Impacts of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) on the breeding and non-breeding season movements and space use of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Abstract

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an impactful invasive species that have saturated the southeastern United States over the last three decades. During this same period, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have experienced notable declines in productivity. Previous camera studies have suggested a negative temporal relationship between wild pigs and wild turkeys; however, the spatial aspect of this relationship has never been investigated. We explored the relationship between wild pig densities and the movement ecology of wild turkeys in central-eastern Alabama during the pre-breeding period and spring reproduction season of wild turkeys. We found that wild pig density had a range of negative impacts on wild turkey space use across seasons. We believe that wild turkeys perceived wild pigs as disturbance risk and avoided areas with high wild pig densities. Efforts to decrease wild pig populations may alter movements and have positive impacts on condition and production of wild turkeys.