SREL Reprint #1996

Genetic structure of reintroduced Rio Grande wild turkeys in Kansas

Olin E. Rhodes, Jr.1, Daniel J. Buford2, Michael S. Miller2, and R. Scott Lutz2

1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
2Department of Range and Wildlife Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA

Abstract: We investigated genetic structure within and among wintering flocks of Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) to assess the importance of local individual flocks to managing and conserving genetic diversity of the wild turkey. We documented genetic differences among 4 local flocks of female turkeys reintroduced in south-central Kansas. We estimated that ≥2% (P < 0.001) of the total genetic variation observed is partitioned among the 4 wintering flocks sampled. Analysis of a wintering flock sampled in 1991 and 1992 indicated no change in gene frequencies between years (P = 0.65). Spatial genetic differentiation of Rio Grande turkeys may be the result of breeding tactics and occurrence of family groups on wintering areas. In this study genetic variation appeared to be conserved within flocks of Rio Grande wild turkeys.

Keywords: electrophoresis, genetics, Kansas, Meleagris gallopavo intermedia, reintroduction, Rio Grande wild turkey

SREL Reprint #1996

Rhodes, O.E., Jr., D.J. Buford, M.S. Miller, and R.S. Lutz. 1995. Genetic structure of reintroduced Rio Grande wild turkeys in Kansas. Journal of Wildlife Management 59:771-775.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).