Stratification of Habitats for Identifying Habitat Selection by Merriam\u27s Turkeys

Habitat selection patterns of Merriam’s Turkeys were compared in hierarchical analyses of three levels of habitat stratification. Habitat descriptions in first-level analyses were based on dominant species of vegetation. Habitat descriptions in second-level analyses were based on dominant species of vegetation and overstory canopy cover. Habitat descriptions in third-level analyses were based on dominant species of vegetation, overstory canopy cover, and structural stages (dbh categories). First-level analyses showed turkeys selected for ponderosa pine and selected against meadow habitats. No conclusions could be drawn regarding forest management on habitat selection of turkeys at this level of habitat stratification. Second-level analyses showed that selection of ponderosa pine and aspen/birch habitats varied among seasons. Implications for forest management activities on turkeys at this level of habitat stratification could be made. Third-level analyses added little to conclusions of habitat selection patterns drawn from second-level analyses and increased chances for Type II errors. Habitat selection patterns of Merriam’s Turkeys were best described when habitats were stratified by dominant species of vegetation and overstory canopy cover