Using contemporary population genetic approaches, we will assess the relative contribution of various eastern wild turkey (meleagris gallopavo silvestris) super-stocking sources on the current wild…

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department received a $559,889 Formula Grant award from the Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety federal grant program (CFDA 15.611). The award period is from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2027. Through this funding, the Department will assess the relative contribution of various Eastern wild turkey stocking sources on the current wild turkey population in eastern Texas using contemporary population genetic approaches. In addition, the Department will test for hybridization between Rio Grande wild turkey and Eastern wild turkey based on release histories. A subaward of $XX was provided to the University of North Texas to support the evaluation of super-stocking on genetics and recruitment of wild turkeys in Texas as part of these efforts. Findings from this work and landscape genetic analyses of gene flow among wild turkeys are intended to provide insights to help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department better plan land management, identify release sites, and select source populations to sustain and improve wild turkey populations across the region.

Using contemporary population genetic approaches, we will assess the relative contribution of various eastern wild turkey (meleagris gallopavo silvestris) super-stocking sources on the current wild turkey population in eastern texas. In addition, based on release histories, we will test for hybridization between RIO grande wild turkey (meleagris gallopavo intermedia) and eastern wild turkey, including for hybrid vigor among the existing wild turkey population across the post OAK ecoregion. The goal of our project is to determine if any super-stocking source contributed more to the success of eastern wild turkey populations than others in the post OAK ecoregion. If so, a best practice in future translocation efforts would be to source individuals from those regions showing the greatest success in texas. Additionally, we will use contemporary landscape genetic analyses to understand gene flow among eastern wild turkey in texas. After determining gene flow, we will estimate levels of functional dispersal among wild turkey sample locations to gain insights into how current land management for turkeys is influencing dispersal and survival of the species in eastern texas. Collectively, these data will provide needed insights into wild turkey landscape dynamics across east texas. These methods will allow US to evaluate relationships between landscape super-stock source genetic diversity and how they interact to affect local population success. This information will allow texas parks and wildlife department to better plan landmanagement, identify release site habitat, and select successful source populations for sustaining and improving wild turkey populations across the region.