| A statewide assessment of habitat was explored to increase the understanding of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) habitat requirements in Arkansas. Using habitat variables adapted for application to satellite imagery, I assessed the quality of the landscape for turkeys through 2 approaches, a habitat suitability index model and linear logistic regression. The statewide suitability model explained 32% of the variation in relative abundance; regional models accounted for nearly 70%. Regional models were more effective in explaining variance because of the unique landuse/forms within each of the 4 regions. Logistic regression identified the percentage of land in row crops and the percentage of land in commercial/industrial/transportation as limiting factors for turkeys statewide. Large regional variation, the generalist nature of turkey biology, and the resolution of the data interacted to limit models for habitat assessment it relatively general form. |
