Best acorns for wildlife | #103
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In this episode, we dive into the available literature on wildlife preferences for acorns. We review the dietary composition of turkeys, factors influencing acorn consumption, how various wildlife species select for specific acorns, and highlight the complex interconnectedness of these ecological processes.  Resources: Barras, S. C., et al. (1996). Acorn selection by female wood ducks. The Journal of wildlife management, 592-602.) Boggess, C. M., et al. (2022). Exposure to fire affects acorn removal by altering consumer preference. Forest Ecology and Management, 508, 120044.) Oak Forest Ecosystems) Pérez-Ramos, I. M., et al. (2007). Acorn removal and dispersal by the dung beetle Thorectes lusitanicus: ecological implications. Ecological Entomology, 32(4), 349-356.) Pyare, S., et al. (1993). Acorn preference and habitat use in eastern chipmunks. American Midland Naturalist, 173) Richardson, K. B., et al. (2013). Acorn-foraging preferences of four species of free-ranging avian seed predators in eastern deciduous forests. The Condor, 115(4), 863-873.) Wakeling, B. F., & Rogers, T. D. (1994). Characteristics of pinon-juniper habitats selected for feeding by wintering Merriam's turkey. Desired Future Conditions for Pinon-Juniper Ecosystems, 74.)   Donate to wild turkey research: UF Turkey Donation Fund) , Auburn Turkey Donation Fund)  Do you have a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave us a review) or send us an email at [email protected])!   Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance), Publications) Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby), Publications) Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow)  UF DEER Lab @ufdeerlab), YouTube)   Please help us by taking our (QUICK) listener survey) - Thank you!  Check out the NEW DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube) Watch these podcasts on YouTube) Leave a podcast rating) for a chance to win free gear! Get a 10% discount  at Grounded Brand) by using the code ‘TurkeyScience’ at checkout! This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org).    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak