J. Rickie Davis

Wild Turkey Nesting Ecology in the Lower Coastal Plain of South Carolina

A population of eastern wild turkeys {Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) was studied in the lower coastal plain of South Carolina to determine if intensively managed short-rotation pine plantations have a detrimental effect on reproductive success. Reproductive parameters including nesting chronology, nest success, hen success, clutch size, and hatchability were estimated from 50 radio-instrumented hens monitored during 1988-1990. Predation during nesting and brooding periods was the major cause of nest and adult hen losses (55%). However, illegal kills were as high (45%). Median dates for...

Territorial Behavior of Beaver in the Piedmont of South Carolina.

Territorial behavior of beaver (Castor canadensis) has not been well documented in the Southeast. Study of this behavioral mechanism may lead to methods which may aid in the control of nuisance beavers in economic and environmentally sensitive areas. Territorial behavior was evaluated for beaver in 4 study areas in the Piedmont of South Carolina by monitoring scent marking and movements of adjacent colonies. Scent marking was observed during January 1982 to June 1985 on 1 area with high (≥ 0.8 beavers/ha) and 3 areas with low densities (≤0.3/ ha), of beaver. Beaver (N = 9) from 2 adjacent...

Activity and Habitat Utilization of Beaver Colonies in South Carolina

Movements, primary use areas, activity periods, and habitat use were evaluated for beaver (Castor canadensis) from 2 adjacent colonies, a stream colony, and a lake colony in the Piedmont of South Carolina. Beaver were monitored from February 1983 through March 1984. Minimum total distance moved by individual beaver ranged from 0.26 to 6.83 km. Distance between extreme locations ranged from 0.08 to 1.86 km. Lake colony beaver movements exceeded those of stream colony beaver. Beaver were more active during fall and winter months. Areas frequented by beaver ranged from 10.95 ha to 14.67 ha....