Photographic Records Confirming the Presence of Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo ssp.) in the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve of Guanajuato, Mexico

Abstract

Abstract. The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo sspp.) is a galliform historically distributed throughout the Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, and central Mexico. However, it is currently extirpated from much of its original range. Herein, we report the presence of Wild Turkey in temperate forests of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve of Guanajuato (SGBRG). We also highlight the importance of our observations in the context of possible natural dispersal and potential range recovery of suitable areas within the historical range in the interior of Guanajuato State. As a result of a wildlife survey program in the SGBRG, a set of 8 photographic records provided evidence of 4 females, 3 males, and 1 juvenile. These records are encouraging, since the species was believed to be extirpated from the wild in this state.