INVERTEBRATE AVAILABILITY FOR WILD TURKEY POULTS IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS

Abstract: We determined macroinvertebrate availability for wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) poults in western North Carolina in relation to vegetation and topography. More invertebrates were found within forest stands than openings; however, the density of preferred insects was equal to or higher in openings than in forested habitats. Density and biomass of invertebrate classes varied among forest types and age classes. Overall invertebrate density and biomass were positively correlated with herbaceous cover and leaf litter weight within the forest strata. The importance of vegetation structure for invertebrates and wild turkey poults is discussed. Unmanaged openings of naturally occurring forbs and grasses harbored more invertebrates (all classes combined) than openings managed for various clovers and orchardgrass; however, density and biomass of preferred insects did not differ between opening types. Recommendations for managing openings for wild turkey broods on national forests in the southern Appalachians include eliminating perennial grasses from the initial planting mixture and adopting a minimum maintenance philosophy.