Eastern Wild Turkeys' Inflexibility Could Lead to Mismatch: A Climate Conundrum

Recent studies show Eastern Wild Turkeys don't adjust nesting cycles in response to climate changes.

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Professor Chris Moorman warns that turkeys' inflexibility could cause a mismatch with food and vegetation availability.

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The Eastern Wild Turkey, previously threatened by overhunting and habitat loss, now faces a new threat - climate change.

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Wild turkey populations in the southeastern U.S. have been declining since 2009, prompting new hunting restrictions.

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Wesley Boone, study lead, praises turkeys' adaptability but questions their resilience against changing climate and landscapes.

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Research shows climate-induced shifts in precipitation and temperature might slightly adjust nesting times.

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The lack of climate response could become problematic as key resources associated with spring green-up shift earlier.

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Boone notes this study is the first in a series to understand climate change's impact on Eastern Wild Turkey reproduction.

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Boone urges the need to understand the current and future threats to wild turkey population sustainability.

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