Reproduction and survival of Rio Grande turkeys in Oregon

Although reproductive characteristics of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have been documented for most subspecies in a number of locations, reprodu ction and survival of introduced Rio Grande wild turkeys (M. g. intermedia) in the Pacific Northwest are unknown. We examined reproductive parameters and survival of 76 females in a recently established population of Rio Gran de turkeys in southwestern Oregon from January 1989 through December 1991. Reproductive characteristics of first-nest attempts did not differ between adults and yearlings (P > 0.10), but adults renested more frequently. Annua l female survival differed among years (P less than or equal to 0.05) but a veraged >0.706 (SE = 0.073). We detected no differences in survival between yearling and adult females within years (P > 0.25). Brood survival to 4 we eks was 0.431 (95% CI = 0.320-0.581). The Rio Grande subspecies should be u sed for future translocations in Oregon, and managers can include yearling females. when translocating Rio Grande turkeys with little effect on reprod uctive potential of new populations.