A handful of wild turkeys brought to Vermont in 1969 have multiplied into a thriving population of tens of thousands, even as turkey numbers decline in other parts of the U.S.
Anna Bressanin reports for BBC.
In short:
- In 1969, Vermont biologists relocated 31 wild turkeys from New York over two years to restore the state’s extinct population.
- Favorable habitat and minimal urban development have supported the population, which now numbers 45,000 to 50,000 birds.
- Conservation challenges like habitat loss and overhunting threaten turkey populations in parts of the U.S., especially in the Southeast and Midwest.
Key quote:
“It’s one of the greatest conservation success stories in North America.”
— Mike Chamberlain, the Terrell distinguished professor of wildlife ecology and management at the University of Georgia and director of the Wild Turkey Lab
Why this matters:
Restoration projects can reverse extinctions and rebuild ecosystems, as seen with Vermont’s wild turkeys. However, ongoing declines in other areas highlight the urgent need for sustainable habitat and wildlife management to ensure long-term success.
Related EHN coverage: Peter Dykstra: In defense of all species
