex conspecifics and flock associations, but information on how genetic relatedness influences interactions between individuals remains lacking. We constructed a dyad-based social network using high-resolution GPS data from 179 female and 68 male wild turkeys in west-central Louisiana during the 28-day period before a females’ 1st nest initiation to quantify interaction probability based on genetic relatedness and age. Our findings suggest that female wild turkeys may identify a cost of associating with unrelated females as the onset of the reproductive season approaches, and that the dissolution of natal flocks, including juvenile male dispersal, may occur later than previously believed.

Resource selection in heterogeneous landscapes can influence survival, reproductive success, and population level distribution patterns. Resource selection patterns often vary across spatial and temporal scales and can influence the likelihood of intraspecific encounters. Previous work examining habitat use during the reproductive season has largely focused on nest and brood site selection, and response to hunter pressure, but is known about the local conditions associated with interactions between male and female wild turkey during the breeding season. We used high-resolution GPS data from 105 female and 68 male wild turkey in the 28-day period before a females’ 1st nest initiation to evaluate habitat selection in west-central Louisiana. Our findings indicate that male – female interactions are not randomly distributed across the landscape and both habitat characteristics and social relationships influence where encounters occur prior to nesting.

Date

7-10-2026

Committee Chair

Kaller, Michael D.

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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