Use of LiDAR to examine habitat selection by incubating female wild turkeys in South Carolina

Abstract Avian reproductive activities are energetically demanding, leading to periods of heightened risk and reduced energy acquisition. Behavioral decisions by females in response to their physiological requirements are particularly important during nesting, as the availability and distribution of resources around nest sites can affect fitness of incubating females. We evaluated how spatially explicit LiDAR‐derived estimates of forest structure and topographical features influenced habitat selection by female eastern wild turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo silvestris ) during the incubation period. We analyzed spatial data from 83 nesting attempts at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, USA, during 2021–2022. Female wild turkeys selected for incubation recess locations in pine ( Pinus spp.) forests with an average basal area of ~14 m 2 /ha and density of 335 trees/ha. Selection probability was positively associated with south‐ and west‐facing aspects. Our findings highlight the importance of mature pine forests with understories that enhance foraging opportunities as key factors influencing incubation behaviors in female eastern wild turkeys.