Ocellated Turkey diets and feeding ecology in an agricultural-forest matrix habitat in Campeche, Mexico

Abstract

Assessment of diet and feeding habits can provide a greater understand of habitat requirements and conservation needs for target species. One such species that would benefit from an evaluation of feeding ecology is the Ocellated Turkey ( Meleagris ocellata ), a gallinaceous endemic of the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico and northern Guatemala and Belize. Little is known about the natural history and ecological requirements of this near threatened species, and sound ecological data are necessary to direct conservation and management decisions, especially in altered environments. To address this need, we collected upper digestive tracts of primarily adult male Ocellated Turkeys in agricultural regions of Campeche, Mexico during February–May 2013. We identified food items consumed by Ocellated Turkeys and reported relative importance of food items. We also assessed daily patterns of feeding activity. Seeds contributed most to diets and grain sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor ), maize ( Zea mays ), and soybeans ( Glycine max ) were the most consumed plant species. We also documented 19 native plants consumed by Ocellated Turkeys. No temporal patterns were observed in daily feeding activity by adult male turkeys, likely because the breeding season coincided with the sampling period and males were occupied with breeding behaviors. Results indicated that Ocellated Turkeys fed heavily on anthropogenic food sources planted in agricultural areas and these habitats should be considered when developing management plans and when identifying lands for applied conservation strategies.

Keywords

• campeche
• food habits
• ocellated turkey