Genetic attributes of a declining population of reintroduced eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)

The eastern wild turkey ((Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) experienced popul ation declines in the United States beginning in the 19th century and conti nuing through the early 20th century. Transgeographic reintroduction effort s have reestablished eastern wild turkeys throughout most of their historic range but effects of reintroductions on genetic composition of resulting p opulations are unclear. Most reintroduced populations are maintaining self- sustainable populations. However, for unknown reasons, the population in so utheastern Oklahoma decreased by 77% from 1980 to 1994. We used multi-focus DNA fingerprinting to evaluate levels of similarity, heterozygosity, and a llelic diversity within and among wintering flocks occurring on the Pushmat aha Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Oklahoma. Results from two res triction enzyme-probe combinations revealed mean similarity, heterozygosity , and allelic diversity similar to those in other outbred avian populations . Therefore, the decline of wild turkeys in southeastern Oklahoma is not re lated to reduced genetic variability, but may be due to biotic and abiotic factors not accounted for in this study.